Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )

Chapter 28 - Hurt.

Taehyung's POV

Later, after dinner, Jackson left. The house settled into a quiet lull. We were all in the living room, watching a movie George picked. I was seated next to Jungkook; George was with Namjoon Hyung.

Her eyes sparkled with contentment, and even in Jackson's absence, I could see the love she had for him. The way her eyes caught the flickering light from the TV—bright, full of warmth—was a stark reminder of what was missing in my own life. That happiness she radiated wasn't just joy; it was a reflection of someone else, and it cut deep.

I felt Jungkook's hand on my shoulder. I hadn't realized I'd been resting my head on my knees, feeling the ache hardening in my chest.

Was I really that transparent? Did I look so miserable?

"Hyung, are you okay?" Jungkook's voice pulled me back.

I chuckled softly, trying to mask the pain. "Yeah. Just thirsty."

I stood abruptly, needing space. The emptiness in my chest was overwhelming. I went to the kitchen alone, clutching a glass of cold water, feeling the weight of it all pressing down. I wanted it to stop—I wanted the pain to disappear.

But I knew I shouldn't feel this way. Not anymore.

I had no right.

Jungkook appeared in the doorway, concern etched on his face. "Hyung, are you sure you're alright?"

"Would you believe me if I said yes?" I managed a faint smile, though I knew my eyes betrayed me, shimmering with unshed tears.

He looked down, hesitant. "You don't have to hide it. Whatever's bothering you, you should let it out."

I hesitated, torn between the urge to confide and the fear of vulnerability. I didn't want anyone else to see my weakness—especially not George. Only Jungkook knew what I was feeling. And I planned to keep it that way.

Before I could answer, Jungkook excused himself and returned with Namjoon Hyung and Suga Hyung.

"Are you okay?" Namjoon Hyung asked softly.

Suga Hyung sat beside me, placing a reassuring hand on my back. I opened my mouth to speak but hesitated.

"His stomach hurts badly," Jungkook lied quickly. "I think we should get him home to rest."

"Alright," Namjoon Hyung said, nodding. "Make sure he gets proper rest. And take a taxi—no walking."

We nodded silently, and as we stepped outside, the act of composure returned.

Instead of heading home, I suggested we go somewhere else. I needed to drink away this ache—something to drown the feelings I couldn't process. The pain was too raw, too persistent.

Jungkook hesitated but didn't argue. We took a cab and ended up at a bar. I ordered six shots of tequila, craving numbness.

One shot.

Two.

Three.

By the fourth, I was already losing myself.

Jungkook tried to pull me away from the dance floor. "Hyung, you're drunk. Stop."

But I pushed him aside. I wasn't ready to stop. I was finally free from the pain—at least, temporarily.

Then, I saw her—someone sitting alone nearby. I tried to ignore her, but she moved closer, her presence insistent.

"You alone, cutie?" she asked softly, her voice slurred.

I ignored her at first, but she kept approaching, making herself comfortable beside me. Her hand on my chest, her face close enough to smell her alcohol-scented breath. I hesitated, lips pressed together, then decided to follow her lead.

Was I doing something wrong? Maybe. But in that moment, I told myself I deserved this distraction. I was just looking for a moment of forgetfulness.

The girl's hand lingered on my chest, her touch tentative yet insistent. I felt the weight of my own decisions pressing down on me—this moment, this distraction, was all I could handle right now. I told myself I wasn't doing anything wrong; I was just trying to forget. Just trying to breathe.

She leaned in closer, her lips brushing my ear. "You look like you've got a lot on your mind," she whispered. Her voice was soft, almost comforting in its way. But I knew better—nothing about this felt real, nothing about this could fix what was breaking inside.

I took a slow breath, the alcohol dulling the sharp edges of my thoughts. I wondered how I'd let myself get here—lost in a crowded bar, trying to drown feelings I'd long buried. Was this what I wanted? Or was I just afraid of facing the emptiness alone?

My mind drifted back to her—the bright sparkle in her eyes, the way she smiled without knowing how much it hurt me. I remembered how I'd promised myself I'd be supportive, how I'd show her I cared. But it was all a facade now. I was just pretending, hiding behind a mask of numbness.

The girl's hand found my jaw, tilting my face toward hers. I hesitated, caught between impulse and conscience. Part of me wanted to push away, to run from this temporary escape. But another part—the weaker part—wanted to hold on, to forget everything for just a little longer.

Suddenly, a voice cut through the haze. "Hey."

I blinked and turned to see Jungkook standing nearby, his expression tense but steady. His eyes flicked between the girl and me. "That's enough," he said firmly. "Let's go."

The girl's grip loosened, and she looked at Jungkook with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity. I felt my stomach tighten. I knew Jungkook only wanted to protect me—yet part of me resented him for stepping in. I didn't want to be saved right now.

But Jungkook reached out and gently took my arm. "Come on, hyung. Let's get out of here."

I didn't resist. I let him guide me away from the girl, the noise of the bar fading behind us. Outside, the cool night air hit my face, grounding me just enough to realize how far I'd drifted.

Jungkook kept a steady grip on my arm. "Are you okay?"

I looked down, ashamed and exhausted all at once. "I'm fine," I whispered, though my voice betrayed me.

He paused, studying me carefully. "You're not okay. You've been trying to hide it all night, but I see it. Whatever you're feeling, you don't have to face it alone."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words. Part of me wanted to push him away, to pretend I was fine. But deep down, I knew I couldn't keep pretending.

"I just... I don't know how to fix this," I admitted quietly. "It's like I'm drowning, and I don't know how to come up for air anymore."

Jungkook's expression softened. "You don't have to do it alone. We're here. Whatever it is, we'll get through it together."

His words didn't fix everything, but they carved a small crack in the wall I'd built around myself. For the first time in a long while, I allowed myself to feel the ache—because maybe, just maybe, I didn't have to carry it all by myself.

We stood there in silence for a moment, the night wrapping around us like a fragile shield. Somewhere deep inside, a flicker of hope ignited: perhaps I could find my way back from this darkness. Perhaps, with support, I wouldn't have to drown completely.

And maybe, just maybe, I'd find the strength to face whatever came next. But I knew I couldn't.

"I have to go"