Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )

Chapter 32

Walking through the school corridors again, I couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness. Sarah and Jackson—where were they? I'd been here all morning, yet neither of them had shown up. Lisa had said Jackson would be back today, but so far, there was no sign. No calls, no texts—nothing. It's starting to feel like a pattern, and honestly, it's irritating.

And Sarah? No word. I was beginning to suspect she was avoiding me, or maybe just avoiding everything. My gut told me there was more beneath the surface, but I couldn't quite put it into words.

Then, a familiar voice broke through my thoughts.

"George!"

Finally, Sarah. Relief, mixed with a flicker of irritation, washed over me. I turned as she approached, her face slightly apologetic.

"Again, Sarah. Where have you been?" I asked, voice edged with frustration, declining her attempted hug. I wasn't in a good mood today.

She sighed, pouting slightly. "Mr. Lee kept the class over time. Sorry."

I rolled my eyes, but she linked arms with me as we headed toward the canteen. I didn't bother asking about Jackson. Still no sign of him.

Fine. This is how it's going to be.

Just then, I caught sight of Jackson rushing toward us.

"Babe!" he called out, but I instinctively pulled Sarah along faster, ignoring him. I could hear him calling my name, footsteps closing in. Still, I didn't stop. I was angry—at him, at the silence, at the uncertainty.

We finally reached the canteen, and while I was choosing my food, Jackson kept trying to get my attention. He kept talking, but I tuned him out. I was still upset about his trip to Seoul yesterday—no call, no message. It felt like a breach of trust.

Sarah kept nudging me, whispering for me to talk to him, but I ignored her. I found us a seat and sat down, Jackson trailing behind, persistence in his eyes.

"Babe... talk to me," he pleaded, reaching out to face me. I kept my gaze fixed on my food, scrolling through my phone, pretending I wasn't affected.

He gently took my phone away, cupping my face in his hands. "Please, let me explain," he said softly.

I exhaled heavily, giving in, knowing I couldn't let pride win today. Jackson was the love of my life, after all.

"Fine," I muttered, scoffing as I let his hands go.

He looked into my eyes, voice steady. "I didn't tell you about Seoul because my dad wouldn't let me use my phone. I wanted to call, to tell you, but I couldn't."

His words lingered in the air. I stayed silent, studying his face. Trust was there, but the worry gnawed at me. I hated feeling this restless, this anxious. It's like a weight pressing down, hard to shake.

"I trust you," I finally said, voice quiet. "It's just... I was up all night, worried. I couldn't sleep. I hate feeling like that."

He lifted my chin gently, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "I'm sorry, love. I promise it won't happen again."

I nodded, returning his kiss on the cheek. We shared a quiet moment, the tension easing just a little.

Then Sarah, clearly unimpressed, rolled her eyes and mumbled, "Respect for the single ones, please," as she shoveled rice into her mouth. We both chuckled softly, the moment diffused, and I returned to my food.

Suddenly, Jackson spoke again, voice lower, more serious. "By the way, yesterday morning... Taehyung was at my house. Did he tell you?"

My stomach clenched. How much did he see? I felt a flicker of shame—not for myself, but for Taehyung. Sometimes, when someone close does something questionable, it's hard not to feel embarrassed for them, for yourself. It's complicated.