Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )

Chapter 38 - The surprise

Joan's POV

"Pink—George loves pink, so I think this one will suit better," I said, gesturing toward the vibrant tablecloth that Jimin (or Jungkook—I wasn't quite sure) was holding up.

He nodded quickly, wrapping the fabric carefully around the table. I moved to the fridge, retrieving the cake and placing it in the center along with their gifts. Taehyung and Namjoon worked together, hanging up the "Happy Birthday" banner, while Jin, Suga, J-Hope, and I—though I hesitated, unsure if I was right—twisted balloon letters to spell out George's name. Mrs. Roque's voice broke through the activity, calling for help.

"Jin and Joan, a little help here?" she asked.

Jin, having just finished the balloons, stood slowly and offered me a warm smile before heading to the kitchen.

"What can I do, Aunt Ane?" Jin asked softly, his kind eyes glinting with a quiet eagerness.

"You know how much George loves Japchae," she replied, her voice gentle but purposeful. "But I haven't had the chance to learn how to make it. Do you know how?"

Jin raised his thumb in a reassuring gesture, and I saw the appreciation flicker in his eyes. "I do," he said confidently.

"Can I help too?" I asked, feeling a bit more involved.

"Would you mind helping Jin?" she suggested kindly. "Since you're both good at cooking."

I nodded eagerly, exchanging a small smile with Jin before she left us to our task. We headed to the fridge, scanning for the ingredients we needed.

"Help me with the onions, scallions, and mushrooms," Jin instructed, reaching for the knife. "I'll handle the noodles."

I grabbed the vegetables and began chopping, following his lead. The kitchen filled with the aroma of fresh ingredients, a quiet rhythm between us.

After a while, I couldn't help but compliment, "This tastes incredible, Jin. Great job." I high-fived him, feeling a surge of pride.

He returned the gesture with a shy smile, and we both chuckled. He carefully placed the bowl of Japchae on the table alongside the other dishes.

Everyone else had finished their tasks as well, and we gathered in the center of the room, sharing a sense of accomplishment. The atmosphere was warm, full of quiet satisfaction.

Yet, one question lingered—where was George? And Jackson?

"So, where's George?" I asked, scanning the room.

Taehyung quickly pulled out his phone and dialed Jackson's number. A few moments later, he re-entered with an unreadable expression on his face.

"They're on their way back," he announced. "Should we turn off the lights?"

I nodded, and Taehyung began switching off the house's lights, plunging us into darkness. With George and Jackson still ten minutes away, we decided to relax and get to know each other better.

Aunt Ane broke the silence, her smile warm and genuine. "I'm so glad you all came. How did you find out where we live?"

Michelle answered with a soft smile, "We didn't tell anyone except V."

"Oh, I see," Ane said, patting Taehyung's shoulder. "Thank you for bringing everyone safely."

Taehyung returned her smile with a nod, She quietly excused herself to help with some tidying in the kitchen.

"So, you planned this whole surprise, huh?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He hesitated, nervously scratching his head. "We all did, remember?"

"Last time I checked, they weren't even aware of this surprise," I teased, catching the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. 

"Come on, I think it's how it was supposed to go," he defended, shrugging with a sheepish grin.

I caught that subtle smile in the corner of his lips—the one he tried to hide—and I knew. He was bad at pretending.

Angela leaned in, whispering playfully, "Girl, I was so jealous back there." She nudged my arm, her voice teasing.

Michelle and I exchanged knowing looks, smiling quietly, sharing that unspoken understanding.

"I still can't believe you cooked with Jin," Angela whispered, lowering her voice. "My Seokjin."

I rolled my eyes. "It's just cooking, Angela."

"But still," she pressed, her tone filled with admiration.

Just then, Jackson's message chimed in. Everyone tensed, scrambling to hide around the room, pretending to be occupied, so George wouldn't suspect anything.

George's POV

Jackson pulled up in front of our house, and we both stepped out. A strange unease settled over me as I glanced at the house—usually, there were lights on, a sign of life. Today, everything was dark, silent. It was unsettling, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

We approached the front door, and I instinctively pressed the doorbell, but there was no response. I pressed it again, more forcefully this time, but still nothing. My heart rate quickened. I fumbled to dial my mom's number, but her phone remained unanswered.

"No one's home," I muttered, frustration creeping into my voice.

Jackson simply nodded, twisting the doorknob. To my surprise, the door wasn't locked—an odd choice if they'd gone out. It felt careless, almost reckless, leaving it unlocked.

Without hesitation, I stepped inside, calling out for Namjoon and my mom repeatedly. Silence greeted me. My stomach clenched. This wasn't right. I knew they wouldn't leave the house unlocked without good reason.

Unless—

Someone had broken in.

My mind raced. I grabbed the object I kept nearby—a wooden bat I'd kept for protection since the first time I met Namjoon—and moved upstairs, alert and cautious. I checked each room, but they were empty. No sign of anyone.

From downstairs, Jackson's voice broke through my focus. "Babe? I think someone's in the backyard."

My pulse quickened. I motioned for him to stay quiet and tiptoed toward the back door, my senses sharpening. I'd been watching self-defense videos, trying to prepare myself for moments like this. I kept my grip firm on the bat, silently wishing there were no guns involved.

As I crept outside, I was overwhelmed by a strange mixture of calm and adrenaline. I imagined myself as a hero in one of those action movies, ready to confront whatever was waiting. But my mind was also racing—who could it be? Why now?

Suddenly, I shouted into the quiet, "Gotcha!"

Instead of an intruder, I was met with an unexpected sight. A long table of food, gifts, and a large chocolate cake. My eyes widened in disbelief. My throat tightened, and I felt tears prick my eyes, caught between shock and confusion. Who had done this? Who was behind it?

Then, as if on cue, familiar faces emerged—smiling, cheerful, and unmistakably them.

"Surprise!"

The world seemed to pause. I blinked, trying to process what I was seeing. Could it really be them? Joan, Michelle, Angela—they were all here. I shouted their names, my voice trembling with disbelief.

"Stop playing—Is this for freaking real??" I managed, voice cracking.

They nodded and approached me, laughter and tears mixing. Before I knew it, I was on the ground, overwhelmed by emotion. I sank to my knees, clutching them, unable to hold back the tears.

I hadn't realized how much I'd missed them until this moment. They had come—here, for me. For my birthday. It felt surreal, like a dream I didn't want to wake from.

"I missed you so much," I choked out, my voice thick with emotion.

They gathered around, hugging me tightly, tears streaming down their faces. We stood there for a long moment, lost in each other's presence, the chaos of the evening melting away. For once, everything felt right—unexpected, but right.

And in that quiet, I knew I'd never forget this night.