Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )

Chapter 16

"Where exactly are you taking me?"

We'd been walking for over an hour, the landscape around us nothing but ancient trees and crumbling walls. I kept glancing at Jackson, hoping for some clarity, but he just kept smiling and repeating, "You'll see." Frustration was beginning to set in.

Finally, he halted in front of a wall overgrown with leaves. "We're here," he announced quietly.

I studied it skeptically. Just a wall, covered in vines. After all that walking, this? It felt underwhelming.

"This is it?" I asked, voice edged with disbelief.

He chuckled softly. "Yeah. Impressive, isn't it?"

I hesitated. I mean, it was pretty—no denying that—but what was the point? What was I supposed to do with this?

He seemed amused by my confusion. "Touch it," he instructed.

I looked at him, unsure. It seemed strange, almost surreal to touch a wall that looked like it had a life of its own.

"Come on, trust me," he urged. "You'll be surprised."

Reluctantly, I lifted a finger and pressed it against the surface. To my surprise, it was smooth—flat, even. No leaves, no texture—just painted cement. My fingers traced the surface, and I realized: this was a mural. An incredibly detailed one, depicting leaves and trees so vividly that I'd sworn they were real.

"This is all paint?" I asked, awe creeping into my voice.

Jackson nodded. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

It was. For a moment, I wondered how I'd been so easily deceived. The artistry was remarkable—so realistic I'd thought I'd found a secret spot of nature frozen in time.

"So, why did you bring me here?" I asked, still mesmerized by the mural.

He shifted, sitting down beneath a nearby tree, leaning back against the trunk. His eyes closed as he relaxed. "Because this is where I find peace," he said softly. "Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I come here."

I moved closer, sitting beside him, my gaze drifting over the wall and then back to him. "Do you feel pressured?" I asked gently, concerned.

He opened one eye and shook his head. "Nope."

"So, why bring me here?" I pressed.

He smiled slightly, eyes still closed. "Because I wanted to show you the place that makes me happy. And... you should feel special. You're the first person I've brought here."

I felt my cheeks warm. It was a sweet gesture, but part of me wondered—had he brought other people here before? Maybe someone special? The thought flickered unbidden. No, he'd said I was the first. I told myself to believe it.

Then he added softly, "And I wanted to show you the place that gives me the same feeling I get when I'm with you."

His words hit me unexpectedly. I sat still, cheeks burning, a foolish smile spreading across my face. It was strange how just a few words could turn my insides into a jumble. I wasn't the type to fall easily—yet here I was, blushing like a teenager.

I felt vulnerable, yet exhilarated. The truth was, I was already falling for him, but fear kept me anchored. I didn't want to get hurt again, didn't want to expect too much. Still, his words had planted a seed.

"Is something wrong?" Jackson's voice pulled me back.

I hesitated. I wanted to ask him—really ask him—if he felt the same. But fear held me back. What if he didn't? What if I was just another girl to him?