Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )

Chapter 37

Joan's POV

We sat inside the living room, the silence thick with an uncomfortable tension. All seven members of BTS were present, their eyes subtly fixed on us. Despite the awkwardness, I couldn't deny a strange thrill coursing through me—being in close proximity to these icons was surreal. 

Angela and Michelle looked like they might faint, their gazes betraying their awe. Honestly, many girls would give anything to be in our position right now.

Finally, I broke the silence, voice tentative. "So... where's Aunt Ane and George?"

Namjoon hesitated, glancing at the others as if unsure how much they should reveal. "Aunt Ane is on her way back," he said, voice measured. "And George went out with her boyfriend."

His words caught me off guard. The phrase "her boyfriend" sounded strange, especially since I thought she was taking things slow. She'd never mentioned a boyfriend before.

Everyone seemed just as puzzled as I was. It was understandable—none of us expected to be here, especially not like this. We'd only told Taehyung about our visit, but even he looked uneasy, probably because Angela and Michelle's intense gazes made him visibly uncomfortable. It was almost comical—how they looked at him like they wanted to devour him whole. I winced inwardly at the thought; that came out so wrong, I'm sorry.

"Do you know when George will be back?" I asked softly, trying to keep my tone casual, though my nerves betrayed me with a slight tremor.
Namjoon shrugged. "Honestly, we're not sure. Jackson picked her up about an hour ago—we didn't expect her to be out today."

He glanced at Taehyung, seeking answers, but the boy looked defensive. "I thought you wanted to surprise her," he said, voice steady but cautious.

Taehyung hesitated before speaking again, "Joan Noona told me they'd arrive today. Yesterday, I found out it was her birthday, so I thought it'd be better if she didn't know about Joan Noona coming—plus Michelle and Angel being here would make it more surprising, I guess." His words trailed off as he awkwardly smiled at Michelle and Angela, who responded with nervous laughs.

Wait—did he just call me Noona? The word echoed strangely in my mind. It didn't sound right—like an outdated term or something from a different time.

Angela broke the silence, voice gentle but firm. "It's Angela, by the way," she said, with a hint of awkwardness. Taehyung's cheeks flushed in embarrassment; he'd almost got it right, just missed the additional 'a'.

I quickly pulled out my phone and looked up "noona." As someone who watched a lot of K-dramas, I knew the term meant "older sister," but the way he'd used it made me feel unexpectedly old. I scrolled through definitions, feeling the strange mix of curiosity and discomfort. It was a reminder—these moments blur boundaries I wasn't entirely prepared for.

"So, you're Joan Noona? The other member of George's group—what was it again?" Another guy asked, trying to keep his voice steady. I'd forgotten the name that Angela had mentioned earlier; my mind was elsewhere. I just knew it started with Jung-something.

Please, just stop calling me Noona. It's unsettling.

He smiled sheepishly. "It's Dreamscape. And please, just call me by my name. Really, it's fine."I nodded, offering a small, polite smile. Angela and Michelle snorted softly, trying to suppress their laughter. I shot them a glare, sighing softly before returning my gaze to him. Come on, George—where are you? We need you here, fast.

****

George's POV

Jackson gently covered my eyes, his hands steady but careful. I couldn't help but smile, trying to keep my balance as he guided me forward.

"Hang on a little longer," Jackson whispered, his voice calm but filled with anticipation.

"Are you ready?" he asked softly, voice warm with affection. I nodded, a nervous thrill fluttering in my chest. My lips curled into a small smile, though I was still unsure of what awaited me.

He paused, then slowly withdrew his hands. I hesitated for a second, then opened my eyes. The scene before me stole my breath away. A clearing bathed in natural light, decorated with an arch of lush leaves and delicate flowers, created a tranquil tunnel. Beneath it, a simple table with two chairs sat invitingly, overlooking a view that seemed almost surreal—the sky a deep blue, the flowers vibrant and alive. It was so breathtaking I felt a lump form in my throat.

Turning around, I threw my arms around Jackson in a spontaneous embrace. His presence always made me feel seen, cherished—something I'd been craving for a long time. I had never met anyone who could make me feel so special, so truly loved.

"Happy birthday, baby," he whispered softly into my ear, his arms tightening around me. I pulled back slightly, tears slipping down my cheeks without warning.

"How did you know?" I asked, voice trembling. I hadn't mentioned my birthday—not explicitly, at least. His playful wink and easy confidence told me he was always a few steps ahead.

"Eh, I have my sources," he grinned, and I playfully smacked his chest before giving him another lingering hug.

"This place... it's beautiful, Jackson. Thank you," I managed, voice thick with emotion.

He looked into my eyes, a gentle smile on his face. "Anything for my queen." We paused, our gazes locking, a silent understanding passing between us.

In that moment, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. Jackson had become more than just a partner—he was my sanctuary. His presence filled the voids I hadn't even realized existed. The loneliness I carried from leaving my friends in the U.S. seemed to dissolve, replaced by a warmth I hadn't known I was missing.

Our faces drew closer, breaths mingling. The world around us faded as our lips met in a kiss that spoke of reassurance, passion, and deep affection. It was a moment I wanted to hold forever—the kind that made my heart race and my soul feel complete. In his arms, I was finally seen, truly loved.

When we parted, our foreheads pressed together, I found myself smiling—content in the quiet intimacy of the moment.

"Shall we start our date?" Jackson asked softly, extending his hand.

I took it without hesitation, and together, we moved toward the table, ready to make this day unforgettable.

This—this was the best birthday I'd ever had.