Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )

Chapter 39 - go out with me

The party had wrapped up over an hour ago, and now the backyard buzzed with quiet activity as we tidied up together, the boys helping where they could. Jackson had to leave early—his mother was waiting for him—and despite the brief farewell, I was glad he finally met the girls. They seemed to get along effortlessly, which surprised me. Even Taehyung and Suga, usually distant, had grown a bit more comfortable around him. The girls, as always, adapted quickly; their ease overshadowed my own struggles to connect. It often took me days, sometimes weeks, to spark a genuine conversation with anyone. But they made it look so natural. That's just who they are—friendly, approachable, unpretentious.

I watched as Eun Gi approached, a paper bag in hand, his expression warm.

"Happy Birthday, George. Sorry I couldn't catch you earlier at the party," he said softly, offering a genuine smile.

I responded with a small, grateful smile and embraced him. When he kissed my temple, a wave of emotion hit me unexpectedly. It felt like my father's arms were around me again—a fleeting comfort I'd been craving more and more lately. I've been trying to accept that he's truly my dad now, despite how busy he is with work. It's hard not to feel the distance, but he always makes an effort to make up for it. That's what I want to believe a father does.

"Thank you, Eun Gi," I murmured, hugging him tighter. He chuckled and ruffled my hair affectionately before heading toward my mom.

Joan's voice cut through my thoughts abruptly. "Finally finding a soft spot for the stepfather, huh?" she teased, a mischievous grin on her face.

I rolled my eyes and turned away, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of a response.

"I just think... If I try to open up, maybe things will get easier," I admitted quietly.

She nodded. "That's the right thing to do, George. Besides, they're not so bad."

I missed her already. Her presence was a comfort I didn't realize I needed.

Soon, the others joined the conversation, and I shifted the topic. "By the way, how did you all get here?" I asked, genuinely curious. No one had mentioned their arrival plans, and my mom was unaware as well. The boys, Jackson included, seemed just as surprised.

"It was Taehyung," Michelle said with a smile. "He picked us up from the airport and organized everything. He planned this entire visit."

I looked over at Taehyung, who was lounging on the couch, visibly exhausted. The realization struck me—my initial revulsion toward him vanished instantly. All the frustration I'd carried melted away in light of what he had done. Despite my recent attitude, he still took the time and effort to bring my friends here, to make my birthday special. It was a lot to process. I felt guilty, even ashamed. Why would he do all this for me? Was it because he felt guilty about what happened with Lisa? Or was there something more genuine?

"He was the one who suggested we surprise you," Michelle added. Jackson told me he's been talking to Taehyung since yesterday. Honestly, I thought they were lying at first, but it's obvious now. Taehyung really went out of his way.

It made me wonder—why? Why put in all this effort? Did he see something in me worth fighting for, or was he simply trying to make amends?

Joan broke into my thoughts with her usual optimism. "He's a really kind guy. Whatever misunderstandings you had, forget it. You don't want to lose someone like him."

Their words resonated, and I nodded, feeling a bit lighter. I hadn't expected to feel this way about him—grateful, maybe even a little touched.

"I've missed you all so much," I said softly, pulling them into another hug. It felt like the hundredth, but no gesture was ever enough.

We all shared a laugh, the warmth of our reunion filling the room, until my mom's gentle voice pulled us back to reality.

"You girls are all together again—that's wonderful," she said with a smile. "Do you have a place to stay during your visit?"

I realized I'd forgotten to ask.

"Oh, we were thinking of staying in a hotel," Joan replied.

My mom's expression softened. "They're welcome to stay here. We have an extra room for guests. The three of you can sleep there, if that's okay?"

"Of course," I said eagerly, my heart lifting at the thought of them staying. We cheered, squealing like excited teenagers, the excitement bubbling over.

"I'll help you prepare," I offered, already moving to get things ready.

But Joan and the others stopped me. "You stay, G. We can handle it," Joan said kindly. I pouted but nodded, settling onto the couch among the boys, who were immersed in a game of PS4.

Jungkook handed me a controller, and I dove into the game, losing myself in the moment.

Suddenly, Taehyung stood and headed for the kitchen. An urge to thank him washed over me. I hesitated, unsure how to approach, the air thick with the awkwardness of unspoken words.

As he moved past, I gathered my courage. "Hey"

"Oh, hey, happy birthday. Sorry I didn't get to say it earlier," he managed to say, voice tentative.

I gave a shy smile. "It's okay."

Silence stretched for a beat.

"Do you need anything?" he asked kindly.

"No, thank you," I responded softly.

He nodded and started to walk away, but I blurted out his name. "Taehyung..."

He turned, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

Without thinking, I rushed forward and embraced him in a quick, unexpected hug. It surprised me—my own spontaneous gesture. But I meant it. I was genuinely grateful for everything he'd done.

"Thank you—for everything," I whispered, voice trembling slightly.

He stiffened for a moment, then smiled softly—an honest, warm smile I hadn't seen before.

"And I'm sorry," I added, lowering my gaze.

"For what?"

"For how I treated you—about Lisa and everything. I was immature."

He looked at me with gentle understanding. "It's okay. Honestly, nothing really happened between us.. I guess I just wanted to help you see that."

A small laugh escaped me. I'd been so stubborn, so quick to judge.

"I should have listened," I admitted. "I was too proud." I took a deep breath, feeling a strange mix of relief and nervousness. Then, impulsively, I added, "I'll make it up to you. Today was... more than I expected."

He looked at me thoughtfully. "Then, why don't you go out with me? Your treat, of course."

The words hung between us, unexpectedly bold. For a moment, I just stared, surprised at his sudden courage. But deep down, I knew this was the start of something new—something I hadn't anticipated but was willing to explore.