Chapter 9: Nurturing Connection

Start from the beginning
                                        

Yoongi leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips.

"She's just got good taste."

I laughed lightly, recalling the moment again "She's not exactly the social type. Wacha usually hides when anyone else comes over. I've never had anyone else she was this comfortable with-especially not on the first meeting."

Yoongi looked at me, his eyes warm and amused. "I guess she must've known something I didn't."

I shook my head, still amazed. "It's just that... I've had Wacha since I moved here. She's always been a constant for me, you know? So when I saw how she was with you, I guess it made me realize just how rare that is. For her to connect with someone so easily."

Yoongi's expression softened, and he reached for my hand again, his touch gentle as his thumb brushed across my knuckles.

"I guess that means I must've left a good impression on her."

"You definitely did," I said, squeezing his hand, feeling a warmth spread through me.

"She's usually so wary of anyone who isn't me, but with you..." I laughed softly, shaking my head.

"She even jumped up on your lap earlier, which is a big deal."

Yoongi's smile widened as he leaned forward, his gaze never leaving mine. "Well, I guess I'm honored, then."

"You should be," I teased, grinning.

"I never thought I'd see the day when Wacha would warm up to someone else like that. But... I think you might've just earned yourself a spot in her inner circle."

His eyes softened with a tenderness I wasn't sure he even realized he was showing.

"I'm glad to know I made a good impression."

His thumb traced small circles on the back of my hand, the simple touch sending a wave of comfort through me.

The conversation shifted again, from animals to our friends and then to more personal moments, the bond between us deepening with each word.

"I'm glad I have people like Yeona and Jae in my life too," I said, the words slipping out naturally.

"They made me feel so much more comfortable when we were working together on the LoveMap app. They're kind of like the family I didn't know I needed."

Yoongi looked at me, a spark of interest in his eyes. "Yeah I've noticed how close you guys are in the office, especially these past few weeks. I've never been teased that much by anyone in my life" he chuckles, shaking his head in amusement

"I remember Yeona coming up to me one time at the break room. She told me that she'd break my nose if I ever hurt you - then all of a sudden she gives me a big smile, pats my back and tells me I have great biceps - and then she just walks off with a grin. I was so flustered that I couldn't stop laughing after" he giggles, recalling the moment

"OMG she is so embarrassing! Sorry about her, she can be a bit forward" I said cringing at the thought as I chuckled with how crazy she was

"No no, it's all good, it was interesting and I definitely appreciate that they somehow approve of me for you, they seem great" yoongi smiles at me, sincerity seeping through his words

"Yeah, they're all in for it, I think they've been stanning us to get together for months" shaking my head as I chuckle.

"Yeona's just this incredibly warm, caring person who can always make me laugh, and Jae... well, he's the practical one, always balancing us out. They both made it easier for me to get settled in, especially when things felt uncertain."

Yoongi's expression softened. "Sounds like they're really good friends."

"They are," I replied. "And... I guess they're kind of like siblings to me now."

Yoongi didn't say anything at first. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, his hand still holding mine, but his touch becoming even more intimate.

His thumb brushed against my knuckles, gentle but deliberate.

"I think it's good that you've found people like that. People you can trust."

My heart fluttered in my chest at his words, the way his voice had lowered, the sincerity that laced his tone.

"I'm lucky to have them... but, Yoongi," I added softly

"I'm lucky to have you too."

Yoongi's eyes locked with mine, and for a moment, everything around us felt suspended in time.

His hand shifted, and without hesitation, he brought my hand to his lips, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to the back of my hand.

"I'm lucky to have you too,"
he murmured, his voice deep, tender.

I could feel the warmth of his kiss lingering, the intimacy of the gesture spreading through me.

Everything about this moment felt right, like we had both found something we didn't even know we were missing.

As I pulled my hand back slightly, I felt my phone buzz in my pocket.

Reaching for it, I saw the notification from the LoveMap app, its timing almost too perfect.

You have reached the Nurturing Connection with Suga.

I blinked at the message, my heart skipping a beat. "Yoongi... look at this."

Yoongi glanced over at my phone and then back at me, his brow furrowed in curiosity.

"A nurturing connection?" He seemed unsure, but there was a softness in his voice when he spoke again. "What does that mean again?"

I couldn't help but smile, the reality of the moment hitting me.

"It means we've reached that point with each other. Where the bond between us is growing deeper. It shows up when the emotional bond of two soulmates have blossomed. Hence the icon"

I leaned and showed him the flower icon 🌸

"we designed it to appear when both soulmates show care and support for each other, helping each other grow emotionally."

Yoongi's gaze softened, and there was a flicker of something beautiful in his eyes, something I couldn't quite name.

He smiled, but it wasn't just a smile-it was his famous gummy smile I love, the smile that made my heart swell.

"That feels... right," he said, his voice quiet, as though he was finally putting words to what had been building between us for so long.

Without a word, Yoongi reached for my hand, intertwining our fingers once more.

He gently pulled me towards him, pressing his forehead to mine, his breath warm against my skin.

And in that moment, surrounded by the quiet of his apartment

I felt whole.

I felt loved.

I felt cared for.

It was more than just a connection-it was something deeper. Something real.

"I'm glad you're here," Yoongi whispered, his lips brushing my forehead in a soft, tender kiss.

"I'm glad too," I whispered back, my voice barely audible as I nestled into him, feeling the warmth of his embrace, the reassurance in his touch.

In that moment, the world outside didn't matter.

All that mattered was the quiet, comforting bond we had found with each other-one that was growing, blossoming, and deepening with every passing second.

Stigma Love's Algorithm [ A BTS x Reader Poly ]Where stories live. Discover now