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

Chapter 21: Between Rides and Glances

He held his teddy bear tightly, as if it was just as much a part of this moment as the sky full of color he was about to see.

As we walked toward the viewing area, Yoongi, ever the quiet observer, remained close by.

He was the steady presence in our little trio-his calm demeanor and soft smiles making every moment feel more grounded, more real.

We found a perfect spot near the edge of the park, just under a large tree.

The perfect view of the fireworks was right in front of us, and Taehyung wasted no time in settling down on a bench, pulling me and Yoongi to sit beside him.

He cradled the bear in his lap, and for a brief moment, it was hard to ignore the subtle tenderness with which he held it.

There was something about the way he was so careful, as if he wanted to make sure nothing disrupted this peaceful, perfect moment.

"Do you think the bear will enjoy the fireworks?" I teased, glancing at Taehyung with a playful grin.

Taehyung chuckled, his fingers gently running over the bear's head. "I'm sure he will. I'll keep him safe."

Yoongi's eyes softened at the sight of Taehyung, and even though his expression was still as unreadable as ever, there was an unmistakable warmth in his gaze.

He shifted a little closer to me, the small movement feeling like a wordless reassurance, a quiet understanding that passed between us without needing to be spoken.

Taehyung was still looking at Yoongi, the look in his eyes almost reverent. He cleared his throat before breaking the silence, his voice low but sincere.

"You know," Taehyung began, his tone a little quieter than usual, "I've never really watched fireworks with anyone like this before."

I turned to look at him, surprised by the vulnerability in his voice.

He wasn't just talking about the fireworks-they meant something deeper to him tonight, something he wasn't sure how to put into words.

"I'm glad we're here together," he continued, his eyes meeting Yoongi's now.

There was a shift in the air, something delicate and unspoken between them. "I don't think I would have enjoyed tonight as much if it wasn't for you guys."

The simple sincerity in his words hit me harder than I expected.

He wasn't just talking about the fun of the park or the thrill of the rides.

He was talking about us-the three of us, together.

That unspoken connection was growing stronger, and I could feel it in the air, in the way we all looked at each other.

Yoongi didn't immediately respond, but his hand brushed mine, an almost imperceptible gesture that spoke volumes.

He looked at Taehyung, his lips curving slightly as he nodded, his voice quiet yet full of meaning.

"I'm glad you're here too, Taehyung. It's been a good night."

The first few bursts of color exploded into the night sky, stealing all of our attention.

The fireworks lit up the dark canvas above, vibrant reds, blues, and whites filling the air in a breathtaking display of light and sound.

I glanced over at Taehyung, who was staring up at the sky, his face lit by the firework's glow.

His eyes were wide, full of wonder, and for the first time tonight, I saw him completely at ease.

His laughter echoed in the air as the colors painted the sky, his joy as contagious as ever.

But then, just as I was lost in the beauty of it all, I felt a soft pressure on my hand. I looked over to see Yoongi's hand gently resting atop mine, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver through me.

He wasn't looking at me-he was watching the fireworks-but the tenderness in his actions spoke louder than any words.

I didn't know what this was between the three of us-this dance of unspoken feelings, this growing affection-but in that moment, with the fireworks lighting up the night sky, it didn't matter.

We were here together, a quiet understanding passing between us.

No one needed to say it out loud. The connection was already there.

For a while, we sat in silence, the world around us fading as we watched the fireworks.

But every now and then, I'd catch Taehyung glancing at Yoongi, or Yoongi would send Taehyung a small smile, and it was in those moments that I realized just how much this night had meant to them.

And how much it meant to me, too.

The night wore on, the fireworks eventually coming to an end, but the quiet energy between us lingered.

The three of us stood up, stretching after sitting for so long, and as we began to walk back toward the park's entrance, I felt a deep sense of contentment settle in my chest.

Taehyung clutched the bear to his chest, his grin as wide as ever. "This was the best night I've had in a long time."

Yoongi gave him a small, knowing smile. "Glad to hear it."

And I couldn't help but agree.

This night, with all its laughter, tenderness, and quiet moments, was something I would hold onto.

Something we would all remember-each of us carrying a piece of it with us, no matter what came next.