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

Chapter 48: A Reckoning in Motion ⚠️

Taehyung's fingers twitch in his lap. "Mrs. Kang."

Jin nods, jotting down the name. "She seemed concerned for you?"

Taehyung hesitates, then nods. "Yeah. She... she knew they were abusive. She always asks whenever she sees me when I was kid. I always denied it but I think she always suspected. She told me to come to her if I needed anything."

Jin's jaw tenses, but his voice remains steady. "Good. She might be able to testify about what she saw."

He moves to the next line in his notebook. "What about Jiwon and his parents? They took you in, right?"

Taehyung straightens slightly at the mention of Jiwon. "They did. Jiwon saved me more times than I can count. And his parents... they treated me like their own son."

Jin's lips press into a thin line. "That's significant. If they saw your condition when you escaped, their testimony would be invaluable."

I nod, squeezing Taehyung's hand. "They love you, Tae. They'll stand by you."

Taehyung swallows hard, his eyes glassy, but he nods.

Jin flips another page. "What about the lawyer who handled the case after the original one passed away?"

Taehyung frowns, thinking. "I don't remember his name. But he seemed... uncomfortable when he gave me the documents. Like he knew something was wrong but couldn't do anything about it."

Jin's eyes narrow slightly. "If he suspected fraud but was unable to act, he might be willing to provide insight into the case." He taps the pen against the paper. "I'll find him."

There's a pause.

Jin glances up again.
"And your cousin?"

The air goes still.
Yoongi's grip tightens slightly on Taehyung's knee.

Taehyung flinches. "Hyunwoo?"

Jin nods. "You said he left home when you were sixteen. That he apologized before he left."

Taehyung licks his lips, his expression uncertain. "Yeah, but... he's their son. I don't know if he'd turn against them."

Jin leans forward slightly, his gaze sharp. "You said he hated them."

Taehyung's breath catches.

Jin watches him closely. "Did he ever contact you after he left?"

A pause.

Taehyung hesitates.
"...Once."

Yoongi stills. "What?"

Taehyung exhales, rubbing his hands over his face. "He called me. Years ago. I don't even know how he got my number."

Jin's expression doesn't change. "What did he say?"

Taehyung swallows hard. "He asked if I was okay. If I got out."

Yoongi's fingers twitch. "And?"

Taehyung shakes his head. "I told him I was fine. That I had somewhere to stay. He didn't say much after that. Just... that he was sorry. And then he hung up."

Jin is silent for a moment.
"He might be willing to talk."

Taehyung exhales shakily. "I don't know..."

Jin tilts his head. "Do you trust him?"

A pause.

Then-Taehyung nods. "I think so."

Jin hums. "Then I'll reach out."

Yoongi clenches his jaw. "If he helps, he helps. If not-" His voice turns ice-cold. "Then I don't give a shit about him."