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

Chapter 41: Warmth of the Den ⚠️

"Tae," I whisper softly, "you're safe."

He blinks rapidly, his eyes darting between me and Yoongi, like he's trying to piece reality together.

Yoongi, still half-asleep, tightens his arms around Taehyung's waist, anchoring him with his warmth. "You're home, baby bear," he murmurs against Taehyung's shoulder.

Taehyung stills.

And then, slowly-
His body relaxes.

Just a little.

I stroke my fingers through his hair, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. "Good morning, love."

He swallows hard, blinking at me.

"Morning," he croaks.

His voice is hoarse. Scratchy.

Like he hasn't spoken properly in days.

It hurts to hear.

I shift closer, pressing my forehead against his. "How are you feeling?"

He hesitates. "I..."

Then-

His brows furrow slightly, his fingers curling against Yoongi's chest.
"Why aren't you guys getting ready for work?"

I glance at Yoongi, and he sighs softly before speaking. "We're taking time off."

Taehyung stiffens. "What?"

"We took a few days off," I clarify, rubbing my thumb against his cheek. "So we can be with you."

His breath stutters. "You-"

And then-

His eyes widen, something pained flickering across his face.

"You shouldn't do that," he whispers. "You-your work-"

"Doesn't matter," Yoongi interrupts, voice firm. "You matter."

Taehyung shakes his head, fingers trembling. "I-I didn't want to ruin-"

"Tae."
I cup his face, forcing him to look at me.

"This isn't because of work," I say softly but firmly. "This is because of you."

His lips part, his expression crumbling. "I-"

"We want to be with you," Yoongi murmurs, voice steady. "Because we missed you."

Tears fill his eyes.

"We love you," I whisper, stroking my thumb over his cheek. "So much, Tae."

A strangled sound escapes him.

Then- "I'm sorry," he chokes out, shaking his head.

My heart breaks.

"No."
I shake my head firmly, my own eyes burning with tears.

"No, Tae. This isn't your fault."

His breath shudders. "But I-"

"No buts."
Yoongi's voice is unyielding.

"This happened to you," he says, his tone carrying the weight of something dangerous. "You don't have to apologize for that."

Taehyung swallows hard, his entire body trembling.

And then-

A sob rips from his throat.

And he collapses into us.

Yoongi and I don't hesitate.

We wrap our arms around him, holding him between us as his sobs shake his entire frame.