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

Chapter 34: Dinners & Existential Crisis

Yeona laughs again, before turning to Jae. His infectious enthusiasm is always the perfect balance to my chaotic nature.

He nudges me and offers his usual grin, his fingers tapping against the table rhythmically as he speaks.

"Okay, seriously," Jae says, leaning in with that grin I know all too well, "when's the next round of features rolling out? Because I'm already thinking of some ideas to take this thing even further."

I chuckle, elbowing him lightly. "Jae, we just launched this one. Can we let it breathe for a minute?"

But Jae only laughs, shaking his head. "Yeah, but you know what I mean. The whole community's been talking about it, and the feedback's been unreal. I think we've got something here that could really change the world."

He pauses and looks directly at me, his expression a little more serious. "You're leading the charge on this. You should be proud."

I feel my chest swell with warmth, and for a moment, I'm speechless.

It's always humbling to hear your work appreciated by your closest friends, especially when they're the ones who see you working through all the late nights and struggles.

Before I can respond, I catch a glimpse of Yoongi out of the corner of my eye.

He's giving me that look-half-smile, eyes soft-and I feel a little rush of emotion that catches me off guard.

I lean toward him, whispering, "You're really the best partner, you know that?"

Yoongi's eyes flick to mine, and for a moment, I swear he's completely in his own world.

His fingers lightly tap the back of my hand under the table, a quiet gesture that sends warmth spreading through my chest.

"You're the one who did all the heavy lifting. I'm just here to make sure no one hacks into it," he says, his voice barely above a whisper.

Just as I was about to respond, My phone buzzes in my pocket and I instinctively check it, my heart fluttering as I see a message in our group chat from Tae.

Taehyung (Group Chat)
Hey soulmates ✨ I can't wait to hear about your updates, I'm sure it's a success!! 😏👑

Taehyung (Group Chat)
I mean I actually even read the in app articles! It's interesting!! 👀

Y/N (Group Chat)
Hi my bear cub!!🧸We miss you so much! I hope you're here with us right now 😭 we just heard it and it is a success!! 🥹

Y/N (Group Chat)
We can't wait to tell you all about it 🤗

Taehyung (Group Chat)
I miss you guys so much too!!! 🥹

Taehyung (Group Chat)
I miss your voice noona, I feel like I hear it even in my dreams and I kept hugging my bear today wishing it was yoongi hyung 😔😭🧸

I giggle at his sweetness, my heart doing backflips at his words.

Then as I glance towards Yoongi, I see him blush at the message as he awkwardly coughs while looking away, his ears tomato red.

I raise my eyebrows at him with a smirk. Oh this man is so cute when he's flustered.

He acts all calm and collected in front of Tae but he's clearly affected by him.

I can see it everytime he holds Tae's hand in a poker face but his ears always turning red, every single time.

Or the way he stares at taehyung and admires him when he's not looking.