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

Chapter 31: Tae's Zoo Takeover

The giant glass walls are filled with vibrant sea life-schools of neon fish darting through the water, graceful rays gliding by, and the slow, majestic movement of a dolphin swimming in circles.

Taehyung is practically bouncing with excitement as we walk through the entrance. "Look at that one!" He points to a school of bright yellow fish that swirl together in perfect synchrony. "They look like little sunbeams in the water!"

I laugh, the excitement in his voice so contagious I can't help but share in his joy.

It's hard not to when his eyes are wide with wonder, completely captivated by every new sea creature that comes into view. "They really do," I agree, smiling at his childlike enthusiasm.

Yoongi, who's been walking beside me, lets out a soft chuckle. His gaze flickers between Taehyung and me, his lips curving into a small smile as he watches the scene unfold.

"Are you having fun?" I ask , glancing up at Yoongi, feeling the warmth of his presence beside me.

He meets my eyes, a quiet tenderness in his gaze. "Of course," he murmurs, his voice soft but steady. "Just watching you two makes it worth it."

I smile at him, a surge of affection flooding my chest.

Tae, ever the playful one, suddenly pulls me toward a large tank where a pair of dolphins are swimming gracefully through the water.

He looks at me with wide eyes, full of wonder. "Look at them, they're so beautiful," he says softly, and I can see a hint of admiration in his gaze.

"They really are," I say, glancing at Yoongi, who's now leaning against the railing, watching the dolphins as well. His expression is serene, content in the simple peace of the moment.

Taehyung leans in closer to me, his voice playful but full of warmth. "I think Yoongi hyung's secretly a dolphin," he teases, glancing over at him. "Look at that calmness. I bet he's got some kind of deep ocean wisdom."

Yoongi looks at him with a small smirk, but there's fondness in his eyes. "Maybe I do," he says dryly, his gaze meeting mine. "But I'll let you two keep your excitement for now. Someone has to be the anchor in this group."

Tae laughs, shaking his head. "How can you be so calm all the time?"

Yoongi's smile deepens just a little, though it remains understated. "Someone has to be."

I turn to Taehyung, who's practically bouncing on his heels in excitement. "Do you think they understand us?" he wonders aloud, eyes sparkling with curiosity as he watches a dolphin leap gracefully from the water.

"I think they get it," I say, grinning. "They're just as excited as we are."

Taehyung looks at me, his playful grin softening into something more sincere. "I love how you always see the best in everything," he says.

His voice carries an affection that makes my heart swell.

I feel my cheeks warm, not expecting the compliment, but I also realize that it's one of the things I love about Taehyung-his ability to make you feel seen, to make you feel like you matter in his world. "It's hard not to when I'm surrounded by you two," I reply, my voice soft but full of truth.

Taehyung's eyes light up at my words, and before I can say anything else, he's tugging me towards the next exhibit, practically dragging me to the giant shark tank. "Come on! Sharks! We can't miss those!"

I laugh as I try to keep up with him, feeling the gentle tug of Yoongi's hand as he keeps pace with us.

I glance up at him again, catching his gaze briefly. His eyes hold a mix of affection and something else-pride, maybe? It's hard to put into words, but it's clear that he's just as happy to be here with us as we are with him.