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

Chapter 5: The Next Step

It wasn't a loud gulp-more of a quiet, almost unconscious shift-but it was undeniably... magnetic.

The way his throat moved, the sharp line of his jaw taut as he swallowed, made something stir deep within me.

It was one of those small, intimate actions, yet it felt like an invitation-a quiet, unspoken challenge in the way his eyes stayed fixed on me, heat simmering just beneath the surface.

For heaven's sake how much hotter could this man possibly get. I'm sweating bullets here.

Yup, God's favorite it is.

His eyes darkened, a knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he leaned in slightly, the air between us thick with unspoken words.

"Don't hide from me, Y/N," he said softly, his voice dipping into something deeper, more commanding.

"I like how my name sounds when it slips from your lips. It's different, real. I love how you felt comfortable enough to call me by my first name. It's... it's kind of a big deal."

His adam's apple bobbed once again as he swallowed, the slight shift in his throat adding to the slow burn in his gaze.

He releases my face only to slip his fingers into mine and gently place it on the table, he watches our intertwined hands for a few seconds, as if he was deep in his thoughts for a few seconds.

Despite the noise of the cafe around us, everything still felt quiet, peaceful and it was comforting.

His eyes slowly shifted to mine, his gaze piercing my soul.

His grin widened, teasing but sincere.

"To be honest, when I heard you say 'Yoongi,' all I could think about was how I never want to hear you call me Suga again. I don't need any other name from you. Yoongi? That's mine, and hearing you say it makes me think about a whole lot of things... things I'd really like to explore."

The last words were a murmur, an invitation, and the warmth in his voice felt like it could set the space between us on fire.

Sue me. I'm addicted.

_______________

I was having the best time.

The conversations flowing and the laughter just coming naturally with him.

I never thought that the arrogant, moody and sometimes unnerving Suga I had met at the office would turned out to be such a charming and sincere person.

A man.

I cant help but smile as I think about getting to know him further.

His warmth was something I would have never expected from him.

I have always felt that attraction towards him, a pull I couldn't explain.

The lingering gazes we catch each other making from time to time at the office for many years.

I never mentioned this out loud to anyone, heck I've never even admitted it to myself until now, but the several small interactions we've made throughout the year have always felt special to me.

I wiped the tears from my eyes, still chuckling. "Okay, I'll give it to you. You're the total package: good taste in food, good taste in clothes... and you've got a killer smile."

Suga's eyes softened, his playful expression fading just a bit. "I don't know about the smile thing... but I do think you're pretty great, clumsiness and all."

I felt my heart flutter, and I tried to play it cool. "Well, I mean... you're not so bad yourself. For someone who thinks they're a movie star."

Suga raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the banter. "So, I'm the lead role in this story, huh? What's your role, then?"

I tapped my chin thoughtfully. "I'm the quirky sidekick, obviously. The one who's always trying to save the day but ends up making things worse."

He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. "Sounds like a good role to me. I'm all about the underdog."

I couldn't help but grin. "Underestimated and undefeated, huh? That's... kind of a good motto."

"Hey, it works," Suga said with a smirk. "I'm all about defying expectations."

We spent the next hour getting to know each other more-learning about each other's quirks, interests, and even our childhoods.

The conversation never felt forced, not with him.

There was something about the way Yoongi listened, how he was always just... there, that made me feel comfortable enough to open up.

"You know," I said after a long pause, suddenly feeling a little more vulnerable than usual. "I've always wanted to travel more. Like, see the world. I've been to a few places, I loved japan the most though"

Yoongi nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, same. I've always wanted to see more of the world too. I agree with Japan, the food, the culture, there's something about experiencing other places, other cultures. It's like... a new perspective on everything."

"Exactly," I said, my eyes lighting up. "Like, I don't know how to explain it, but I feel like there's so much out there that I could learn. I just need to get out there and take it all in."

Suga smiled softly, his gaze meeting mine. "Maybe one day, you'll get that chance. And if you ever need someone to travel with... you know where to find me."

My heart did a little flip at his words, but I tried to keep things light. "Oh, really? You'd want to travel with someone who trips over flat surfaces?"

"Absolutely," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The world needs more people like you."

I playfully rolled my eyes. "Yeah, I bet the world's dying for my brand of chaos."

"Trust me," he said with a wink, "chaos can be pretty fun when it's with the right person."

I paused, looking at him for a long moment, realizing just how much his words meant. There was something about the way he spoke that made everything feel... simple.

Easy.

No pretenses.

No judgments.

Just us.