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

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

"Tae, it's literally just the flu," I say, shaking my head as I hold the phone closer to my ear.

"You don't understand!" Taehyung whines dramatically from the other end. "I can feel my body shutting down-this is how it starts! First, the sniffles, then the fever, then the-"

"Then the dramatics?" Yoongi cuts in dryly, adjusting the cuff of his sleeve.

"Hyung!" Tae gasps as if he's personally offended. "Is this how you treat your sick, helpless soulmate?"

Yoongi rolls his eyes, but there's fondness in the way his lips twitch upward.

"You're not helpless. You're bundled up in a ridiculous amount of blankets, with Tannie and Wacha at your feet, and enough food to last you three days."

"But it's not the saaaaame!" Taehyung whimpers. "I should be there with you guys! Laughing, drinking, and finally meeting Dara and most importantly Namjoon!"

I snort, exchanging a look with Yoongi. "I'm sure you'll meet them in no time, including Namjoon, we'll make sure of it okay?

Yoongi chimes in, his voice full of worry and amusement. "So please rest up cub, and call us if you feel worse, we'll go back straight home. For now I promise that we'll bring you food, bear cub. And all the best gossip."

"And dessert?"

"Yes."

"And a video of Namjoon pleaseeee!!! I wanna see him!!!"

Yoongi sighs, already pulling out his phone. "I'll get my phone ready just in case."

"Fine." Tae sniffs dramatically. "But only because you guys are bringing food. And getting a Namjoon treat. If I don't make it through the night-"

"We'll mourn you properly, Tae," I say, lips twitching. "Now rest. We'll be home later."

"Love you, noona. Love you, hyung."

Yoongi's gaze softens just slightly. "Yeah, yeah. Get some rest, bear cub."

I smile as I hang up, tucking my phone away. "God, he's dramatic."

Yoongi hums, slipping his arm around my waist with effortless ease. "You love it."

I glance up at him, my pulse skipping at the way his gaze lingers, warm and teasing. "Maybe I do."

He smirks. "Figures."

We don't get to say anything more before a familiar voice cuts through the crowd.

"There you two are!"

The event hall is buzzing with energy, laughter and conversation weaving through the space.

The Speak Yourself Foundation had gone all out for tonight's celebration of the new accessibility features and the continued success of the Purple Hope Project.