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

Chapter 40: Holding It Together ⚠️

"What?"

He tugs me closer, resting his hands on my hips. "Dara is Mr. Lee's daughter. Mr. Lee and Namjoon work together all the time. Maybe they just know each other through their parents."

I narrow my eyes. "Are you convinced by that explanation?"

A beat of silence.

Then, begrudgingly-
"...No."

I knew it.

Yoongi exhales, pressing his forehead against mine. "Fine. It was suspicious. But you're getting way too worked up over this."

"I have to get worked up over this!" I gesture wildly. "She's already invading my work life-now she's suddenly connected to Namjoon, the guy we suspect is one of our soulmates? That's too much power for one woman to have!"

Yoongi laughs, amused. "Baby, you sound like you admire her."

I groan. "That's the problem! She's so annoyingly competent and nice that it's impossible to hate her!"

Yoongi smirks. "You want to hate her?"

"Yes!" I cry. "But I can't! And now she's all mysterious and knows Namjoon, and I hate that I'm intrigued by her!"

Yoongi shakes his head, chuckling as he leans in. "You're cute when you're spiraling."

"I am not spiraling," I grumble.

He hums, unconvinced. "Okay."

"I am not."

"Sure."

I scowl up at him. "You are the worst."

He grins, leaning down to kiss me. "And yet, you love me."

Damn him.

I melt into the kiss, sighing against his lips.

His hands slide down to my waist, his grip warm and steady. "Calm down," he murmurs. "Enjoy tonight. We deserve this."

I exhale, leaning into him. "I know."

"You're allowed to have fun," he reminds me, voice softer now. "Even with... everything."

I nod, tightening my arms around him.

Even with the weight of Taehyung's absence pressing against my chest, even with the lingering ache that never really goes away...

Yoongi is right.

We deserve a night to breathe.

A small meow sounds from below.

We both look down to find Wacha staring up at us, her tail flicking.

I smile, bending down to scratch behind her ears. "We won't be out too late, baby girl."

She meows again, rubbing against my leg.

Yoongi crouches down, rubbing a gentle hand over her back. "Be good, Wacha."

She flicks her tail at him before hopping onto the couch, curling up into her usual nap position.

Yoongi stands, grabbing his jacket. "Ready?"

I nod, slipping my hand into his. "Let's do this."

As we head out for the night, one thought lingers in my mind-
Dara Lee is full of secrets.

And something tells me we're just getting started.

__________________

I should have known Dara Lee was going to be a problem.