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

Chapter 41: Warmth of the Den ⚠️

Then, sighing, he mumbles, "Fine but the shirt and pants stays on"

And so, minutes later, I'm sitting on the bathroom floor, carefully massaging shampoo into his soft brown curls as he sits between my legs, leaning against my knees.

His body relaxes with every movement.

"I missed this," he mumbles sleepily.

I smile, rubbing gentle circles into his scalp. "Me too, love."

_____________

"Tae we need to go to the doctor's tomorrow" Yoongi firmly states as he crosses his arms

"Not yet."

Yoongi and I exchange a glance.

Taehyung sits on the bed, shoulders tense, fingers gripping his teddy bear.

"Baby bear," Yoongi starts, voice patient but firm, "we just want to make sure-"

"I know," Taehyung interrupts, squeezing the bear tighter. "But not yet."

I reach for his hand, running my thumb over his knuckles. "We just... we need to be sure you're okay."

Taehyung swallows. "I'm okay enough."

Yoongi clenches his jaw.

I sigh. "Bear cub..."

"Please," he whispers.

His voice is small.

Fragile.

And just like that-

We break.

Yoongi exhales, rubbing a hand over his face. "Alright. Not yet."

I squeeze Taehyung's hand. "But soon, okay?"

Taehyung nods, though he doesn't look entirely convinced.

I lean forward and kiss his forehead. "We're just worried for you."

His breath shudders. "I know."

Yoongi presses his lips to the top of his head. "Just tell us when you're ready."

Taehyung closes his eyes. "I will."

And we believe him.

For now.

"Hey, Tae?" I ask later, sitting cross-legged on the couch while he plays with Wacha. "I've been meaning to ask, where's Yeontan?"

Taehyung blinks up at me, his fingers pausing mid-scratch behind Wacha's ear.

"Oh," he says, as if he just realized something. "He's with my manager."

Yoongi and I both freeze.

"...Your what?" Yoongi asks, slowly setting down his cup of coffee.

Taehyung blinks again. "My manager?"

I stare at him. "You have a manager?"

Taehyung tilts his head. "Guys."

Yoongi and I exchange a look.

"You're telling us," I start carefully, "that you-our bear cub, our baby-has a manager?"

Taehyung huffs, looking slightly offended. "Yes?"

Yoongi leans back, rubbing his temple. "Okay, let me just-let me process this."

Taehyung frowns. "Why are you both acting like this is shocking?"

I throw my hands up. "Tae, you never mentioned it!"

He lets out an exasperated sigh. "GUYS. You know that I'm a VR content creator. I have brand deals, sponsorships, a whole team that helps me manage things."

Yoongi rubs his jaw. "Huh."

I narrow my eyes. "You never talk about this."

Taehyung shrugs. "I didn't think it was a big deal."

Yoongi snorts. "You've been famous this whole time, and we didn't even know?"

Taehyung crosses his arms. "I wouldn't say famous-"

"-You absolutely would," I cut in.

Taehyung pouts. "Well... maybe just a little."

Yoongi rolls his eyes. "Unbelievable."

I giggle, nudging Taehyung's knee. "We need to see more of your work."

Taehyung beams. "I'll show you sometime."

And for a moment, just a moment-
He looks happy.

"Tae," Yoongi says, setting down his book that evening "Let's get Yeontan."

Taehyung blinks.

His fingers tighten around the teddy bear in his lap. "What?"

I lean forward. "We should pick him up."

Taehyung swallows. "I-"

And then-

His eyes start to shine.

The kind of shine that happens right before he cries.

"Oh, baby," I whisper, reaching for his hand. "You miss him, don't you?"

Taehyung nods quickly, blinking away tears.

Yoongi squeezes his knee. "Then let's bring him here."

Taehyung's lip trembles.

But then-
He hesitates.

"But I-" He looks down, playing with the fabric of his teddy bear. "I don't want to overstay. You guys already-"

Yoongi frowns immediately. "Tae."
Taehyung flinches at the tone.

Yoongi sighs, softening. "Baby bear, you are not overstaying."

I squeeze his hand. "You're home."

His eyes flicker between us.

Then-

"But Wacha-"

Yoongi glances at the cat, who is currently sprawled across a chair, completely unbothered.

"She'll live," he says dryly.

I nod. "She's already warming up to you. I think she'll survive a tiny, fluffy Pomeranian."

Taehyung bites his lip, still hesitating.

Then, finally-
"Okay."

And just like that-

His whole face lights up.

And I swear, my heart melts right there.

We curl up on the couch together.

Wacha is stretched across my lap.

Taehyung is curled up against Yoongi's side, his teddy bear tucked beneath one arm.

"You know," I murmur, playing with his fingers, "you're a very cuddly person."

Taehyung hums, nuzzling into Yoongi's chest. "Only with you guys."

Yoongi smirks. "Lucky us."

Taehyung grins sleepily.

Then-
He whispers, "I really can't believe I'm here."

I kiss his knuckles. "You are."

Yoongi presses a kiss to the top of his head. "And you're staying."

Taehyung sighs softly, his body fully relaxing.

And for the first time in days, I don't see fear in his eyes.

Just love.

Yoongi catches my gaze, his expression soft.

And I know.

We're going to be okay.

Taehyung still has a long way to go.

But we're here.

Together.