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

Chapter 30: Snap, Roar, Repeat

Taehyung makes a sound from the backseat. "Uh, excuse me, but I think this photo of the tigers is going to definitely win."

I laugh, turning to give him a playful look. "You're a little overconfident, don't you think?"

"I know my skills, noona," he says, pointing to himself with mock seriousness. "It's a gift."

A moment of silence falls between us, and then, just as we pass a particularly beautiful leopard lounging lazily in the sun, Yoongi's voice breaks the quiet.

"You know," he says, his voice low, "Tae's right. There's something about being here that makes everything feel... calm. Like all the noise stops for a second."

Taehyung looks at him, a little surprised by the sincerity in Yoongi's words. "Yeah," Taehyung agrees softly, "It's like everything just... falls into place when you're with someone you trust. You know?"

Yoongi doesn't respond immediately, but his gaze softens, his grip on the wheel loosening for just a moment.

His eyes flick to the rearview mirror, meeting Taehyung's gaze. It's a small thing, but I catch the way Yoongi's lips quirk up at the corners, the smallest hint of a smile.

"I trust you, Tae," Yoongi says quietly, almost as if he's sharing a secret with the world.

Taehyung's eyes widen at the unexpected words, his heart clearly skipping a beat. He smiles, but it's more subdued than usual-there's a depth to it now, something unspoken between them.

"I trust you too, hyung," Taehyung replies, his voice sincere. "Always."

The air between them shifts, just a little. There's something unmistakable in the way they share this moment-something that's been building for a while, hidden beneath layers of playful banter and shared smiles.

I glance between them, catching the fleeting connection, and I know that this-whatever this is between them-isn't just a passing moment.

It's something deeper, something that will continue to grow, even if neither of them has yet to fully acknowledge it.

We keep driving through the safari park, laughing and talking, taking more photos, and sharing more moments.

We're so caught up in the excitement, I almost forget to check the time.

Soon, we reach the end of the tour and the car slows to a stop. "And that's the last stop," Yoongi announces, his tone light.

"Well," I say, my heart still racing with excitement, "I can't believe that was the last of the animals! I want to see more, Yoongi!"

Taehyung perks up. "Same! There has to be more! The safari's not over yet, right?"

Yoongi grins. "Oh, I'm sure there's more. But for now, we'll park inside."