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

Chapter 9: Nurturing Connection

"Do you ever feel like we're already kind of... in sync?" I asked after a moment, my voice quieter now.

Yoongi glanced at me, his gaze softer, and for a brief second, I saw that vulnerability in his eyes again. "Yeah," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I feel it too."

I smiled, feeling the sincerity in his words settle into my chest, warming me from the inside.

The evening unfolded naturally after that, the two of us working together, talking about everything and nothing, all while sharing small touches, teasing one another, and quietly savoring the closeness between us.

When the adobo was finally ready, Yoongi placed a plate in front of me with a proud grin.

"Hope it's up to your standards."

I took a bite, closing my eyes at the burst of flavor.

"Mmm... your mom was right, you are a great cook. It's perfect," I said, looking up at him with a smile that couldn't quite be hidden.

Yoongi's eyes sparkled. "I told you I could cook."

"You definitely proved it," I said, leaning in just a little closer, enjoying the easy atmosphere between us.

The night went on like that-effortless and full of small moments that made my heart race and my cheeks flush.

It wasn't just the food that was perfect-it was everything, from the way we moved together in the kitchen to the laughter that filled the space.

By the time we finished eating, the apartment was filled with the comfortable silence of two people who didn't need words to understand each other. I glanced at Yoongi, catching him looking at me with that soft, knowing smile that made my heart skip again.

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The evening felt like it was unfolding in slow motion.

The meal was done, the soft glow of the apartment's lighting making everything feel intimate.

Yoongi and I sat across from each other at the table, sharing a simple but incredibly satisfying dinner. Every so often, our eyes would meet, and we would exchange a smile, the kind that said everything without saying anything at all.

Yoongi's mom had been a surprising and somewhat embarrassing interruption earlier, but as I watched him now, the lightness in his eyes made it clear that the teasing was a familiar, loving kind of discomfort.

"You know, I never thought I'd meet your mom so soon," I said with a teasing smile, picking up my fork.

Yoongi's lips quirked upward as he looked at me, his tone playful but with a hint of something deeper.

"Yeah, she doesn't hold back. Especially when it comes to me." He looked down at his plate for a moment, his smile faltering slightly.

"She's... always been like that."