Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )

Chapter 41 - I got you, I promise

Walking through the park in our new onesies, I couldn't help but reflect on how spontaneous moments often turn out the most memorable. We'd just finished lunch at the mall when I persuaded him to buy matching outfits—an attempt to add some levity to our day and, admittedly, a clever cover-up so people wouldn't notice him quite so easily. If we looked adorable wandering the streets of Ilsan, so much the better.

I like to think I'm helpful and perceptive—maybe even a little clever. But yes, I'm aware I'm also quite observant.

"So," I asked, trying to sound casual, "what's the plan next?"

He grinned broadly. "Let's go for a bike ride!"

I hesitated—bikes have never been my thing. Honestly, I don't know how to ride one without risking my face. But instead of outright declining, I kept my tone neutral.

"Got something else in mind?" I inquired, trying to hide my reluctance.

He shrugged, unconcerned. "Biking's fun. Come on."

He approached the bike rental booth, chatting amiably with the attendant, then turned to me with a playful smirk, signaling me to pick a bike. I moved slowly, eyeing the two-wheeled contraption as if it were a creature from another planet. The idea of balancing on it, not falling flat on my face, seemed daunting.

"What's wrong?" he asked, already seated on his bike, eyes glinting with mischief.

"Nothing," I replied, voice flat.

He burst into laughter before I could finish.

I kept my poker face, waiting patiently for him to get over his amusement. It was clear he found my reluctance entertaining—probably more than it should have been.

"Sorry," he finally admitted, trying to suppress his chuckles.

I rolled my eyes and took a step back, stomping one foot in frustration and turning away.

"Hey! George!" he called after me.

"Taehyung, I really don't know how to ride a bike. Please don't push it," I sighed, palms slightly raised.

He gave a gentle smile. "Okay, I won't. But—" he hesitated, then added softly—"just trust me."

He reached out his hand, and after a moment's pause, I took it. Carefully, I sat on the small front seat of the borrowed bike, feeling a mixture of nervousness and curiosity. The moment he started to pedal, I was immediately aware of how close he was—his arms almost enveloping me, his face so near I could hear his breathing.

The sensation was oddly comforting, and I couldn't help but notice how strikingly handsome he looked in that moment—nose, jawline, skin—all so perfect and natural. I caught myself stealing glances when I thought he wasn't paying attention, though I quickly chastised myself for it.

"Enjoying the view?" he teased, voice light but with a hint of amusement.

Of course, he noticed. I was terrible at hiding my reactions—my gaze giving me away. I'm not one for subtlety; I tend to stare if something catches my eye. It's a trait I've been trying to keep in check.

"Where are we headed?" I asked, masking my embarrassment with a hint of irritation.

"Just exploring the area," he replied casually. "Relax and enjoy it."

I rolled my eyes. "It's hard to enjoy when your face is blocking my sight," I said, pretending to be annoyed.

He grinned. "Isn't my face the best view?"

"Get over yourself, Taehyung," I chuckled, though I couldn't deny the faint smile tugging at my lips.

We continued riding, the wind brushing past us, the warm breeze soothing. Surprisingly, I was beginning to relax. The scenery was beautiful—vivid, peaceful—and I found myself glancing more often, though I told myself to stop. It wasn't about him, I told myself; it was about the moment.

The ride eventually came to an end, and we returned the bikes after circling the park's sprawling paths. Its scenery was a reminder of how much I underestimated this place—serene, vibrant, inviting. We paused to snap a few photos, then hopped back onto the bikes, with him attempting to teach me how to ride properly. That effort was short-lived; my inability to stay upright frustrated him, and his sighs were more amusing than bothersome.

Later, we settled on a bench to watch the sunset, snacks in hand. The day had unfolded better than I'd expected—less awkward, more genuine. I admitted to myself that I might have judged him unfairly before; Taehyung was a different person outside the usual image I'd seen. Relaxed, kind, full of stories—he still had his cocky side, but only when joking. Once I saw that vulnerable, sincere side, I realized I liked this version of him. There's a certain charm in shy guys, after all.

I didn't want to admit I liked him—at least not outright—but I appreciated the day we shared. It felt like a small step toward understanding, perhaps even friendship.

"Thanks for today," I said quietly, finishing my ramyeon.

He smiled, a little shyly. "I should be the one saying thanks—you went out with me."

"Why's that?"

"Because you agreed," he said, quickly averting his gaze and focusing back on his food.

I felt a strange warmth—almost grateful. Maybe I was beginning to see the real Taehyung beyond the persona I'd always known. Maybe, just maybe, I was starting to understand him better.

As the sky darkened, I suggested we head back soon; Namjoon would worry if we stayed out too late. We packed up our things, sharing a quiet moment of contentment before heading to the car.

Today wasn't perfect, but it was enough. It was genuine—for the first time, I felt like I was seeing him, really seeing him, and I realized that sometimes, the simplest days can turn out to be the most meaningful.

Taehyung's POV

As we drove back in the quiet comfort of the car, George glanced over at me, her expression soft with contentment.

"You know," she started, voice gentle, "Jackson's really been amazing lately. I'm honestly happier than I've been in a long time."

I looked at her, surprised by the sincerity in her tone. "Yeah?"

She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "He's just... different. More attentive, more understanding. It's like I finally found someone who gets me."

I watched her with a mixture of feelings I couldn't quite place—happiness for her, of course, but also something quieter, more complex. A flicker of envy stirred briefly inside me—seeing her so at ease, so genuinely happy with him. I didn't want to ruin the moment with my own feelings, so I kept my expression neutral.

"That's good," I said softly. "I'm glad for you."

She looked over again, her eyes shining. "Honestly, I've never felt this way before. It's like... everything just clicks. And I owe a lot of that to him. Jackson's really special, Taehyung."

I swallowed hard, nodding. "Yeah. He's lucky to have you too."

There was a pause, filled only with the hum of the engine and the background noise of the city. I stole a glance at her, trying to hide the stirring emotions inside.

Inside, I felt a twinge of something—maybe longing, maybe regret. Watching her so happy with someone like Jackson, who seemed to radiate kindness and stability, made me realize how much I'd underestimated how important genuine connection is.

Yet, beneath that envy, there was a genuine happiness for her. Because, deep down, I knew that her happiness was what mattered most. Seeing her smile like that, so carefree and at peace, was enough to bring a faint, reluctant smile to my own face.

"Just... I hope you guys stay strong together," I said quietly, breaking the silence.

She looked at me, her smile widening. "We will. Thanks, Taehyung."

And in that moment, I felt a quiet resolve—maybe someday, I'd find someone who made me feel that way too. Until then, I'd be happy just seeing the people I care about happy, even if it meant feeling a little envious along the way.

Because real happiness isn't just about having what you want; it's about wanting the best for the ones you love, even if it's not always what you expected for yourself.