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

Chapter 26: Handshakes and Hopes

They're building something here, a plan that feels both strategic and achievable.

"It seems like we'll need to loop in the design team next," Ha Eun continues, glancing toward Jae, the UI/UX designer. "Jae, we're going to need your input on how the feedback translates into design changes, right?"

Jae leans forward "Absolutely. The design needs to evolve based on what users are telling us. We can't just tweak the colors or layout. It has to make sense, especially with security in mind. If we're introducing new features, they need to be intuitive and secure."

The conversation flows effortlessly now, each team member offering their expertise and ideas.

It's not just technical talk anymore; it's a shared vision. A real sense of collaboration has begun to form between us.

Then, as if to break the slightly intense atmosphere, their lead developer-was it Shiwoo?- lets out a small laugh. "So, we're looking at launching the beta still in two weeks, right? That's gonna give us just enough time to get a solid group of testers, but not enough time to panic-love that for us."

The room chuckles, and even Suga cracks a smile. It's a brief, rare moment, but it's enough to lighten the mood.

The tension is still there, but it's lessening, replaced by a sense of excitement and camaraderie.

"I think we're starting to get into a rhythm here," I say, glancing at the team, my voice filled with cautious optimism. "We've got a lot of work ahead of us, but I can see how we're coming together."

Shiwoo nods, flashing a smile. "It's all about balance. We've got to keep things practical, but also make sure we don't lose sight of the bigger picture."

"Exactly," Y/N says, her voice warm with agreement. "We're not just building an app-we're building something that can make a difference. If we all stay on the same page, we'll get there."

There's a pause, and I can feel my gaze flicking between Suga and Y/N.

The way they interact, the way they finish each other's sentences, it's hard to ignore.

There's a harmony between them, like they're working on some unspoken wavelength that I'm not fully part of.

It's unsettling, but also... captivating.

I can't help but think back about him-about the bond we once had.

The bond we shared was clear-two people who were also in sync, who trusted each other implicitly.

We were them.

Today they are them. Suga, Y/N and probably him.

If I do decide, what would I bring to all of this? Would he even accept me back?

Or will I always just be the outsider, the one who'll oversee and guide but never truly be part of that connection?

"Okay, so we have a plan," Suga says, snapping me out of my thoughts, his eyes meeting mine briefly. "Let's get to work."

The meeting continues, and I find myself focusing more on the task at hand, pushing my earlier thoughts aside.

Something is building here. Something I'm not sure how to navigate.

But for now, I focus on the work. I have to.

After all, this is about something bigger than any of us. And if we're going to make it work, we need to keep our eyes on the prize.

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Y/N's POV

The pace is picking up, and there's this new energy in the room that makes everything seem possible.