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

Chapter 45: Days That Feel Light Again

My phone vibrates again. This time, it's Yoongi's reply.

Yoongi (Group Chat)
Wacha has no mercy for the weak.

I snort, shaking my head.

Of course, Yoongi would say that.

Wacha has had him wrapped around her tiny, manipulative paws since day one.

I'm pretty sure if she ever declared war on the entire household, Yoongi would be her first-in-command.

Another flood of messages rolls in.

Taehyung (Group Chat)
SHE'S A MENACE, HYUNG. A TYRANT. A TYRANNICAL FELINE QUEEN.😾🚨

Taehyung (Group Chat)
Tannie is too soft for this cruel world 😞

I bite my lip, trying to hold back my laughter.

I should be working, I really should, but Taehyung's dramatics have a way of demanding my full attention.

And, honestly? I don't mind.

Because this-this-feels like him again.

The dramatic exaggeration, the emoji spam, the unnecessary distress over Yeontan's tiny daily struggles.

It's been months since I've seen him act like this.

For so long, his messages were shorter. Fewer words, fewer emojis, like he didn't have the energy to be himself.

There were days when he barely texted at all-when Yoongi and I had to pry updates from him just to make sure he was eating.

But now?

Now, he's spamming us again. Teasing again.

Being himself again.

A message pops up.

Taehyung (Group Chat)
Also, I made tea, and it tastes like regret 🍵🤢

I snort, already bracing myself for whatever he's about to say next.

Taehyung (Group Chat)
Come home soon before I poison myself. ☠️🚑

I shake my head, unable to stop the warmth spreading in my chest.

I glance at my phone, hovering my fingers over the keyboard before typing.

Y/N (Group Chat)
Bear cub, please tell me you didn't mess up something as simple as tea.

A response comes immediately.

Taehyung (Group Chat)
Okay but listen... how do you mess up tea.😭🤔

Taehyung (Group Chat)
Like it's literally just leaves in water.🍃🔫

Taehyung (Group Chat)
And yet here I am. Drinking my mistakes.

I lose it.

A quiet laugh escapes before I can stop it, earning a few curious glances from my teammates nearby.

Jae, who sits closest to me, raises an eyebrow.

"Something entertaining happening over there?" he asks, sipping his coffee.

I shake my head, smiling, but don't explain.

Because how do I even begin to describe it?

How do I put into words the way my heart feels lighter just seeing his name pop up in my notifications like this?