Spring Day // Kim Taehyung ( V )

Chapter 51

"Truth"

The room's atmosphere shifted subtly as Jin and Jimin exchanged silent signals, their smiles almost conveying a shared understanding beyond words. They both turned their gaze to Taehyung, whose expression remained calm but observant. Namjoon, sitting nearby, caught my eye momentarily, then looked away, a small smirk curling at the corner of his lips — a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken dynamics swirling around us.

Jin broke the silence, voice gentle yet probing. "Is there anyone you like at the moment? If yes, what's the reason?"

The tension thickened. The girls exchanged glances, their faces lit with a mix of anticipation and amusement, a naive grin plastered on each. I sensed where this was headed, and although I tried to remain detached, my nerves fluttered faintly. The truth was, I already knew his answer — and that knowledge didn't make it easier.

Taehyung hesitated just a second longer than necessary, then offered a simple smile. "I do like someone," he said. His tone was casual, almost matter-of-fact, as if declaring the weather. His eyes flicked to me, and I caught a fleeting glance that told me he knew I was watching, waiting. I maintained my composure, pretending to be indifferent, even as a tremor of anticipation ran through me.

"Because I don't know," he added softly, almost dismissively. "I just do."

A collective eye-roll erupted from the others at his vague response, but I found myself appreciating it even more — that raw honesty. It was imperfect, yes, but genuine. Sometimes, feelings defy logic; they simply exist, unanchored by reasons or explanations. When someone is truly special, you can't always pinpoint why. You just feel it.

Jin groaned, a hint of frustration. "Be specific next time," he muttered.

Taehyung chuckled softly, catching my eye again, an almost playful glint. I refused to look back at him, unsure whether to feel relieved or conflicted. I feared that if I did, he'd realize I understood — that I knew the truth he was hiding. Better to act like I was oblivious, even if deep down, I felt everything.

He spun the bottle swiftly; it whirled and finally landed on me. The room's attention shifted, the air thick with unspoken expectation. I rolled my eyes, ready for whatever was coming.

"Truth or dare?" Michelle asked, a hint of hopefulness in her voice. I knew she was banking on me choosing truth, perhaps eager to uncover secrets. Too predictable.

"Dare," I responded with a small smile, my tone measured but confident.

She smirked. "I dare you to block Jackson from everything."

A hush fell over the room, eyes widening as she casually threw his name into the mix. I felt a pang, a familiar ache that tightened my chest. Everyone seemed to understand the weight of her words: this wasn't just a game. It was a test of resolve.

I nodded slowly, reaching for my phone. First, I deleted his number. Then, I blocked him on every platform I could think of — Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, contacts. I even went so far as to remove his name from my device, as if erasing him from my digital existence could somehow undo what was already broken.

When I was done, I looked up, forcing a smile. "Happy?"

Michelle nodded, satisfied, but I felt the cracks deepening beneath the surface. Each tap on "block" felt like a small fracture in my soul. The act was simple, but the emotions behind it were complex — a mixture of pain, relief, and a quiet hope for liberation. I didn't want to be bitter; I didn't want to hold onto resentment. But the act of cutting ties was a reminder of what once was and what can never be again.

"You okay, G?" Sarah asked softly, her voice laced with concern as she squeezed my hand.

I managed a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, don't worry," I said, though my heart was anything but.

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