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

Chapter 47: Of Court Cases and Couch Spaces

He squeezes our hands, firm and unwavering.

"You told me this fight isn't just for me-it's with me. So promise me that from now on, we do this together. No more secrets. No more keeping things from me because you think it'll hurt me. We're a team, right?"

I swallow hard, nodding.

"Right."

Yoongi's voice is quieter now, but just as steady.

"We promise, bear cub."

Taehyung exhales, a small, relieved smile breaking across his face.

"Good."

Then, in typical Taehyung fashion, he stares at his chair dramatically, sighing.

"Now, can we talk about how Wacha just stole my chair while I was being emotional?"

Right on cue, Wacha does curl up smugly on his seat.

Yoongi snorts. "She learned from the best."

I laugh, feeling something inside me settle.

________________

Workdays at EchoTech always start the same way.

The sound of coffee machines humming, keyboards clicking, and the occasional bursts of laughter from different teams scattered across the open office space.

The familiar routine of morning emails, code reviews, and design discussions. The scent of caffeine and productivity mingling in the air.

But today, as Yoongi and I settle into our usual spots in the conference room for the LoveMap team meeting, there's a certain buzz in the air.

Because today is a big day.

The final stretch before the next major LoveMap update.

The launch of our Accessibility Features which integrates accessibility tools.

Making sure that LoveMap was inclusive, that it could reach everyone equally, had been one of our biggest priorities.

And now, it was finally happening.

I glance around the room as the team starts to trickle in.

Jae is already setting up his laptop, stretching his arms with a yawn. "If this update doesn't make me cry, did we even do it right?"

Ha-eun snorts as she sits down beside him. "I'm expecting full-on tears, Jae."

Trina slides into her seat, flipping through a small notebook. "I have at least ten influencer partnerships lined up for the launch campaign. I sent out the final drafts for approval last night."

"You're a machine," Jae comments.

"A machine that runs on sheer determination and bubble tea," Trina replies, grinning.

Yoongi, sitting beside me, just smirks. "Let's get this started, then."

The meeting kicks off with updates from each team.

I run through the latest test results, making sure everything is ready for rollout.

Jae presents final adjustments to the UI.

Ha-eun and Trina break down the marketing timeline, ensuring the launch reaches the widest audience possible.

It's productive. Fast-paced. Exciting.

But even as I focus on the discussion, my phone buzzes against the table.

I glance down.

Taehyung (Group Chat)
I am suffering.