Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )

Chapter 17 - confused

Me: Everyone, let's take a breath. We just shared our feelings, and that doesn't automatically mean we're a couple. It's only been a week since we met. I'd like to take it slow, okay?

J: I get that, but it feels the same to me—just not official yet. Still, I trust you to get to know him better first.

Me: Thanks, Joan. Honestly, I don't have all the answers right now. All I know is I'm genuinely happy in this moment.

M: Isn't that a bit contradictory? You said you're here for studies, not boys.

A: And let's not forget—by "boys," we're specifically talking about Koreans, right?

J: Can we please not pressure George? Let her figure things out at her own pace. Support her, that's all.

Me: Appreciate it, Joan.

A: Honestly, I was surprised you didn't go for any of Namjoon's friends. I thought V might have been a good match.

Me: That's a bit random. What's that supposed to mean?

A: Just saying, I was rooting for you and V. Especially after that awkward stare they shared the other day—kind of memorable.

M: Yeah, I noticed that too.

Me: Speaking of which, I just remembered something about Taehyung's conditions for me.

J: Conditions? What do you mean?

Me: Well... Jackson and I, uh, shared a kiss. It was unexpected, and honestly, we got caught up in the moment.

M & A & J: Wait—what?!

J: Already? That was quick.

Me: It was an accident, really. We both just let things happen. And then Taehyung saw us.

M: This is turning into quite the story.

Me: I told him to stay quiet about it. I even made a deal with him—I'd do whatever it takes to keep his silence.

J: That sounds a bit desperate.

Me: Maybe. But he's got this fansign next week, and he wants me to attend, pretend I'm one of his biggest fans. Like, fully committed.

A: That's hilarious—I'd love to see that.

J: Same here. Sorry, love, I might have to join you on that one.

M: Well, that's a bummer.

Me: Come on, guys. Of course, you'd find that funny. So typical.

J: Honestly, we're your friends. We only get worried or sympathetic if you're genuinely upset or hurting. This? It's just... amusing.

Me: Thanks, I guess. Anyway, it's getting late. I should head out. Love you.

M & A & J: Love you!

Taehyung's POV

Hyung? Are you alright? You've been unusually quiet on the way back, and now you're not responding at all," Jungkook's voice broke through the silence, concern evident in his tone.

We'd planned to spend the evening gaming on the Xbox, but I'd canceled last minute. Honestly, I just didn't feel up to it. Today, I wanted nothing more than to lie down and escape everything—thoughts, feelings, the world outside these four walls.

*flashback*

I had been meaning to check on George. She had stormed back to her room without a word, her exit abrupt and tense. Something was off, and I knew it. I was also reminded of our little secret from last night—her accidental kiss, the confession she'd made afterward. I wanted to talk to her, to remind her about our deal, but the door was shut tight.

So I knocked. No answer. Peering through the crack, I caught snippets of her voice—her words sharp but trying to sound casual.

"Everyone, let's take a breath. We just shared our feelings, and that doesn't automatically mean we're a couple. It's only been a week since we met. I'd like to take it slow, okay?" she said.

The word 'confessed' hit me like a punch in the chest. Did she like him? And did he like her back? It sounded like they'd become something more—like a real couple in just a week.

She seemed happy, content. Why bother checking on her? It felt pointless, stupid even. I was mad at myself for caring. For wanting to know if she was okay when she clearly was.

I felt foolish. Really foolish.

What was this strange urge? Why did I want to reach out when I had no right? I barely knew her, and yet, this feeling persisted—confusing, relentless.

Jungkook's voice cut through my thoughts, shaking me out of my reverie. "Hyung!"

I blinked, trying to ground myself. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired. I want to sleep," I mumbled, turning onto my side.

He plopped down on the bed's edge, pouting. "Come on, Hyung. You promised game night. You can't bail now."

He threw a pillow at me, and I caught it half-heartedly. His brow furrowed. "You've been distant lately. You're not telling me something, are you?"

I hesitated. How could I explain this swirling mess of feelings when I wasn't even sure what they were myself? It was simpler to pretend nothing was wrong.

"I don't know how to tell you," I admitted softly. "There's this girl. That's all."

He raised an eyebrow, eyes narrowing with curiosity. "George?"

I froze. How did he know? Did I give it away?

He grinned knowingly. "All those days you've been out of it—it's her, isn't it?"

I covered my face with a pillow, wishing I could disappear. "Maybe."

"Hyung," Jungkook pressed, voice gentle but insistent. "Are you... in love with her?"

The question hit harder than I expected. I threw the pillow at him, annoyed. "No, I'm not. I just met her. It's nothing."

He studied me for a moment, then smirked. "Are you sure? Because it kind of seems like you're captivated. That might be why you're avoiding Jackson."

I frowned, trying to dismiss the idea. Jackson? Dislike for him had always been easy to justify. But this feeling—whatever it was—was different. Was it jealousy? Concern? Or something else entirely?

Jungkook leaned back, observing me thoughtfully. "You're the kind of person who doesn't dislike someone unless they've done something to deserve it. So, what's really going on?"

I stayed silent. The truth was tangled, messy. Maybe I was just missing the sister I hadn't seen in years, craving that familial connection I'd lost. Maybe I cared more than I wanted to admit.

I cared about her. That was undeniable.

But did that mean I liked her? Could I really feel something beyond concern? The words felt heavy, uncertain.

It doesn't add up. How could I feel this way after so little time? It was confusing, frustrating.

I watched Jungkook settle into sleep, already lost in dreams. I reached out, turned off the lights, and lay back, my mind swirling with questions I couldn't answer.