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

Chapter 45: Days That Feel Light Again

The second I step onto my floor at EchoTech, I barely have time to breathe before-"OH MY GOD, YOU'RE BACK!"

Before I can react, Jae launches himself at me, pulling me into a bone-crushing hug.

"Jae-!" I wheeze, laughing. "I was not in a war zone!"

"You might as well have been!" he dramatically presses a hand to his chest.

"Do you even understand the trauma you left us with?! Trina was in charge of UI feedback meetings. Trina."

A voice pipes up indignantly from across the room. "I HEARD THAT!"

Jae just waves dismissively. "You should."

Before I can say anything, Ha Eun, our marketing head, approaches with a knowing grin. "Good to have you back, Y/N. Finally."

And then-"Well, well. Look who finally decided to return."

The voice is smooth, composed-too effortlessly confident-and the moment I hear it, my stomach twists.

Not unpleasantly, but in that complicated way where I immediately want to both glare and avoid eye contact.

Because of course. Dara Lee.

I glance up to see her standing near my desk, arms crossed in her usual poised, effortlessly put-together stance.

Her sharp brown eyes assess me with something unreadable before her lips curve into a small, knowing smile.

"It's good to have you back, Y/N."

I straighten immediately, forcing my posture into something respectable as I nod. "Thank you, Dara. It's good to be back."

Too formal. Too stiff.

But I can't help it.

Dara is too perfect. Too brilliant. Too effortlessly poised.

And I have spent far too much time trying not to admit how much I actually admire her.

Jae, standing far too close to this conversation, is already smirking. He sees through me way too easily.

Dara, meanwhile, tilts her head slightly, observing me in that way that makes me feel like I'm one step behind in a game I didn't even know I was playing.

"Adjusting back to work alright?" she asks, her voice polite, professional.

I nod quickly. "Yes. I'll just catch up on everything I've missed."

A knowing glint flickers in her eyes. "I'm sure you'll be back in control soon enough."

Why is she like this?

So genuine. So damn encouraging.

I want to hate it. I really do.

Jae, of course, is having the time of his life watching me struggle.

His grin is too wide when he whispers, "Oh my god, Y/N, are you flustered?"

I snap my head toward him, scandalized. "I am not."

Jae cackles. "You totally are."

Before I can argue, I feel a new presence behind me.

And I already know who it is.

Yoongi's voice is low, amused, and entirely too smug.

"She's having her weekly crisis over Dara's existence," he muses, his tone almost in a whisper

I whirl around, scowling immediately. "You were not invited to this conversation."

Yoongi, completely unbothered, leans in slightly-his breath warm against my ear as he murmurs,
"Told you."