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

Chapter 26: Handshakes and Hopes

Namjoon, too, seems pleased with the proposal. It's clear he values the collaboration, even if the pressure of it all is starting to mount.

Yoongi nods, satisfied. "Great. Let's make sure everything aligns perfectly."

There's a pause, and Ha Eun, who has been taking notes this whole time, suddenly bursts out with an enthusiastic, "I can't believe how smooth this went! I mean, seriously, this is how teamwork is supposed to be!"

She's right, in a way.

Today, it feels like we've crossed a threshold.

We've moved from being two separate teams with different objectives to one unified force working toward a common goal.

It's not just about the project anymore. It's about what we can accomplish when we truly collaborate.

Namjoon chuckles at Ha Eun's excitement. "I'm glad to see everyone on board," he says, his voice light but sincere. "We all want this to succeed. And with the way everyone's been working together, I'm confident it will."

With that, Ha Eun gives a triumphant little clap of her hands. "Alright, I think we're done for today! This meeting is a wrap. Let's get to work!"

The room fills with the sound of people gathering their things, a collective sense of relief settling over the team.

The tension that had been lingering in the air is gone, replaced by the quiet hum of accomplishment.

As everyone begins to trickle out, I gather my things, ready to head back to Echotech.

I glance at Yoongi, and we exchange a silent understanding.

We've still got work to do, and I'm sure there are challenges ahead, but for now, I feel like we've made a significant step forward.

Just as I'm about to leave, I feel a light tap on my shoulder.

I turn around, and it's Namjoon-and all his muscular glory- standing there with that serious yet kind expression on his face.

"Y/N," he says, his voice softer than usual, "Suga..." He pauses, looking between us, and then takes a breath. "I just wanted to say-thank you. I'm really impressed with how you both handled everything today. Your team's flexibility and the way you came up with solutions, even when things were tense-it's clear you've put in a lot of work, and I respect that."

Yoongi looks at me, then back at Namjoon, and I can see the surprise in his eyes.

Namjoon's words, especially coming from him, carry a lot of weight. It's not just the praise, though-it's the sincerity behind it.

I feel a warmth in my chest, a strange sense of pride blooming inside me.

We've worked hard, sure, but hearing it from Namjoon makes it all feel so much more meaningful.

I nod, acknowledging his words. "Thank you, Namjoon," I say, my voice steady despite the rush of emotions I'm trying to contain. "I'm glad we could make things work, and I appreciate your support."

Yoongi nods as well, his usual calm demeanor not quite masking the appreciation in his eyes. "Yeah, thank you. It feels good to have everyone on the same page."

Namjoon smiles, and I can see the flicker of something deeper behind his expression, something unspoken.

He takes a step forward, extending his hand toward me first, offering a handshake.

His movements are deliberate, the weight of the gesture making it feel more significant than just a simple formality.

I can feel the surprise bubble up inside me.

He's not avoiding us. He's not keeping his distance anymore.

Has he finally decided to acknowledge even a little what's been hanging between us all this time?

My heart beats a little faster as I slowly extend my hand toward his.

The moment our hands connect, it's like a jolt of electricity shoots through me.

It's brief, but the warmth of his touch lingers, sending an unexpected wave of heat rushing through me.

I glance up at Namjoon's face and see that flicker in his eyes too.

He's feeling it, too.

The same tension, the same pull.

And for the first time, I realize that maybe it's not something he's willing to ignore anymore.

Before I can think too much about it, Namjoon pulls his hand back and turns to Yoongi, extending the same gesture.

I glance at Yoongi, and he meets my gaze for a brief moment before stepping forward and shaking Namjoon's hand as well.

For a second, it's as if the world around us has quieted.

The touch between them, just like mine, is brief but undeniably charged.

I can feel it in the way Yoongi's posture stiffens just a little, the way he pulls his hand back, his eyes lingering on Namjoon's face for a fraction of a second longer than necessary.

We all stand there, each of us processing the same unspoken weight.

I'm wondering if this is it-if this is the moment where we all start to acknowledge what's been building between us.

Namjoon steps back slightly, his gaze moving between the two of us.

There's something in his eyes-something that tells me he's aware of what's happening.

He seems to breathe a little deeper, as though trying to make sense of what just passed between us.

"Take care of yourselves, alright?" he says, his voice a little softer now, as if the weight of everything that's just passed between us is something he's still processing.

Yoongi and I exchange a quick look, both of us feeling it-The connection. The pull.

It's still there, between us and Namjoon, thick in the air. But it's unspoken, just like the way the entire meeting unfolded.

"Thanks, Namjoon," Yoongi says, his voice a little quieter than usual. "We'll see you soon."

I offer a small smile as well, nodding. "Take care."

As we walk out of the room and toward the exit, I can feel my heart still pounding, my thoughts racing.

The touch of Namjoon's hand lingers in my mind, and I can't help but wonder what's next for all of us.