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

Chapter 26: Handshakes and Hopes

There's something deeper in his gaze, an understanding that we're both aware of something neither of us is ready to fully acknowledge.

We're both stuck in this complicated dance, pretending we don't feel the same way.

But even in the silence between us, I can feel it.

The connection is impossible to ignore.

It's always been there, just beneath the surface, waiting to be acknowledged.

The meeting goes on. Y/N, Suga and their team give their input, responding to counterarguments from my team, but every time I try to stay focused, I'm drawn back to them.

They've spoken about the project with the passion I respect.

Each of them cares deeply about the impact it can have.

Their professional personas are clear, yet there's a quiet tension in the air-one I can't shake.

I speak up again, my voice cutting through the weight of the room.

"I know we're all coming from different places on this," I begin, my gaze lingering on Y/N and Suga a moment longer than usual. "But the bottom line is, we all want this to succeed. We all want it to contribute to change, to be meaningful."

I let the words sink in, aware of the effect they could have on the others in the room. "And I know we have our differences. I see them clearly. But we need to find a way to work together on this. All of us, as one team."

I let the silence hang for a moment, locking eyes with Y/N and Suga as I continue, my voice softer now. "Maybe we don't agree on every point. But I'm willing to compromise. I think we can find a middle ground. We don't have to sacrifice our values to make this work. We just need to be willing to work with each other, even when it's hard."

My gaze softens for just a second as I look at them, both of them so focused on me now.

I can see it in their faces.

They've heard me.

They understand.

I don't know how I know it, but I can feel it-they're listening.

Really listening.

And maybe, just maybe, this is the way forward.

"There's a lot at stake here," I continue, my voice a little firmer now, "but we all want the same thing. To make this work. To do something meaningful. And that's what matters."

My heart beats a little faster as I let those words settle into the room. I mean them-every last one of them.

I just don't know what to do with the feelings that have risen alongside them.

I'm trying to convince myself that the work has to come first. That the mission is bigger than anything else.

But the truth is, I'm not sure anymore.

I don't know if I'm fooling myself or if I'm genuinely willing to explore whatever is happening between this soul connection.

All I know for sure is that the connection is undeniable, and it's only going to get harder to ignore.

Especially since I'll be seeing them more often than I like it or not.

The meeting continues, but in the back of my mind, all I can think about is what comes next.

How much longer can I deny the pull between us? And if I do embrace it, what will that mean for everything I've worked for?

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