Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )

Chapter 23 - Step siblings Date.

It was hard to believe that only five in the afternoon had arrived. The entire event had stretched out, feeling like a full day's worth of moments, yet here we were—halfway through it. The driver had already taken the boys home, leaving Namjoon and me to linger a little longer. As they said their goodbyes, Jin and Jungkook offered warm, heartfelt hugs that lingered a moment longer than usual.

My gaze shifted to Taehyung, who watched us with an unreadable expression. I hadn't spoken to him all day—not since his earlier outburst, which still simmered in my mind. His actions had thrown everything off course, and I was still trying to process that irritation.

I approached him, my glare sharp. His eyes widened slightly, an expression bordering on fear. Good. That's what he deserved.

"You really enjoyed watching me embarrass myself, huh?" I snapped, voice trembling with a mix of anger and humiliation. I took a breath, trying to steady myself. It wasn't worth escalating the situation—after all, hurting Taehyung wasn't my intention, even if I felt embarrassed beyond reason.

He responded with a small, knowing smile. "At least now your secret's safe with me. Be glad." He reached out, patting my head like I was some unruly child, then turned to walk past me.

I grabbed his wrist, pulling him back to face me. My head was level with his chest—short person problems—and I looked up at him with a fierce expression.

"The deal was, I had to pretend to be an ARMY," I said, voice low but firm. "I didn't think embarrassing myself would be part of the package. So, I think I deserve some justice."

He smirked, eyes gleaming with a challenge. "And what if I don't want to give you that? Remember, I hold all the power. I know your secret."

That smirk. The way he played with me, teasing and taunting—he was trying to keep me on edge. It was a game, and I refused to lose my cool.

"Oh well," I said, releasing him and turning to check my nails, mimicking the nonchalance of a diva in a movie. "It's your choice, then."

As I walked past him, I couldn't resist a parting shot. "I heard about what happened at Ramyeon shop..." I let my words hang in the air, knowing I'd struck a nerve.

His posture stiffened slightly, a flicker of tension crossing his face. I smiled inwardly. I had the upper hand now.

"My brother wouldn't be pleased if he found out you guys sneaked out to cause trouble," I added, voice smooth with a hint of amusement. "He wouldn't like that at all, would he?" I winked and walked away, confident.

Taehyung stood frozen, caught in a moment of indecision. Jungkook had mentioned that Namjoon and Jin had repeatedly warned the others about going out without informing the group—especially during this break, when fans' attention was sharper than ever.

If Namjoon found out about any of this, he'd be furious. And Jungkook had begged me not to tell him. I wouldn't—unless Taehyung kept pushing my buttons.

One point for George.

***

"Hey, uh, George," Namjoon hesitated, voice tentative.

"Yeah?" I responded, noting the cautious tone.

He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing away briefly. "Since it's only 6 p.m., do you maybe want to walk around for a bit? Get some dinner? I think I'm hungry."

There was a softness in his words, an awkward attempt at connection. It was the first time he'd genuinely asked me for something—not just as his brother, but as a person. I'd always felt the distance between us, a barrier I couldn't quite cross. Just like with his father, the space felt unbridgeable. I knew I was supposed to adjust—to accept that I had a brother now, that things were supposed to change—but it was difficult. Still, I nodded.

"Sure, I'm starving, actually. Thanks for asking."

He flashed me a small, almost nervous smile—one that nearly made me forget how stiff our first meeting had been.

I couldn't resist the urge to tease him, and I hit his arm lightly.

---

After a brief drive, we arrived at a quiet park. The driver spoke softly in Korean to the attendant, who nodded and left us standing in front of a peaceful green space bathed in soft orange light.

"Let's go?" Namjoon asked, his tone more casual now.

I nodded, and we started walking toward a modest restaurant nearby. It wasn't a popular spot; the kind of place that didn't draw attention but felt warm and familiar—just how I liked it.

He pulled out a chair for me, and I sat down, observing the surroundings. The wooden tables and chairs, the paintings on the walls, the subdued lighting—all contributed to a cozy atmosphere. It reminded me of the times his mother had brought him here.

"This place is really nice," I said, softly. The ambiance was calming.

He smiled wistfully. "My mom used to take me here a lot. She'd order her favorite steak."

A flicker of sadness crossed my mind, dulling my smile. I'd been curious about her—about what had happened to her—but I didn't want to pry. Still, the question slipped out.

"You must miss her, huh?"

He hesitated before answering, voice quiet. "I'm trying not to anymore."

There was a subtle ache in his words. I sensed the weight of unspoken memories.

"Where is she now?" I asked, hesitant but compelled.

He paused, then replied softly, "She has a new family now."

I felt a pang of sympathy. That must have been difficult—knowing you're no longer her priority. I thought of Eun Gi and my own feelings of guilt. I'd judged him unfairly, especially in LA. I looked away, processing a mixture of empathy and regret.

He reached across the table, his expression gentle. "It's okay. As long as she's happy. And my dad... he's moved on, too. He's doing better."

Eun Gi truly loved my mom—I hadn't realized how much until now. My own preoccupations had kept me from seeing their connection. I felt a twinge of guilt for the things I'd said, the distance I'd kept.

"What about you?" I asked quietly. "Where's your dad?"He took a breath, voice steadier now. "He passed away five years ago. Brain tumor. It's not easy to forget."

The words hit hard. Memories of my own father flooded back—his smile, his voice, the way he'd always be there. It hurt to remember how he'd left, how I'd lost him. Even now, years later, the grief lingered.

Namjoon reached out, squeezing my hand lightly. "He's in a better place. I believe he's proud of who you've become, George."

His words brought a small warmth—and a sting of emotion I fought to contain. I looked down, fighting back tears.

He looked at me with sincerity. "Don't distance yourself from us. We're family now. I want you to know—I care about you. More than you might realize."

I met his gaze, feeling the weight of his honesty. A tear threatened to fall, but I blinked it away. Instead, I offered a small, genuine smile.

"Okay," I whispered, voice thick. "I know that now."

He chuckled softly, breaking the tension. "Let's order?"

"Yeah. I'd like that."

In that moment, I understood something important. Perhaps the issue wasn't Eun Gi or Namjoon. Maybe I'd been too proud—too hesitant to accept that I was already part of this family, that they cared. I had to try. To truly try.

From now on, I promised myself—I would.