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

Chapter 15: Romantic Connection

I could hear the sincerity in his voice.

He wasn't playing around.

He wasn't just some guy trying to convince me that an app could change my life.

He was telling me what had actually happened.

"You're telling me you're happy?" I asked, a small smile tugging at the corner of my mouth.

Juseo grinned, showing off the full extent of his dimples. "Yeah, man. I'm in love. And I wouldn't trade that for anything. Not even my extra shift this weekend."

I couldn't help but laugh at that. "You're something else, Juseo."

He grinned and slapped me on the back. "I know. But hey, if you're ever ready to activate your profile, let me know. I've got you covered."

________________

The late afternoon light filtered through the office windows, casting long shadows across the room as the team gathered around the conference table.

The meeting was focused on security updates for the Lovemap app, and I was trying to concentrate.

The usual weight of responsibility was pressing on me-the need to stay sharp, to lead my team through these technical challenges.

As my eyes flicked over the slides on the screen, my phone vibrated against the table.

I glanced at it briefly-Nari. My little sister.

I sighed quietly, a bit irritated, and swiped the phone to silence it. "It's probably just her asking me to come visit again or trying to get me to hang out like she always does. I'll call her later." I thought.

The meeting continued, and I tried to focus on the discussion.

But then my phone vibrated again.

I glanced at the screen again and saw that Nari was calling.

"Ugh," I muttered under my breath, annoyed at the timing.

My fingers hovered over the phone, but instead of picking it up, I simply let out another sigh. "Sorry, I'll take this later."

To the team, I added, "Let's keep going."

Y/N glanced over at me. Her brows furrowed, her expression subtly concerned. "Suga, is everything okay?"

I nodded, trying to reassure her with a small, neutral smile. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just a call from family."

She didn't look convinced, but she nodded anyway, and the meeting carried on.

But I could feel my phone vibrating again.

And again.

And again.

The persistent buzzing in my pocket was almost maddening.

My gaze flicked to Y/N, and for a split second, I caught her looking at me, her face tinged with worry.

Her eyes lingered on me for just a moment before she broke the silence, her voice calm but firm. "Hey, why don't we take a short break? We've been going for a while, and I think a quick break would help everyone."

Her suggestion was casual, but I noticed the care in her tone. She was worried about me, I could tell.

I hesitated for a moment, appreciating the understanding in her gaze, the way she was looking out for me without asking any questions.

It was the kind of thing that felt too rare.

"Thanks, Y/N," I said quietly, standing up.

I excused myself from the room.

As I walked out into the hallway, my mind felt heavier with each step. I pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed Nari's number.

It only rang once before she picked up, her voice strained and broken.

"Oppa," Nari said, her voice trembling.

"Mom... she's been in an accident. I... I don't know what happened, but you need to come to the hospital now."
My stomach dropped.

I stopped in my tracks, suddenly feeling cold despite the warmth of the hallway around me.

"What happened? What do you mean, an accident?" My voice was sharper now, the weight of her words sinking in.

"Just... just get here. Please," Nari's voice broke, and I could hear her trying to hold back tears.

My mind went blank for a moment, and I felt the world shift beneath my feet.

"I'm on my way. I'll be there as fast as I can. Just... hang on."

I ended the call and stood frozen for a second, trying to gather my thoughts, trying to breathe through the panic building inside me.

My legs felt heavy as I walked back into the meeting room, where the others were waiting.

Y/N looked up at me immediately.

"Suga," she said softly, concern still evident in her eyes as she moved towards me. "Is everything alright? Did something happen?"

I nodded, though I could feel the lie hanging in the air. "Yeah, I'm going to step out for a bit. Something's come up."

I paused unsure of what to say.

Y/N gently patted my shoulder. "Go, don't worry about it. Take care of what you need to take care of."

I looked at her and all I wanted was to collapse into her arms, forget about everyone else in the room.

But I held it together, forcing myself to say, "It's my mom... she's been in an accident."

Y/N's face paled slightly, and for a brief moment, the entire room seemed to shrink around me.

But she didn't push me. She just nodded, squeezed my shoulder in comfort, and whispered, "Go be with her," then stepped back, giving me the space to leave.

"I'm sorry, I'll check in later," I said quickly, my voice tight.

I could hear the quiet murmurs from the others as I made my way out, but none of it mattered.

The only thing that mattered was getting to the hospital.

The drive to the hospital felt like it took a lifetime.

My mind raced with thoughts, none of them coherent.

My mom had always been so strong, always there for me and Nari.

She couldn't be hurt.

Not like this.