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

Chapter 33: A Bear Cub's Dillema

But the whole time, something's nagging at me.

It's the way they sometimes treat me, like I'm fragile or need looking after.

I mean, I know it's because they care about me..

but I can't help but wonder if they see me as something... less than them.

Less serious?

Less romantic?

I've never been the type to sit around and wait for things to happen, but right now, I'm feeling like I'm just... floating.

Not really included in their romantic connection, even though I'm absolutely attracted to both of them.

I want to be more than the fun, energetic third wheel. I want to be a partner-just as serious, just as passionate.

And that's when it hits me.

Maybe they don't see me that way.

Maybe they still think of me as this playful, cute kid they need to take care of.

But what if I'm not just the cute little bear cub they always want to protect?

What if I'm more?

I can't help but wonder if they're too focused on protecting me to really see me as a romantic partner.

A few days after...I get my answer-or at least, I think I do.

______________

We're hanging out again, the three of us. I'm laughing, making jokes, keeping the energy up, but my heart's not really in it anymore.

Something feels... off. I don't know how to explain it, but it's this nagging, lingering feeling that maybe I'm just not being seen the way I want to be.

I know they care. I know they do. But do they want me the way I want them?

It's another one of those lazy afternoons.

The sun is setting, casting everything in soft shades of amber and gold.

Yoongi hyung nudges me with his elbow, pulling me from my thoughts. "You good, Tae?" he asks with his usual laid-back tone, his lips quirking upward in that smirk that always makes my heart skip.

I force a smile, but I know it doesn't quite reach my eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine," I reply, brushing off the tension that I'm sure is evident in my voice.

Y/N noona glances over at me, her gaze softening. "You sure? You seem kind of... distant today."

I quickly flash her a grin. "Nah, I'm just thinking about how much fun today has been. Amusement park, Safari park, brunches, late night hang outs, park walks, and now this? Can't complain, right?"

Hyung hums, clearly not buying it, but he doesn't push.

Instead, he lets his hand brush against mine casually and holds my hand, a small gesture that makes my heart race.

Maybe because it's just so... Yoongi.

There's something about the way he holds himself, the quiet intensity behind his nonchalant gestures, that drives me wild. It's so subtle, but it's there.

Y/N noona loops her arm through mine on the other side with a little giggle, pulling me into the conversation again. "You were the star of the show at the safari park, Tae. I couldn't stop laughing when you tried to talk to that giraffe."

I chuckle, the memory still fresh in my mind. "Hey, I was just trying to bond! I'm sure it appreciated my efforts."

"Pretty sure the giraffe was just confused," Yoongi hyung teases, his eyes sparkling with amusement.