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

Chapter 43: The Truth That Breaks Us ⚠️

"But Jiwon... he knew."

I close my eyes.
My heart aches in ways I can't describe.

"Jiwon saved me," he murmurs. "Multiple times."

I don't even realize I'm crying until a sob slips out.

Yoongi shudders beside me.
His entire body is locked up in silent devastation.

And then-
A memory.

A moment pulled from the darkest corners of Taehyung's past.

A whisper in the night.

"Tae, please."
"I'm tired, Jiwon."
"I know. I know you are.
But you're not alone."
"It never stops hurting."
"Then let me hurt with you."

A hand gripping his wrist.
A steady voice in the darkness.

"I'm not letting you go."

Yoongi moves.

Not fast.
Not harsh.
But firm.

His hand reaches up, cupping the back of Taehyung's neck, pulling him close.
"Tae."

Taehyung shudders against him.

Yoongi presses his forehead against Taehyung's hair, his voice low, rough.
"You never have to be alone again.".

Taehyung breaks

He presses his face into Yoongi's shoulder, his fingers digging into his back.

Yoongi lets him.
Holds him.
Keeps him together.

I slide closer, wrapping my arms around both of them.

"Tae, baby," I whisper, my voice shaking. "You are so loved."

His shoulders tremble.

We don't let go.
Not now.
Not ever.

After a long, quiet moment-
"They moved to Seoul for me."
The words are so soft, like he's only just realizing it himself.

"They never said it," Taehyung continues. "They denied it every time. Said Seoul had better schools, better opportunities."

A small, fragile breath.
"But I know."

Yoongi strokes a hand through his hair. "They wanted to protect you."

Taehyung nods against his shoulder.
"They did everything for me."

I squeeze his hand.
"Because they love you."

He inhales sharply, like he's trying to breathe that in.
Like he's trying to let it sink in.

Yoongi's voice is rough.
"They were your real family, Tae."

A pause.
A moment.

Taehyung lets out a shaky laugh.
"Yeah."

A pause.

Then, quieter-
"They were."

A silence settles over us.
Not heavy.
Not suffocating.
Just there.

I exhale, pressing a kiss to Taehyung's temple.

Yoongi presses one to the crown of his head.

And we stay.
For as long as he needs.

_____________

The weight of Taehyung's past still lingers in the Air. Heavy. Thick.

Like the echoes of his pain don't want to leave just yet.