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

Chapter 23: Bears, Banter, and Bonding

I nodded, appreciating his words. "Yeah, I guess I am. It's like... this whole soulmate thing is starting to make sense now. I didn't know if it was real at first, but meeting them... I don't know, it feels right. It feels like everything just clicked."

Jiwon raised an eyebrow. "You didn't think it was real?"

I shrugged. "I was skeptical. But after seeing what you and Minji have, I get it now. The way you two talk about each other, the way you support each other-it made me want to give the app a real shot. I'm just... really thankful to you and Minji for convincing me to take that leap."

Jiwon grinned, clearly proud of himself. "Well, Minji's a great influence. You know that. But seriously, I'm glad you're opening up to the idea. And honestly, Tae, I think you've got a real shot at something amazing with Yoongi and Y/N. Just... don't rush it, okay? Let things develop naturally."

I chuckled, feeling a bit lighter now. "I'm not rushing anything. Just letting things flow. But yeah... I'm excited to see where it goes."

As we finished our workout, I pulled out my phone and checked my messages. Sure enough, there was a new notification from Yoongi and Y/N.

Yoongi (Group Chat)
Alright, so we were thinking of setting it up next weekend?

Yoongi (Group Chat)
I'm thinking something less... intense than the last one, though.

Yoongi (Group Chat)
I'm not carrying around another teddy bear this time.

Y/N (Group Chat)
PLEASE, no more bears! I think the entire world already knows that Taehyung's that guy with the giant stuffed animal. 😂

Y/N (Group Chat)
But I'm in for whatever you guys want to do!

I couldn't help but laugh at their messages. They were right-everyone probably knew me as the guy with the giant teddy bear by now.

But the memories we made with that bear felt priceless to me.

As Jiwon and I finished up our last set, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

I pulled it out quickly, already knowing it was probably Yoongi or Y/N. Sure enough, it was a message from Y/N.

Y/N (Group Chat)
You better be lifting those weights properly. Don't want you pulling anything and hurting yourself!

I smiled at the message, feeling the warmth of her encouragement.

It was little things like this-her genuine care-that made me feel so comfortable around her.

Taehyung (Group Chat)
Don't worry, I'm lifting like a pro! Just gotta stay strong so I can keep up with you two on the next adventure. 😏💥

Right after I hit send, Yoongi chimed in. His messages always felt a little more laid-back, but I could feel the sincerity behind them.

Yoongi:
Just make sure you don't hurt yourself, Taehyung. I'm not carrying you back to the car this time.

I laughed aloud at that, knowing Yoongi was always the one to keep things light but practical.

He always had this way of balancing humor with a sort of subtle care that made me feel like I was being looked after without him even needing to say much.

Taehyung:
Ha! I'm not that much of a handful, Yoongi. But if you did carry me, I wouldn't say no. 😉

I was joking, of course, but there was something about the thought of Yoongi taking care of me that made my heart flutter a little.