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

Chapter 9: Nurturing Connection

I raised an eyebrow, encouraging him to continue. "How so?"

Yoongi took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair, his gaze becoming distant for a moment, as though thinking back to something far away.

"My mom and sister were everything when my dad left," he began, his voice quieter now.

"I wasn't always close with them... I didn't really know how to be. I think I shut them out for a while."

His words hit me harder than I expected. I placed my fork down and gave him my full attention.

"I'm sorry... I didn't know that. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

Yoongi's lips pressed into a thin line, but his eyes were warm as he looked at me.

"It's okay. I've never really talked about it before, but... it's the truth. I've always been the quiet one in the family. My mom and sister, they're both so open with their feelings, but I had trouble with that. After my dad left... I didn't know how to be a son or a brother anymore. I didn't know how to be with them, and it made me avoid them sometimes."

I could feel the weight of his words. I reached out, gently placing my hand on top of his, offering a quiet support. "That must've been really hard."

Yoongi gave a small, bittersweet smile, his thumb lightly brushing over the back of my hand.

"Yeah. But things have gotten better. I've been working on it. With my mom, especially. I... I'm trying to be more present. We talk now. We're a lot closer than we used to be. It's been a lot of work, but I'm glad it's improving."

The sincerity in his voice made my chest tighten. I squeezed his hand, not knowing exactly what to say but wanting him to know I was there.

"That's... that's really good to hear," I said softly, my heart aching for the younger version of Yoongi who had felt so lost.

"It's obvious she loves you. And you love her too."

Yoongi's eyes softened as he looked at me, his smile almost shy. "Yeah. She does. And I do. I guess I'm just learning how to show it."

I smiled back, my heart swelling. "I think you're doing great."

Yoongi's gaze flickered down to our hands, and for a brief second, I felt him hesitating.

But then, without any words, he intertwined his fingers with mine, squeezing gently as he looked up at me again, the warmth in his eyes telling me everything.

We sat in a comfortable silence for a moment.

My mind wandered back to earlier that day when Yoongi had come over to pick me up for our date, and how, precious and natural their interaction felt like

"I can't believe how much Wacha took to you earlier," I said, my voice soft and thoughtful.

Yoongi raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

"yeah I've been missing the fluffball for a while now, I'm glad got to spend a bit of time with her earlier"

His voice laced with affection continued, "I remember meeting her when I picked you up for our third date, I was so surprised when I felt something rub along my ankle"

he laughed lightly, fondness reflected in his eyes. "her fur is just so soft and her purrs so calming, I just wanted to grab her and never let her go"

I chuckled, shaking my head slightly.

"Yeah. I know I remember how surprised I was the first time. I thought she'd be all standoffish, especially with someone new, but she... she really liked you. I was so shocked."