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

Chapter 3: Cracks in the Armor

I tried to focus on her warm purring, but I knew there was no escaping the reality of it all.

The anxiety still clung to me like second skin.

Yeona, to her credit, didn't laugh at me.

She was quiet for a long moment, her gaze never leaving me.

When she finally spoke, her voice was steady, calm. "Okay. We'll figure this out. But you don't have to do it alone, alright? Whatever happens, I'm here for you."

I let out a shaky breath, my nerves gnawing at me.

"It's just-how does it even work? I'm not... I'm not even sure I believe in all of this. But now, the app I designed just decided for me like it's mocking me. And with seven people? It's like I'm expected to suddenly know how to juggle relationships, like I'm some sort of emotional acrobat. I'm not a circus act, Yeona."

She chuckled softly, but it was the kind of laugh that felt comforting, like it was meant to remind me that I didn't have to carry this burden alone.

"You're right, it sounds insane. But Y/N," she paused, her gaze settling on me with that quiet wisdom she always seemed to have.

"This is a lot to process, and I get why you're freaking out. But do you really think you're supposed to have all the answers right now? Does anyone ever really have all the answers? Heck, if we all waited until we figured everything out before taking a step, no one would ever do anything."

I opened my mouth to argue, but Yeona raised a hand to stop me, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Look, just because there are seven people involved doesn't mean you're supposed to keep track of all of them at once. Take it one step at a time. No one is going to expect you to just... know how to handle this perfectly. You're not a superhero, you're a human. And you know what? If anyone can figure this out with a little grace and maybe some awkwardness along the way-it's you."

I blinked, trying to absorb her words. "But what if I mess it up?"

"Messing up is part of being human, Y/N," she said softly. "If you're worried about messing up, it probably means you care. And caring means you'll make sure you try your best. That's all anyone can ask for."

I sighed, leaning back into the couch.

"But seven, Yeona. I mean, with Suga alone I've been a walking disaster. The last time I was even near him, I spilled hot chocolate on his shirt, and now I'm supposed to figure out how to share my life with him-and six other people?"

She snorted, shaking her head. "That's a classic you move. But hey, accidents happen. And maybe, just maybe, you'll learn how to avoid spilling drinks on people in the future."

She winked at me, but her eyes softened again, that caring look settling in.

"But seriously, Y/N, this is your life. You don't have to have all the answers today, tomorrow, or even a year from now. Take it slow. Trust yourself. And trust that things will figure themselves out-maybe not in the way you expect, but in a way that's right for you."

I felt a small weight lift off my chest.

Yeona was right. It wasn't going to be easy, and it wasn't going to be simple, but I didn't have to have all the answers at once.

I had time. And with a little awkwardness, a lot of patience, and maybe a few more chocolate or coffee spills along the way... maybe I could figure this out after all.

"Thanks, Yeona," I said quietly, offering her a small, grateful smile.

"I needed that."

She grinned, giving me a playful shove. "Of course. Now, just don't go trying to play matchmaker with Suga anytime soon, okay? You've got seven soulmates to figure out, no need to add any extra drama."

I laughed, the tension in my shoulders finally starting to ease. Maybe I wasn't as alone in this as I'd thought.

my phone buzzed, and I looked down to see a chat from Suga.

Suga (Private to Y/N)
Hey, I'm in the office. Sucks that I have to work on a weekend but I'm getting by, I just wanted to check in. How's everything going?

My heart skipped a beat at the mere sight of his name.

Yeona noticed immediately. "Ooooh, someone's texting you back. Go talk to him. You're clearly not over this, so go talk to him."

I groaned, but Yeona was already on her feet, pushing me toward the door.

"Come on. You can't avoid it forever. At least go talk to him. Just give me a call anytime when you want to explain everything else."

__________________

Later that evening, I stood outside the office, chatting Suga back.

Y/N (Private to Y/N)
Just met yeona for a bit. Need a few minutes to clear my head. How's everything on your end?

I waited for his reply, knowing full well that no matter how much I tried to avoid it, this conversation was inevitable.

By the time I found myself walking into Suga's office, I felt like I was on the verge of either running away from it all or falling right into it.

But of course, I tripped on my own feet as I entered the office, stumbling awkwardly into the doorframe.

"Smooth, Y/N, smooth," I muttered to myself under my breathe.

Suga, who had been sitting at his desk, immediately looked up and raised an eyebrow. "Having a good day?"

"Yeah, definitely. I'm just... you know, proving I'm one of the most graceful people here," I said, trying to laugh it off as I straightened up.

He chuckled, the sound deep and unexpected, making my stomach flutter. "It's okay, you don't have to impress me."

I rolled my eyes, a little embarrassed but relieved by his nonchalance. "Like I could ever impress you. You're like... an office legend or something." I said with a teasing grin.

Suga's gaze softened for a moment, and I couldn't help but notice the way he almost seemed to relax whenever he looked at me. "Is that how you see me?"

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, trying to fight the heat creeping up my neck. "I mean, you're good at your job. People talk about you all the time."

There was that smile again-the one that made my heart skip a beat. "I'm just doing my job, Y/N. Nothing more. Also, I'm surprised to see you here on a Saturday, you also working today?"

There was something in his voice, something soft and genuine, that made my heart ache for reasons I couldn't quite explain.

And yet, despite everything I was feeling-despite the uncertainty and confusion-I couldn't seem to pull myself away.

"no I was just with yeona hanging out and I've been thinking about our conversation," I said, finally gathering the courage to voice what had been on my mind since that day.

"About... what this is. About the app. The soulmates. Us. And I just wanted to talk about it.. I guess..Sorry to have ambushed you, I don't want to bother you while you're working "

Suga's expression grew serious, the usual playful spark gone.

"Y/N, you are never a bother, especially to me. I'm here for you, always. And we don't have all the answers right now. But we'll figure it out."

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I don't want to mess this up. But... it feels like there's no way out. Like I'm in this whether I want to be or not."

Suga leaned forward slightly, his eyes intense but kind.

"You don't have to have it all figured out. We'll do this together. One step at a time."

I nodded quickly, trying to hide my nerves. "Yeah, just... a lot to think about."

Maybe Yeona was right. Maybe it was time to stop avoiding the inevitable.

And maybe... just maybe, I was ready to take that first step.