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

Chapter 27: Cocoa, Chaos, and Comfort

With her, there's a kind of peace I never expected to find. I reach out, brushing my hand against hers, just briefly, but it's enough to share the moment.

It's funny how simple things like this can feel like everything.

We were just laughing about how wacha kept rubbing into my leg right before we left Y/N's apartment when Taehyung's message pinged on the group chat.

Taehyung (Group Chat):
It's 8 AM, where are you guys? I'm getting so impatient here 😤

Y/N laughed, typing back a quick response.

Y/N (Group Chat):
We're on our way, Tae. You know how Yoongi drives-calm and slow. 😏

I smirk, but I keep my eyes on the road. "You know he's not wrong," I mutter, and Y/N chuckles beside me.

Taehyung (Group Chat):
I CAN PRACTICALLY HEAR YOU BOTH HAVING FUN WITHOUT ME!!! 😩

Taehyung (Group Chat):
Hurry up, I'm already packed and waiting. You two better be ready to have the BEST day EVER. 🐯💕

Y/N (Group Chat):
We're almost there, don't worry, Tae! We're bringing your favorite drink too 😋

Taehyung (Group Chat):
Tea?? You guys are finally coming through for me! 🤩💯

I glance over at Y/N as she hits send, then at the road again. She has a way of making things feel so natural, so easy.

It's moments like this, with Taehyung on the other side of the phone, both of us laughing over nothing at all, that remind me of how much I've come to rely on them.

As we pull up to Taehyung's apartment complex, I can't help but feel the familiar excitement bubbling in my chest.

The air feels lighter now, like we're shedding the weight of everything that's been building up.

The safari park is the perfect escape-nature, animals, and the pure joy of being around Taehyung, who always knows how to make everything feel less serious.

When we arrive, I spot him immediately-he's standing outside, looking like a picture of pure joy.

His platinum blonde hair is messy in the best way, and he's wearing a simple white shirt that only highlights the brightness in his expression.

And of course, there's the giant teddy bear I gave him, held tightly in his arms.

I roll my eyes but can't help the grin that spreads across my face. "Really, Tae?" I say, shaking my head. "You're carrying that thing again?"

He flashes his boxy smile, practically glowing with excitement. "You know this bear is my emotional support! It's like you guys but fluffier."

His grin widens even more, and I can't suppress a laugh.

Y/N rolls down the window, teasing him playfully. "I'm guessing we're doing the teddy bear shuffle again, huh?"

I sigh dramatically, though I'm already getting out of the car. "Guess so. How did we fit this thing in the last time, Tae?"

Taehyung looks at me with wide, innocent eyes. "It's a tight fit, but we make it work. You're strong, hyung! You've got this!"

He winks as if that's some sort of encouragement, and I shake my head, walking around to the back of the car.

As I try to wrestle the giant stuffed bear into the backseat, I can't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation.

Taehyung is practically dancing in place, his energy so infectious that I can't help but get swept up in it.

"Maybe next time you could leave the bear at home?" I grumble as I adjust it just a little more, trying to make sure it fits.

"No way, hyung," he says, his tone serious despite the gleam in his eye.

"This is my comfort. I need it for emotional support, remember?" He pats the bear as if it were a real person.

Y/N laughs beside me, and I glance over at her. She's holding the thermos with Taehyung's tea, her smile warm as she watches us struggle with the bear.

"You've got this, Yoongi," she says, her voice light. "Maybe we should just let Taehyung sit in the back with the bear on his lap."

Taehyung perks up. "That's not a bad idea," he says seriously. "I'd be very comfortable with that."

I finally manage to get the bear situated in the backseat, much to my relief, and climb back into the front seat.

Taehyung slides into the back, his teddy bear in tow, looking like the happiest person alive.

"Okay," I say, starting the engine again, "Let's get to the safari park before the bear gets any more attached to you."

Taehyung gives a mock gasp. "It's not about me! It's about the bear's emotional stability!" he says dramatically, clutching the stuffed animal like it's a priceless treasure.

I glance at Y/N, who's giggling at Taehyung's antics, and I can't help but smile.

We may be running late, but moments like this? They're worth it. Every time.

As I pull out of the parking lot and head towards the safari park, I feel a sense of ease settle over me.

The tension, the uncertainty, and everything else seem miles away.

Today is about fun, about the three of us-about letting go of all the things we've been holding onto.

For now, we're just three people in a car, headed toward a new adventure.

And that's enough for me.