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

Chapter 7: The Tension In The Air

"So," he said, his voice back to its usual smooth, effortless tone, "I guess we’ll just have to see who regrets what, won't we?"

I couldn’t stop myself from grinning, the challenge still lingering between us.

"Guess so," I replied, my voice holding just the right amount of teasing.

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The days after our playful exchange in the break room seemed to drag on, the tension simmering beneath the surface, barely contained.

Every time Yoongi looked my way, I could feel his eyes on me, like he was waiting for something.

And with every passing minute, I felt like I was walking on a tightrope, trying not to fall into whatever game he was playing.

But it wasn’t just the glances anymore.

It was—the way he stood a little closer when he passed me in the hall, the way his hand would graze mine when we handed things to each other, and the teasing words he slipped into our conversations like an undercurrent, making my heart skip each time.

It was one of those days, late in the afternoon, when I was hunched over my laptop, trying to get some work done, that I felt it.

That presence.

Yoongi.

He was standing by the door of the office, leaning against the frame, watching me. I didn’t even need to look up to know it was him.

“Still trying to fix that bug?” His voice was smooth, but there was an edge to it that made my pulse race.

I glanced up, giving him a small smile. “You know, you could offer help if you want, instead of just standing there looking all smug.”

Yoongi smirked, stepping into the room, his footsteps quiet but confident.

He leaned casually against my desk, crossing his arms. “Nah. Watching you try and fix things is way more fun.”

“Oh, really?” I raised an eyebrow, mimicking his posture. “Maybe you should stick around, then. I’m sure you’d love to see me fail miserably.”

His eyes glinted with amusement. “I like a challenge. But don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll figure it out. You’ve got that whole ‘tech genius’ vibe.”

I felt a blush creep up my neck, but I tried to mask it with a nonchalant shrug. “Flattery won’t get you anywhere, Yoongi.”

He leaned in slightly, his face inches from mine, and I felt my breath catch. “I wasn’t flattery. I was stating facts.”

His gaze dropped to my lips for a split second before meeting my eyes again. “But if you need more help, just ask.”

Before I could respond, he straightened up, pushing himself off my desk and turning towards the hallway.

His voice, low and deliberately teasing, drifted back to me. “Though, I’ll warn you... I’m not easy to impress. Not many people can handle me.”

“Is that so?” I replied, trying to sound unaffected, though my heart was racing. “Well, I guess we’ll find out, won’t we?”

I didn’t realize it then, but I was walking right into his trap.

A few days later, the energy between Yoongi and me had shifted.

The flirtation was still there, lingering in every word and glance, but it was becoming something more... comfortable.

Familiar.

There was a certain ease when we spoke now, like we both knew exactly where the other stood.