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

Chapter 50: To Stay, To Leave, To Want Anyway

Jin's POV

"Hi, hyung," Yoongi's voice comes through the speaker, calm and smooth, but there's something warm in it.

Not just respect.
Trust.

It shouldn't mean this much. But it does.

"Hey, Yoongi." I settle back in my chair, my wine glass untouched on the table.

Across from me, Dara smirks over her own drink, clearly amused, but I ignore her for now.

"Y/N, Taehyung, you there?"

"We're here!" Y/N's voice is bright, effortless.

"Hi, hyung!" Taehyung's tone is softer but no less enthusiastic.

I exhale, a quiet smile tugging at my lips.

"Just a quick update," I begin, switching into my professional cadence, though it feels different with them.

Warmer. Less detached.
More like theirs.

"We've gathered statements from Mrs. Kang, Jiwon, and Jiwon's parents. I'll be meeting them personally to solidify their testimonies. The lawyer who took over Tae's documents, is also cooperating fully-he's already provided documents that will strengthen our fraud claim."

Taehyung inhales sharply, and Y/N murmurs, "That's... that's amazing."

"It is," I agree, glancing at my notes.

"Tae..Hyunwoo-your cousin-is also willing to meet. That's scheduled in 2 weeks. My office will send the official schedule to your email tomorrow."

A pause.

"...Thank you, hyung," Taehyung's voice is quiet but thick with emotion.

There it is again. That pull-not the one from the app, but the one that's far more dangerous.

It's in the way Yoongi exhales, like he's finally allowing himself to believe in something.

It's in the way Y/N's voice lowers, softer, grateful, something unspoken resting between the lines.

It's in Taehyung, who still hesitates before calling me 'hyung,' like he's unsure if he's allowed to, like he's waiting for me to take it back.

They're thanking me like I'm giving them something impossible.

Like I'm giving them hope.

I clear my throat. "It's nothing. Just doing my job."

"Liar," Y/N teases, her voice light, but there's weight beneath it.

I huff out a laugh, glancing at Dara, who is openly smirking at me now.

"Fine. Maybe I'm invested."

A chuckle from Yoongi. "We figured."

"It's still unbelievable how fast everything is happening," Y/N muses.

I shake my head. "That's what happens when the right people give a damn."

Taehyung exhales shakily, and for a second, no one speaks.

Gratitude and warmth etch into their voices.

I don't deserve it.
But I want it anyway.

"So," I say, exhaling through my nose, pushing away the unfamiliar tightness in my chest. "How are you all holding up?"

Y/N hums. "Good. Just packing up before these two go back to their places."

"Mm. Moving logistics?"