Stigma Love's Algorithm [ A BTS x Reader Poly ]

Chapter 1: Unseen Threads

Jae didn't seem to understand. "The system was designed to help people. To bring balance. The idea of multiple soulmates is just an evolution of the idea of love. Maybe it's time we all just accept it."

I stared at him, unsure what to say next.

Jae was right in his own way-LoveMap had helped people connect, and on the surface, everything seemed perfect.

But the idea of multiple soulmates didn't sit right with me. What if people weren't ready for that? What if they didn't want to be emotionally stretched so thin?

I exhaled deeply, trying to shake off the unease. "I'm just... worried, Jae. About the control. About what it means for people to be paired with multiple soulmates when they never asked for it."

Jae met my eyes, his expression softening. "You've always had a lot of questions about the system, haven't you?"

I didn't answer right away. How could I? Deep down, I knew he was right.
"I'm just thinking...at what point does it become less about love and more about control?" I muttered.

Jae just stared at me, his eyes narrowing. "Are you questioning the system?"

I didn't answer. Because deep down, I knew I was.

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The hot chocolate in my hand had gone cold by the time I left the office, not that it mattered-stale chocolate was just awful.

I tried to take a sip, grimaced, and then placed it down on the nearest surface with a sigh.

Y/N, you really need to make better decisions, I thought to myself, wiping chocolate off my chin.

I shoved my phone into my bag, but the small buzzing sound it made as it vibrated against the fabric was enough to make me hesitate.

Another notification. The last thing I wanted was to look at more profiles, more matches, more connections. It felt like drowning in a sea of algorithms that never let up.

I tossed my bag onto the couch, glancing around at the empty space I called home. It wasn't much-just a small studio apartment, the walls lined with books I never had the time to read. The place was cozy in a way, but I often felt like a hamster in a wheel here.

At least here, I didn't have to worry about being bombarded with soulmate connections.

Except for tonight.

I glanced over at the small, sleek LoveMap interface on my desk. It glowed softly, its blue light flickering like a watchful eye. Every time I thought I could take a break, every time I tried to forget about the weight of my work, it was always there, reminding me that the world was still being paired, matched, connected.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. There was no escaping it. As much as I hated to admit it, I knew I had to look. The new matches. The notifications. They weren't going to stop just because I didn't want to see them.