Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )

Chapter 22 - Jealousy

Taehyung's POV

"Thank you everyone!" We all waved goodbye to our fans as the event wrapped up. The energy was incredible—seeing ARMYs so genuinely happy to meet us always touches my heart deeply. It's moments like these that remind me why I love what I do.

Suddenly, Namjoon Hyung's voice broke through my thoughts. "Yah! Taehyung, ah!"

I felt a sharp smack on my head—deserved, I suppose, for giving George a hard time earlier. She looked so adorable even while asleep on the couch; honestly, it was worth any pain.

"What were you thinking?" His voice was edged with annoyance.

"Sorry, Hyung. I was just doing my job," I teased, a smirk tugging at my lips.

We headed to the makeup room, pushing open the door to find George passed out on the couch. She looked so peaceful—how can someone appear so effortlessly attractive even in sleep? I hesitated, about to gently wake her, but Seokjin quickly slapped my hand away.

"Don't you think you went a little too far earlier?" Jin's tone was firm, protective.

Hyung's been stricter with me lately, especially when it comes to George. He acts like a protective older brother—sometimes it's a little annoying. I didn't argue; he's older, after all.

That's one of the disadvantages of being one of the youngest.

Jungkook, ever the peacemaker, chimed in. "Let her rest. She's been waiting for hours, after all."

Fine. Teaming up against me again. I couldn't help but notice how Jungkook and Jin had been especially close to George these days. Jungkook's glances lingered longer than before, subtle but noticeable. It was starting to feel less like innocent admiration and more like something deeper.

Meanwhile, Jin Hyung's kindness toward her made her blush—he had a gentle way of making her feel special. They sat side by side, leaving no room for me to join. I shot a resigned look and moved to sit next to Namjoon.

"Taehyung, why do you enjoy teasing George so much?" Namjoon asked casually, without turning to look at me as I settled beside him.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I scoffed.

He put a hand on my knee, a knowing smile on his face. "Is there something you want to tell me?"

I hesitated. "What do you mean, Hyung?"

He chuckled softly. "It's kind of like the word 'admire'."

His words made me tense. I knew where this was heading.

Should I tell him? I've always confided in Rapmon Hyung—those late-night talks back at our dorm in Seoul are our thing. But now, he's asking about his sister. His sister—my friend, someone I've grown to care about. It complicates things.

"I was just joking around," I said, forcing a laugh. "You know me—I don't mean anything serious."

He looked at me with understanding. "You're right. I was probably overthinking. Sorry about that."

I could tell he wanted to say more, but hesitated. Curiosity gnawed at me—I needed to know. I couldn't sleep with this question unresolved.

"Why did you ask?" I pressed, trying to coax him into opening up.

He sighed quietly. "It's nothing. Jin Hyung mentioned a few days ago that he liked her. And I... I thought you liked her too. I didn't want any conflicts to arise over a girl. Especially not over my sister."

My eyes flicked toward Jin Hyung, who was discreetly taking pictures of George while she slept. The realization hit me—Jin Hyung liked George?

Wasn't he a little too old for her?

***

George's POV

The faint click of a camera shutter woke me abruptly. Blinking rapidly, I struggled to focus, the world still blurred from sleep. As my eyes adjusted, I saw him—Jin—smiling warmly beside me.

"Hello there, handsome," I joked, a teasing smile curling my lips.

But my mind quickly corrected itself. No, that's Jackson!  Stop it, George.

Still, it was hard not to feel a flutter at the sight of Jin—Angela's Kim Seokjin—smiling that gentle, genuine smile. Honestly, who wouldn't blush waking up to that? It's what I'd call fangirling—nothing more serious, so I told myself to stay calm.

"Are you done?" I asked softly, pushing myself into a sitting position.

Jin's smile widened. "About ten minutes ago," he replied, scooting a little closer. I didn't mind. There's a comfort I feel around him—since that day at Haeundae Beach in Busan, that warmth has only grown. I remind myself: Angela's Jin is a friend I need to get closer to. Not that I'm complaining; he's easy to be around.

I chuckled inwardly. I'm such a good friend, after all.

"Why didn't you wake me?" I asked, stretching.

Jungkook's voice cut in with a grin. "You were sleeping peacefully. Besides, we knew you were tired after standing so long because of someone over there," he said, nodding toward Taehyung with a teasing glint in his eyes.

I shot a glance at Taehyung, who was glaring but trying to act nonchalant. I couldn't help but smile—an inner victory. That look on his face was priceless, as if to say, 'You might have been caught off guard, but my team's on your side.'

Suga's voice broke through. "She's awake now. Let's go, so I can rest properly. Talking's exhausting," he grumbled.

Laughter bubbled up as we all rose. Suga, J-Hope, and Namjoon headed out first. Jin and Jungkook stayed behind, walking beside me. I found it amusing—how the youngest and oldest members of the group were now my companions. It made me feel like the middle child of an unconventional family, perhaps the 'princess' of the lot. It was a strange but comforting thought.

The walk to the van was lively. Jin kept joking, and I responded with playful teasing. Jungkook tried his best not to cringe at our banter, which only made me laugh more. Their constant bickering, although at times grating, was strangely endearing. It was familiar, like siblings squabbling—annoying but deeply genuine.

They're adorable, I thought.

"Want to sit in the back with me?" Jin asked softly.

"I want to sit with her too, hyung," Jungkook added with a smirk.

I paused, pretending to fix my long hair. Honestly, I was flattered. Two of the biggest, hottest idols in Korea wanted to sit with me. That's a rare feeling. Miss. Pretty, indeed.

"There's always room for three," I said, laughing, linking my arms with both of them.

They're like brothers to me—closer than many of my actual siblings. It's funny how I feel more comfortable around them than the people I grew up with.

Taehyung? We're not exactly close friends. More like 'close frienemies'—a different kind of connection, complex and unpredictable.

But honestly, Jin and Jungkook give me a vibe that's more genuine—more real—than that little annoyance I sometimes have to deal with.

Finally, we arrived at the van. The driver opened the door, and Jungkook went in first, choosing the right window seat. I followed, sitting next to Jin on the left, both of us gazing out the window.

This ride home promises to be more than just a journey. With these two, it's already shaping up to be an experience I'll remember.