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

Chapter 16: When Life Shakes You

Could soulmates even be real when so much of my life felt uncertain, when everything around me was falling apart?

It felt like a distraction, a temptation I didn't have the luxury of indulging in.

The guilt gnawed at me, a persistent ache that wouldn't go away.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Nari stepped in. She was carrying bags, some for herself, some for Mom.

She and Jeoff had also brought me a few things from my apartment, though I hadn't asked.

I barely acknowledged her entrance, my focus still on Mom.

"Hey," Nari's voice broke the silence. It was warm, even though exhaustion hung on her face. "Jeoff and I got everything we needed. He just left for work but he'll be back with Hannah later."

"Thanks, Nari," I murmured, still not looking at her.

She noticed my distance, the way I seemed to be somewhere else. She sat down next to me, her expression softening. "Oppa, you're not still... thinking about all that, are you?" she asked, her voice gentle.

I sighed heavily, running a hand through my hair. "I can't help it. I keep thinking about Y/N... about the app. And everything else. I feel guilty. I shouldn't even be thinking about that right now, should I? I should be here, with Mom. If Y/N really is my soulmate... I don't know if it's something I should let myself focus on right now. It feels so... small compared to everything else."

Nari squeezed my hand gently, her eyes full of understanding. "Oppa, it's okay to think about it. But you have to understand, soulmates aren't a distraction. They're meant to help you move forward. To give you strength. Love isn't just about romance. It's about connection-family, friendship. Soulmates should raise the value of everything in your life. They should make you appreciate what you have, not diminish it."

Her words were unexpected, but they made sense. I hadn't thought of it that way before. I let the weight of her words sink in. "I guess that makes sense. But I just... I don't know how to balance it all. It feels like I'm failing in every direction."

Nari smiled softly, squeezing my hand again. "Oppa, you're not failing. I've always admired how hard you've worked-for Mom, for us, for everything. This situation? It's teaching us to cherish the people we love. Cherish every connection, not just with Mom and me, but with Y/N too. Don't ignore love, even if it feels complicated. It's a reminder that love-whether it's family, friends, or soulmates-is something to be grateful for."

I chuckled, a small smile tugging at my lips despite myself. "You're all grown up now. So wise."

Nari nudged me with a teasing grin. "Well, someone had to teach you a thing or two."

Her playful tone made me laugh. It was a small moment of relief amidst the tension that had consumed us.

As our laughter faded, we both turned back to Mom, still unconscious, still hooked up to the machines that kept her alive.

I stared at her, my heart aching for her to wake up. I just needed to hear her voice again, to feel her presence.

I wanted to tell her everything I had been feeling-the guilt, the uncertainty, my love for her and for Nari-but mostly, I just wanted her to be okay.

And then, as if the universe had heard my silent plea, a soft voice broke through the stillness of the room.

"Who would even get to sleep with you two talking so much beside me?"

My heart skipped a beat.

I froze. It couldn't be...

I turned to see Mom's eyes flutter open, her face pale, bruised, but her smile somehow still radiated that warmth that had always been there.

"Mom?" My voice cracked as I leaned forward, gripping her hand tightly.

Nari gasped, her voice shaking as she rushed to her side. "Mom! You're awake!"

Mom smiled weakly, but the affection in her eyes was unmistakable. "I told you, I'm not going anywhere," she whispered hoarsely. "I'm going to be okay. I'm never giving up on you two."

Tears sprang to my eyes, but I couldn't speak. The relief that flooded over me was overwhelming, and I just squeezed her hand, unable to find words for the wave of emotion that crashed over me.

"I'm sorry, Mom," I whispered. "I... I thought I'd lost you. I-"

"Don't be sorry, Yoongi," she interrupted softly. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. And neither are you."

Nari bent down and kissed Mom's forehead, her hands trembling as she stroked her hair. "We love you, Mom. So much."

"I love you both, more than you'll ever know," Mom replied, her voice full of emotion.

For a moment, the three of us sat there in silence, holding onto each other.

The weight of everything we'd been through seemed to lift, even just a little. I felt like I could finally breathe again.

Then, with a soft laugh, Mom looked at me, her tired eyes glinting mischievously. "Now, Yoongi... tell me about Y/N."

I froze, my heart leaping in my chest. The teasing in her voice made me laugh despite everything.

Nari grinned, her eyes shining with curiosity as she nudged me. "Yeah, tell us about Y/N. You've been so distracted lately, we're all dying to know."

I laughed, feeling the last of the tension melt away. In that moment, I realized that, for the first time in a long while, I could truly breathe.

As we all laughed together, I made a silent promise to myself. I would step up. I would be present in my family's life, no matter what came next. I would face whatever the future held-whether it was with my family or with Y/N.

For now, I was just grateful. Grateful for my family, for my mother's strength, and for the second chance to rebuild everything I had feared might slip away.

And maybe, just maybe, that included facing my feelings for Y/N and whatever the Lovemap app might bring.