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

Chapter 45: Days That Feel Light Again

And maybe-just maybe-I respect her more than I'd like to admit.

Jae, who has been watching all of this unfold like it's his favorite drama, plops into the seat next to me.

"You're so weird about her," he says, grinning.

I glance at him, feigning confusion. "What are you talking about?"

Jae smirks, clearly not buying it. "You get all serious whenever she talks. It's like you're trying so hard not to agree with her, but you totally do."

I scoff, rolling my eyes. "I don't-"

"Uh-huh," Jae interrupts, nodding toward the door where Dara just exited. "Tell me, if she was even a little bad at her job, would you be this hyper-focused on her?"

I pause.

My lips part, then press back together.

Jae beams. "Thought so."

I groan, dragging a hand down my face. "I hate you."

"You love me."

"Absolutely not."

Jae laughs, standing up. "Come on, let's get back to work. Maybe if you stare at your screen hard enough, you'll forget Dara exists."

I grumble under my breath but follow him out anyway.

Because honestly?

At this rate?

I'm starting to think that forgetting her exists is going to be impossible.

__________________

Later, in the break room, I slump into a chair, utterly exhausted.

Yeona watches me sip my coffee with a knowing look.

"You're thinking about him," she says simply.

I sigh. "Of course I am."

Yeona tilts her head. "But he's okay, right?"

"He is," I admit. "But it feels wrong to leave him alone."

Yeona hums. "Healing isn't just about having people around. It's about learning how to stand on your own again."

I swallow. "Yeah."

She reaches across the table, squeezing my hand. "He's strong, Y/N. And he has you and Suga. He's not alone."

I nod, my chest finally feeling lighter.

As I get back to my desk, my phone buzzes.

I glance at the screen, sitting down, expecting emails or something work-related, but instead-

Taehyung (Group Chat)
Noonaaaaaa🧸💛

Taehyung (Group Chat)
Hyunggggg🧸🧓

I smile immediately. I was honestly expecting a check-in from me to him, not the other way around.

Another message pops up.

Taehyung (Group Chat)
Wacha just smacked Yeontan off the couch and took his spot 😭

I pause, reading it again just to be sure.

A second later-

Taehyung (Group Chat)
Tannie is TRAUMATIZED 😤

Taehyung (Group Chat)
Send help.⚠️😭

I burst out laughing, covering my mouth quickly before anyone around me notices.

I can already picture it. Wacha, perched like a queen, Yeontan probably still confused on the floor.