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

Chapter 32: Backseat Snoring, Front Seat Ramblings

"It felt... like a big step, I guess. And I wasn't sure if it was... real? You know? Like, I've felt it with you two, but when it showed up in the app, I don't know... It kinda made it official. It made me feel like, hey, what I'm feeling is actually valid."

Hyung's expression softens, and I feel the weight of his attention on me, even without him saying anything yet. After a few beats, he speaks, his voice low and reassuring.

"It's real, Tae," he says, his voice soft, easing the anxious flutter in my chest. "I felt it too. Y/N feels it as well. We don't need the app to know that, but I understand-it's a lot to take in."

I nod, my chest loosening a bit. His reassurance always does that to me-it's like the universe quiets itself for a second when he speaks.

"I know," I say, glancing over at him. "But... It was like I needed that confirmation. You know? Like, seeing that notification, knowing we're all in this together, that it's more than just feelings... it was kinda... reassuring"

Yoongi hyung's lips twitch upward, that small, fond smile I love so much pulling at his mouth.

He takes a deep breath, like he's about to say something important, and I can feel the weight of the moment building, even in the quiet car.

"You don't need any app to know that we're in this together," Yoongi repeats, his voice softer, warmer now. "But I get it, Tae. I get what you mean. I think we all just... needed that reminder. I know I did."

I glance at him, my heart skipping a little at the sincerity in his voice. "Yeah?"

He nods, his eyes flicking between the road and me. "Yeah. I've felt the same way. Even with all the changes, all the unknowns... having the connection in the app made it feel like there's a purpose to all this. It validated how I've been feeling about both of you. And it's good to know we're all on the same page."

I let the silence hang for a moment, letting his words settle in. The air feels warmer now, the weight of everything lightened by his simple, steady presence.

"Thanks, hyung," I say quietly, offering him a genuine smile. "I just needed to hear that from you."

Hyung's eyes soften, and he gives me a small, knowing smile. "Always, Tae. I'm not going anywhere. Neither of us are."

And just like that, I feel the last of the tension melt away.

It's crazy how something so simple, like him saying those words, can make everything feel so much clearer.

"I'm really glad we're in this together," I say, my voice quieter now. "Like, really glad. I don't think I could do this without you guys."

Yoongi hyung's thumb taps the steering wheel lightly, and the familiar, quiet affection in his eyes fills my chest with warmth. "We feel the same, Tae. We're not going anywhere."

The road stretches ahead of us, the endless highway lit up by streetlamps that blur into streaks of light as we drive.

Noona is still asleep in the backseat, clutching my giant teddy bear like it's her new best friend. I can't help but grin at the sight.

It's not just a teddy bear; it's a symbol of that perfect day, the beginning of everything.

It's Yoongi hyung in plush form. A reminder of the start of this beautiful, crazy connection between the three of us.

I shift in my seat, feeling a burst of energy despite the long day, and break the quiet. "So, how do you feel about a road trip? Like, the three of us just hitting the open road with no destination in mind."