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

Chapter 23: Bears, Banter, and Bonding

Yoongi:
At least take a selfie with the lion before it drags you off into the sunset.

Taehyung couldn't help but grin, his excitement continuing to build.

It was rare to feel so carefree, but with them, it felt right.

He was genuinely looking forward to spending this day with them, knowing there was no pressure, just fun and excitement.

Taehyung (Group Chat)
I'm telling you, I'm going to have the lion eating out of my hand too. 😆 Just wait and see!

Jiwon raised an eyebrow at me, clearly amused. "Looks like someone's already got their hands full."

I grinned back. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Jiwon just shook his head, laughing as he got up to grab his gym bag. "Hey, I'm excited for you. Just don't forget to take it easy when you need to. You've got this."

As we left the gym together, I felt more grounded, more certain that I was on the right path.

Whatever this soulmate journey had in store for me, I knew one thing, I wasn't alone in it. I had Yoongi, Y/N, Jiwon, and so many others who had my back.

And that, I realized, was all I needed to keep moving forward.

_______________________

It had been a week since our unforgettable amusement park date with Taehyung.

The memories from that day still felt so vivid in my mind-the laughter, the warmth of his energy, and of course, the giant bear Yoongi had given him.

I could still see Taehyung hugging that stuffed bear tightly, as if it was the most precious thing in the world.

The way he'd lit up when Yoongi handed it to him, how it had somehow become a symbol of their growing bond... It was impossible not to feel something shift between us.

There was a connection that felt deeper now, more tangible, and I couldn't stop thinking about it.

This morning had started off just like any other.

Yoongi had picked me up from my apartment, as he always did. The warm, comfortable silence between us was something I cherished.

I could tell he was just as eager to get to the office, his focus always intense as he navigated the streets.

But this morning, I had to admit, I was distracted.

I couldn't stop thinking about how his fingers brushed over mine when he handed me my hot cocoa, the gentle kiss he had placed on my lips when he reached out to me, extending his neck, right before stepping out of the car. "Have a good day today, baby"

My heart fluttered at the word, a warmth spreading through me that I hadn't quite anticipated.

Baby.

It was such a simple endearment, it might be simple and cliché for some, but hearing it come from Yoongi, soft and sincere, made my breath catch.

I've noticed it slipping out of his mouth more often these past few days-little moments where he'd let the word linger between us, like a quiet reassurance that we were here, together.

It had only been a week since our amusement park date with Tae, but it felt like something had subtly shifted in the way he spoke to me, as if he was slowly letting down a guard I hadn't even known was there.

I smiled, watching him pull away, a small chuckle escaping me as I thought about how natural the word sounded coming from him. "You too," I called out to him, already feeling the longing to see him again.