Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )

Chapter 26 - will you be my...

The weight of exhaustion pressed down on me, making it hard to find the motivation to move. I lay in bed, feeling the ache in my legs and the sluggishness in my limbs. Reluctantly, I reached for my phone, craving a distraction—anything to momentarily escape the fatigue.

A notification blinked on my screen. I opened Twitter and saw Jackson had mentioned me in a tweet. A slow smile spread across my face as I tapped the notification.

"Throwback to last Saturday. Had the best date with the most beautiful girl. Can't wait to see you later, babe. x @GeorgeRoque"

My eyes stung unexpectedly, warmth flooding through me. I hadn't realized he'd taken a picture that day, but now it all made sense—his smile while looking at his phone, a quiet secret between us. It was a small gesture, but it meant everything. A reminder that I was loved, even if we weren't technically a couple yet.

I quickly liked and retweeted the post, feeling a flutter of happiness. Then, I pushed myself out of bed, eager for the day ahead. After two days apart, I was finally going to see Jackson.

Today's mood was light—bright and cheerful. I chose blue, my favorite color, simple yet expressive of my mood. Not trying to impress, just comfortable—showing who I am.

Downstairs, I found Namjoon sitting on the couch. He looked up and grinned.

"Good morning, sis," he said softly.

"Good morning," I replied, laughing. Our bond had grown stronger in recent weeks, especially after that awkward but meaningful 'pep talk' we shared. I'd missed having him around more.

"Are the others coming soon?" I asked.

He nodded. "They should be here shortly."

Just then, the doorbell rang. I got up and opened the door to six familiar faces, all flashing bright smiles.

"Good morning," I greeted, stepping aside to let them in. They filed in one after another, except for Taehyung, who hesitated at the threshold.

"Come on in, V," I encouraged gently.

He hesitated, then finally stepped inside, awkward but trying. I noticed the tension lingering from last night's conversation. We weren't completely at ease yet, but progress was happening.

Jin greeted me warmly, pulling me into a hug. "You look beautiful, George."

"Thank you," I said, smiling.

My mom called from the kitchen. "Come on, George. Let's go."

I grabbed my bag, phone, and wallet, then headed out. "See you guys later!"

*****

As I walked the hallways of the school, an unfamiliar voice called my name. I turned to see Mark, Jackson's friend, rushing toward me, panting hard.

"Hey, Mark. What's up?" I asked.

He paused, pressing a hand to his chest, trying to catch his breath. I wondered where Sarah was—her smile seemed out of place here.

"George! There you are—oh, hey, Mark," Mark said, her tone a little nervous.

"Hey, Sarah." He smiled back, shyly scratching the back of his head.

Sarah blushed, and I raised an eyebrow. There was definitely something going on.

"Wheres Jackson?" I asked, feeling a flicker of concern.

Mark hesitated. "Come with me," he urged, gripping my wrist gently but insistently.

"Wait, what about class? I'll be late," I protested, pulling back.