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

Chapter 33: A Bear Cub's Dillema

"Thank you," he says, his voice low and full of sincerity.

He looks between Yoongi and me, searching for something in our eyes, maybe reassurance, before he speaks again. "To be honest... this is a lot to process. It sucks that the app can't confirm anything yet, especially since no one else has activated their profiles. But... I'm actually excited. Even though it's uncertain, I believe in it. I really do."

My chest tightens with relief at his words. I squeeze his hand tighter, my heart racing with a deep sense of calm.

Yoongi's face softens, his posture shifting in that familiar way that signals relief, too.

It's the same quiet relief I feel flooding through me.

Taehyung continues, his voice gaining strength, though a trace of vulnerability still lingers. "Yeah, I'm scared too. The uncertainty messes with my head sometimes. But... if I ever feel that same connection with anyone else-like what we have here, the three of us-then I'm all in. No hesitation. I'm here for the ride, no matter where it leads."

His words settle in the space between us, grounding us further. And with that, the room feels lighter, somehow easier to breathe in.

This is the trust I've been hoping for.

Taehyung, in all his complexity, is here with us. Ready.

And that makes everything feel just a little less daunting.

Yoongi shifts beside me, his hand brushing mine once more. I glance at him, and we share a silent understanding.

Taehyung has accepted us, accepted the truth we're offering. And that... makes everything feel a little easier.

"Well, this is a lot more mature than I thought we'd get out of you, Tae," Yoongi teases, the edge of a grin tugging at his lips. "I'm impressed."

Taehyung rolls his eyes, but his grin is wide, playful. "Hey, I can be serious when I need to be. Don't act like you two don't bring out the deep thinker in me."

"Deep thinker, huh?" I raise an eyebrow, teasing now. "That's a new side of you I didn't know about."

"I have many layers, Noona," Taehyung says dramatically, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "You've barely scratched the surface."

"Good grief," Yoongi mutters, shaking his head with a half-smile. "I should've known better than to encourage this."

I laugh, the sound light and freeing, and Taehyung grins at me like a devilish child, all innocence now.

The tension that lingered before has softened into something far more comfortable, the air filled with ease and warmth.

We've crossed a threshold, and somehow, it feels like we're moving forward-together, united, ready for whatever comes next.

"I'll try to be less of a poet for you, Yoongi," Taehyung teases, winking at him.

"You better," Yoongi replies dryly, but his smile is softer now as he nudges Tae's shoulder lightly.

For a moment, we sit there in silence, the quiet between us filled with a warmth that settles into my bones.

It's not perfect, and the future is still uncertain, but with Tae by our side, I feel like we're ready. Whatever comes next.

And just as I think we've settled into the moment, Yoongi exhales and glances at Taehyung.

"So, no more poet talk," Yoongi starts, raising an eyebrow. "But how about we hear you sing for us next time, Tae? I've heard you humming in the car earlier."