Chapter 7 - first weekend(day 1)

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The living room was unexpectedly quiet when I entered, the silence almost heavier than usual. My mother's voice broke the stillness, calm but with an undertone of familiarity. "You got home pretty late tonight."

I instinctively tried to tiptoe, hoping to avoid her notice, but I knew better—she was deliberately waiting.

Guilty, I froze for a moment, then exhaled sharply. "Gosh, Mom. You really scared me." I touched 

my chest, leaning against the staircase rail, trying to steady my breath.

She looked at me, her smile gentle but inquisitive. "Where have you been?"

I hesitated, avoiding her gaze. "Just with a friend," I mumbled.

Her smile widened, softening the usual parental concern. "That's great, Gina. You finally have a friend."

I felt heat creep into my cheeks, and sweat beaded on my forehead. Overreacting wasn't my style—I knew that. But lying? That was worse. I hated it.

"Whose friend?" she asked, leaning slightly, her tone light but curious.

"Sarah... you know, my friend Sarah," I said quickly, thankful my voice sounded steadier than I felt.

"Oh, yes. I remember. Well, go ahead and change your clothes; dinner's ready," she said, turning toward the kitchen.

"Actually, I just ate," I added, watching her nod and head out of sight.

Once the door clicked shut behind her, I exhaled and closed my eyes for a moment. A slow smile spread across my face as memories of today's PE class resurfaced. I knew I shouldn't be proud of what I'd done, but honestly? I felt I'd earned that moment. Seeing her face—well, it was worth the risk of getting caught. I wanted to laugh, but I kept my amusement low, not wanting to seem too mean.

Then my phone vibrated on the bedside table.

From: Unknown Number
Hey, it's me Jackson. Today was great. Thanks for coming with me."

I froze. Jackson? How did he even get my number? My heart started pounding. I ran a hand through my hair, realizing I'd left my wallet behind earlier—my usual go-to for storing my contact info—so I could be reached if I ever lost my phone.

Quickly, I replied:

To: Unknown Number 
Hey, I guess you have my wallet, huh? You're welcome. I had a good time too. Thanks for inviting me.

I hit send, then carefully saved his number. The warmth from earlier's memories lingered, and I couldn't help but smile. Jackson was genuinely a good guy—someone who made school a little easier, especially when I wasn't with Sarah. Even if we'd only known each other for five days, I felt a strange sense of comfort around him.

Before I could dwell further, another message arrived.

From: Jackson
No biggie. Hope it happens again. I seriously had a wonderful time. Goodnight, George. See you Monday :)

My cheeks flushed again. His words felt so sincere, so effortless. We'd grown close quickly, almost by accident—though 'date' might be a stretch; it was more like a friendly hangout. Still, I couldn't help but feel a little thrill.

But then a flicker of worry crossed my mind. I wondered if V or Jungkook saw me with Jackson. If so, what would they say? Would Namjoon find out? And if they did, would my mom? She'd be excited—more than that, she'd be curious, maybe even worried. She'd never seen me dating, and I'd hidden the last relationship I had from her.

Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )Where stories live. Discover now