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

Chapter 48: A Reckoning in Motion ⚠️

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⚠️Content Warning: This section contains discussions of past abuse, legal proceedings involving trauma, and themes of revenge. Mentions of confinement, neglect, emotional distress, and present threats are included. Reader discretion is advised.

Jin exhales slowly, his fingers laced together on the desk.

His expression is unreadable, but I see the tension in his jaw, the way his throat bobs when he swallows.

He's processing, calculating-but underneath that polished composure, I can feel it.

The rage.

He doesn't show it, not outright. Not yet.
But I see it flicker across his eyes-the barely restrained fire burning beneath that calm exterior.

Taehyung sits across from him, his giant teddy bear perched beside him like a silent guardian.

He's calmer now, but his fingers still fidget in his lap. He's twirling the hem of his sleeve, his nails pressing into the fabric. A tell.

He's nervous.

Yoongi and I sit on either side of him, close enough that our arms brush against his. Close enough that if he needs something-anything-we'll be there to hold him up.

Jin leans forward slightly, his voice smooth, gentle. "You don't have to go into detail, Taehyung. Just tell me enough to understand your case."

Taehyung exhales, slow and shaky.
Then he nods.
And begins.

He starts at the orphanage.

The way he never truly felt wanted there. The way the staff was kind, but kindness wasn't the same as love.

Then-
His aunt and uncle.
The monsters who took him in, only to break him down piece by piece.

He speaks in a quiet, measured voice, as if he's afraid that saying it too loud might give it more power.

Yoongi and I stay silent. We've heard this part before. We've felt the weight of it.

But Jin-
Jin is hearing it for the first time.

And even though he's trying so hard to stay neutral-to stay professional-I see it.

The slow clench of his jaw. The subtle way his hands tighten against each other. The flicker of something dark in his eyes.

Then-
The moment everything changed.

Tae's inheritance.

The lies.
The fraud.
The violence.

Jin's composure cracks just slightly at that. His lips part like he's about to say something, but he stops himself.

He closes his eyes briefly, exhales, and when he opens them again, he's composed.

Barely.

Then comes the worst part.

The part that makes my stomach turn.
The part that makes Yoongi go still.

The basement.

The days without food or water.
The beatings.
The laughter.

The inhuman cruelty that left scars on more than just his skin.

Yoongi grips Taehyung's knee, his fingers pressing into the fabric of his jeans, grounding him. Grounding himself.

I swallow hard, blinking back tears, reaching for Taehyung's hand and squeezing tight.