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

Chapter 45: Days That Feel Light Again

Everything about the scene should be reassuring-he's warm, safe, and most importantly, himself again.

Yoongi and I, however, are still standing near the front door, neither of us moving to leave.

"Tae," I say for the third time, shifting from foot to foot. "Are you sure you're okay being home alone?"

Taehyung groans, tilting his head back dramatically. "Noona. It has been three months. If you two don't go back today, I'm calling EchoTech myself and telling them you've quit to become my full-time butlers."

Yoongi raises an eyebrow, arms crossed. "Butlers?"

Taehyung grins, running his fingers through Yeontan's fur. "With cute little bowties."

Yoongi snorts. "Try again, cub."

Despite the teasing, I know Yoongi's worried too.

It's in the way his jaw tenses, the way he keeps adjusting his watch, the way his eyes flicker toward Taehyung every few seconds.

I kneel down in front of the couch, reaching for Taehyung's hands. "But if anything happens-"

Taehyung squeezes my hands before I can finish. His grip is warm and steady. "Noona. I promise I'm okay."

I exhale slowly. "Okay."

Taehyung grins, running his fingers through Yeontan's fur. "I'll be fine. Seriously. You guys deserve to go back and do what you love." He tilts his head. "Besides, I have these two to keep me company."

As if on cue, Yeontan barks happily, while Wacha flicks her tail in what I can only assume is reluctant agreement.

Yoongi exhales through his nose, reaching over to ruffle Taehyung's hair. "You'll call if you need us?"

"Yes, hyung."

"And if you feel sick?" I add.

"Yes, noona."

"And if Yeontan and Wacha start fighting over dominance of the couch again?"

"That one I'll just record for evidence," Taehyung deadpans.

Yoongi snorts, but there's still a flicker of hesitation in his eyes.

I feel it too-the reluctance to leave him after everything. But Taehyung looks good today. His eyes bright, his energy lighthearted.

It's the happiest he's looked in a long time.

We can't hover forever.

So, I step back and cup his face, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. "We love you, bear cub."

Taehyung grins, nose scrunching slightly. "Love you guys too. Now go! You are running out of excuses. Go before you're late"

Yoongi finally sighs, then leans down, pressing a kiss to the top of Taehyung's head. "You message us, cub. Don't forget"

With a final reluctant glance, we step out the door.

As the elevator doors close, Yoongi casually laces his fingers through mine, tugging me closer.

His voice is warm, teasing.
"We lasted ten whole minutes before the overprotectiveness kicked in."

I groan. "We are so bad at this."

Yoongi hums. "It's fine. We'll just secretly check our phones all day like maniacs."