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

Chapter 31: Tae's Zoo Takeover

"Hurry up, you two! The pandas are just around the corner!" he calls out to us, that playful teasing tone in his voice.

I laugh, shaking my head as I pick up the pace to catch up. Yoongi follows behind, but there's a softness to his stride, almost as though he's savoring the moment.

His gaze flicks over to Taehyung, that familiar fondness in his eyes. I can tell he's protective of him, though in the most subtle way.

He's always like this-watchful and quietly caring, but with Taehyung, it's just deeper. Maybe it's just that Yoongi has always had a special way of nurturing the people he loves.

When we reach the panda exhibit, Taehyung is already at the railing, leaning over it to get a better view.

His expression is pure delight, like he's a kid again. "Look at them!" He points to the two pandas lounging lazily on a patch of grass, their black and white fur almost glowing under the sun.

His voice is full of awe, the kind that reminds me of the wonderment in his eyes when he first found out we were all part of this bond.

"They're so cute, I can't handle it."
Yoongi walks up beside him, his smile small but tender as he takes in the scene.

I catch the way Yoongi's gaze lingers on Taehyung for a second longer than it does on the pandas.

There's a kind of quiet care in the way he looks at Taehyung, a steady kind of affection that says he's always there, always watching over him, even in moments of carefree joy.

I can see how much Taehyung values it too, the way he tilts his head slightly, catching Yoongi's eye and flashing him a grin that speaks volumes.

Taehyung's affection for both of us is so obvious, but it's different now-more grounded, more open.

He's always been playful and full of energy, but now, I sense a deeper warmth in the way he interacts with us, like he's letting himself be fully present in this connection.

He's no longer trying to prove anything, just allowing himself to be, and it's beautiful to witness.

"You know," I say, leaning over the railing next to Taehyung, "I think they know they're cute. Look at them lounging like that, totally unbothered."

Tae chuckles and nudges me lightly with his shoulder. "They definitely know," he says with a grin. "But you're right. They're living the life."

Yoongi stands beside us now, his presence grounding and calming. I feel his hand settle on the small of my back, and I instinctively lean into him, a small smile curling at my lips.

There's a quiet confidence in Yoongi, a warmth that radiates just beneath the surface, and it's always been one of the things I love most about him.

His thumb brushes over my shirt in gentle, soothing circles. It's such a small gesture, but it makes my heart flutter all the same.