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

Chapter 41: Warmth of the Den ⚠️

"I missed you," he cries.

I squeeze my eyes shut. "We missed you too, baby."

His fingers grip onto us like we're the only thing keeping him afloat.

"I wanted to call so many times," he gasps. "I wanted to-I just-"

His voice breaks.
"I wanted to hear your voices."

Yoongi lets out a sharp breath, his grip tightening.

I sniff, brushing my fingers through his hair. "We wanted to hear yours."

"I-" He hiccups. "I wanted to run to you. I wanted to-"

Another sob.

"I just wanted to come home."

I pull back slightly, just enough to cup his face again. His tears slip down his cheeks, his lips parted, breath uneven.

And I can see it.

The fear.

The exhaustion.

The relief.

I press a kiss to his forehead.

"You are home."

He lets out a quiet, broken sound, his body still trembling.

Yoongi presses his lips to the top of Taehyung's head, his breath unsteady. "You're here, baby bear."

"I-" Taehyung swallows thickly, his grip on us tightening. "I can't believe I'm really here."

I stroke my thumb against his cheek. "You are."

His lower lip wobbles. "I don't-"

I kiss his cheek. "You don't have to say anything else, love."

He blinks at me, something unreadable in his expression.

Something vulnerable.

Something terrified.

But also-
Something safe.

Yoongi presses closer, resting his forehead against Taehyung's shoulder.

"You don't have to explain anything yet," he murmurs. "Just let us be here for you."

Taehyung swallows, his breath still uneven. "But-"

Yoongi cuts him off with a firm shake of his head. "No buts."

I nod, brushing my fingers through his hair. "Just let us love you."

A tear slips down his cheek.

And then-
He nods.

Finally.

And we let him cry.

We let him sob and cling to us like he needs us.

Because he does.

And we do too.

_________________

The rest of the morning is spent in soft touches and quiet reassurances.

We don't let him go.

Not even for a second.

Only when he insisted he wash up alone did we begrudgingly agreed to do so.

Right after, Yoongi gently applied ointment to his bruises, his fingers careful and tender even as his jaw clenches with anger.

I make him breakfast-something warm, something comforting-and the way Tae hesitates before taking a bite makes my chest ache.