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

Chapter 33: A Bear Cub's Dillema

I can feel her hand tugging at my sleeve, that familiar, warm gesture. I know it's meant with love, but... it's suffocating.

It's like she's still seeing me as that little bear cub, the one they need to look after.

The frustration stirs again in my chest.

Why can't they see me as more than that?

Why does it always feel like I'm just the playful kid they protect?

Maybe like I don't fit in the way I want to. They're so naturally affectionate toward me, so protective, like I'm this kid they need to take care of.

I try to shake off the feeling, cracking a grin. "Okay, okay. I get it. I'm not a grown-up yet."
I reply, trying to brush off the sting of her words, but deep down, it still burns.

Yoongi hyung's voice breaks through my thoughts, his usual teasing tone "You'll get there one day, Tae," he says warmly, but the way he says it, like it's something far off in the future, makes me feel like I'm still a work in progress, not yet worthy of being seen as an equal.

I want to be seen as someone who can stand beside them, not just someone they take care of.

His hand squeezes mine casually, a gesture that sends an electric current through me.

The affection is so natural for him, so easy, I know it's sweet and I hate it because I get so affected with it, but it just feels like I'm not treated seriously.

It feels more like a parent reassuring his kid.

Here I am getting flustered, feeling all this jitter and butterflies and yet he's all calm, just wanting to protect this kid he has.

A child.

A child he loves and cares for.

But still a child, nonetheless.

Maybe I'm just imagining it, but it feels, like I will never be anything beyond that.

I will always only be a kid, a little brother.

He looks at me for a moment before adding, "But for now, you're kind of like a puppy. And puppies need their pets and belly rubs"

"Puppy?!" I squawk, now feeling like I'm being lumped in with a bunch of cute, fluffy animals. "Are you seriously calling me a puppy now? Just because I'm cute doesn't mean I'm a puppy!"

Y/N noona leans over and ruffles my hair affectionately, the way you might do with a younger sibling or, well, a puppy. "Aww, look at you, acting all tough now. You know we love you, Tae. You'll always be our baby bear."

I freeze at that-my chest suddenly feeling too tight, my smile faltering for just a second.

I. AM. NOT. A. BABY.

I'm not just a cute little bear cub who needs to be coddled.

I can feel the warmth of her touch, and it makes my heart flutter, but that flutter quickly fades to something heavier.

I know it's meant with all the love in the world, but the more they call me that, the more it makes me feel... like I'm not on the same level with them.

They treat me like I'm just this adorable little kid who's always going to be under their wing.

They're not seeing me the way I want them to.

Not as a romantic partner.

Not as someone who's just as serious, just as invested.

I want them to see me as someone who can be just as important to them as they are to me.

"So, what do you think, Tae?" Noona's voice breaks through my spiraling thoughts.

She's giving me that soft, teasing smile that she always has when she knows I'm about to say something silly. "Road trip next weekend? Just the three of us?"

I glance at both of them.

They're looking at me with those big, warm eyes-like I'm their little brother, their bear cub, the one they'll always protect.

And part of me is so thankful for it.

But the other part... the part that's been feeling restless lately, the part that's been wanting something more... it feels like I'm being left out of something.

Something deeper, more intimate.

Something romantic.

Instead of saying anything right away, I pause.

I can feel the tightness in my chest again, that confusing mix of affection, longing, and frustration.

I need to figure out how to show them that I'm not just a kid to take care of, but a grown man with feelings.

I glance at Yoongi hyung, who's looking at me with those unreadable eyes of his.

And then Y/N noona, who's smiling softly, her hand still resting on my arm like she's afraid I might run off and get lost in the world if she lets go.

Maybe I don't need a piggyback ride.

Maybe what I really need is to show them that I'm not a kid anymore.

I stand up a little straighter, the decision forming in my mind. It's time to make my move.

No more waiting.

I'm going to show them that I'm capable of more than just being their cute, cuddly bear cub.

I smile, finally letting my thoughts settle.

"I'll be ready for the road trip," I say with a wink, trying to keep the mood light. "But let's do it a few weeks from now. I think I need to show you both something first... something that says I'm more than just your cute little bear cub."

Y/N noona and Yoongi hyung exchange a glance, but I just keep walking ahead with a determined smile.

It's time to show them who I really am-and I'll start by asking for what I want.