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

Chapter 49: Proof, Power, and Payback ⚠️

Jin's POV

The moment the door clicks shut behind them, the air in my office shifts.

It lingers-they linger.

Their presence clings to the space like warmth left in a room long after someone has stepped away.

I exhale, slow and measured, as I lean back against my desk. I need to breathe.

But breathing feels impossible when the weight of what just happened is pressing down on my ribs like a vice.

I clench my jaw, staring at the empty space where they had just been seated.

That boy.
Taehyung.

The way he flinched when he spoke of the past. The way his fingers curled into his sweater-like he was trying to make himself smaller.

The way he hesitated before deciding to fight-before straightening his spine and saying, No. I want to do this.

I let out a slow, shuddering breath.
Then-
I move.

My feet start pacing, crossing the office floor in slow, measured strides.

My hands press into my hips, fingers digging in as I try-fail-to keep the fury from boiling over.

Because I'm angry.

No.

I'm livid.

I have sat across from monsters before.

Have looked serial criminals, corrupt executives, and the absolute worst scum of humanity in the eye without so much as a flicker of emotion.

I know how to keep myself composed.
But this?

This isn't just a case.

I knew it the second Taehyung called me hyung.

The second Yoongi's hand met mine, firm and grounding.

The second Y/N's gaze lingered on mine, something unreadable settling in her eyes.

The second I felt the unmistakable, undeniable pull.

I know what it is.
I know.

I have only felt this once before.
Years ago.

I force my thoughts away from that.

From him.

Because for now, they need me.
Because right now, I need them to need me.

And I-
I will burn the world to the ground for them.

A sharp knock on my door.

I don't stop pacing.

"Come in," I call, my voice steady-too steady.

My paralegal, Jisoo, steps in, a thick stack of documents in her arms. "You need to sign these before the end of the day."

I nod, still moving, running a hand through my hair.

She watches me for a second before sighing. "Pacing again?"

I glance at her. "It helps me think."

Jisoo snorts, setting the files on my desk. "It makes you look like a trapped animal."

Not entirely wrong.

I shake my head, stepping toward the desk and grabbing the first document. My pen glides over the page-muscle memory, second nature.

My brain is still somewhere else.

Still with them.

Still seeing Taehyung's eyes when he talked about the basement.