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

Chapter 28: Sandwiches and Rearview Glances

There's something so beautifully balanced about it, a quiet harmony that makes everything feel right.

Noona shifts subtly, adjusting the temperature of the air conditioning, checking on hyung to make sure he's comfortable.

It's the little things-the way they take care of each other, and of me-that make me feel so connected to both of them.

"Hyung," I say softly this time, my voice quieter. "Thanks for driving us. I know it's early, but you didn't have to."

His eyes flick to the rearview mirror, meeting mine, and I see that familiar warmth in his gaze. "I wanted to. I'm happy to do it. Besides, it's nice having you two with me." His voice is steady, but there's a softness to it that makes my chest tighten.

Noona turns to me then, her smile like sunlight breaking through the clouds. "We're happy to be here with you too, Tae," she says, her voice full of affection. "We wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

And in that moment, I realize just how deep my feelings for both of them have grown.

It's more than just the idea of being soulmates-it's about this bond we share, this connection that is so much more than I ever thought it could be.

There's love here-real, pure love-and it's growing with every passing moment.

As we continue down the road, I lean back into my seat, the soft presence of the teddy bear beside me, but my heart... my heart belongs to these two.

And today, I'm just grateful to be on this journey with them.

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The drive continues, smooth and effortless, the three of us settling into a rhythm of joking, teasing, and laughing like it's the most natural thing in the world.

I can feel the car's soft hum beneath us, the steady way hyung grips the wheel as he navigates the road.

Every time he glances at me through the rearview mirror, it feels like he's checking in on me-like he's silently making sure I'm okay, even without saying a word.

"Hyung," I call out, resting my chin on the edge of the seat, my eyes fixed on the back of his head. "How are you feeling about this whole safari thing? You don't exactly seem like the 'animal adventure' type."

Noona laughs from the passenger seat, her voice light but teasing. "You're not wrong, Tae. I mean, have you ever seen Yoongi excited about anything other than music, technology, or coffee?"

I can't help but laugh along with her-she's right. Hyung's pretty laid-back, especially when it comes to things outside his comfort zone.

Hyung glances over at us briefly, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "I can get excited about things other than those three," he mutters, his tone more playful than defensive. "And I'm excited about this trip. I just don't need to announce it every five minutes."

I roll my eyes dramatically from the backseat. "You're no fun."

I lean forward, narrowing my eyes as if examining him. "You're probably just going to stand there, looking all cool and stoic while the rest of us run around like kids, trying to pet the lions."

Hyung's eyes flick to the rearview mirror again, catching my teasing gaze. "I'll just stand in the background, looking mysteriously cool while you two embarrass yourselves," he quips, a smile almost breaking through.

"And in no way are you losing your limbs and arms today, not on my watch" he adds, raising a finger, "don't you dare, Taehyung. We've talked about this." His voice is serious, but the playful tone underneath makes me chuckle.