Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )

Chapter 36 - The arrival.

Taehyung's POV

Today feels different, charged with a quiet anticipation. It's George's birthday, and everyone arrived at Namjoon's place earlier than usual—some eager, others simply caught up in the day's energy. But George remains asleep, undisturbed, probably unaware that the world outside has already begun celebrating her. Most likely, she won't wake for another hour.

As I sit beside Jungkook, who's quietly watching the scene unfold, I notice his brow furrow slightly—an expression of curiosity or maybe confusion. He shoots me a glance, searching for meaning.

"What's up?" I ask softly.

He hesitates, then ventures, "Don't you have something for George?"

I smirk, a little amused. "I do. Honestly, it's probably better than whatever you're thinking of giving her," I reply, a hint of teasing in my voice. Jungkook looks puzzled, glancing around as if expecting some hidden gift in my hands or bag. He doesn't realize that Joan and the others are arriving soon, that I've been secretly preparing something special.

Speaking of which—time's slipping away. I need to get to Joan's place before they land. It's already 7:00 AM, and they'll be here within the hour. I'm late, but there's no time to waste.

Without a second thought, I rise quickly from the couch. My steps carry me toward the door, urgency pressing in my chest.

"Yah, Taehyung. Where are you going?" Jin's voice echoes from the living room, tinged with concern.

"Getting George's gift," I answer simply, not turning back. I close the door behind me, hearing Jin call my name a few more times, but I keep going—focused, determined, knowing that this small act might add something meaningful to today's celebration.

***

Joan's POV

We're minutes away from landing in Korea, and I can hardly believe it's finally happening. The mixture of anticipation and nerves is almost overwhelming. I find myself questioning who will be there to pick us up—after all, we only told Taehyung, and given his status as an idol, I doubt he'd risk being caught doing something like this for us.

Angela's voice pulls me from my thoughts. "Who do you think will come for us?"

I glance at her, noting the worry shadowing her features. Neither of us has a solid answer. We never planned for this moment—our silence about the trip was deliberate. Only Taehyung knew, and now I wonder if he even remembered.

"We should have told George," Michelle mutters, frustration and self-reproach in her tone. "Now we're completely in the dark. We don't even know where they live."

Her words hang in the air, heavy with the realization of our oversight. She rubs her forehead in exasperation.

"And I'm pretty sure Taehyung isn't coming," she adds flatly.

I try to keep my voice even. "Relax. I think he asked someone to pick us up. He knows about this trip, after all." It's a hope more than certainty—truthfully, I'm not sure if he did. But hope's all we've got right now.

Angela nods quietly, leaning back, eyes distant but calm. "I hope so."

Same here, I think. We've come this far, and hope feels like our only anchor.

The plane doors open, and we step onto Korean soil, walking steadily toward the arrival gate. The atmosphere shifts—the air feels different here, lighter, more serene than the bustling energy of LA. Seoul's beauty is undeniable, and I find myself reaching for my camera, eager to capture these first impressions before Michelle pulls me back.