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

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

I catch myself smiling.
Soft. Warm. A little giddy.

Just like I always do with them.

Across the table, Dara raises an eyebrow.

Then-grinning-

"You're disgusting."

I scoff, finally looking at her. "Excuse me?"

She swirls her wine glass. "You're so happy over a phone call. I have never seen you this gross."

I roll my eyes. "Shut up."

She leans forward, beaming. "No, really. It was adorable. You had this tiny little smile the whole time."

"Did not."

"Did too."

I reach for my wine. "You're insufferable."

"And yet, you love me."

Unfortunately.

Dara smirks, resting her chin on her hand. "I have to admit, I'm kind of jealous."

I glance up. "Of what?"

She sighs, dramatic. "You got to meet Taehyung first. I love Y/N and Suga, but Taehyung is my baby!"

I snort. "You don't even know him."

"I do know him. Through you. And through Y/N at work. I hear things." She pouts.

"And now you've met him before me. It's unfair."

"You'll live."

"Mm. Doubtful."

I smirk, swirling my drink. "Well, since we're being honest, how are you feeling about all this?"

Dara sighs, sitting back. "About you finding your real soulmates?"

I don't flinch.
Because we both know the truth.

She smiles, soft. "I'm happy for you, Jin."

I study her. "You mean that?"

She rolls her eyes. "Obviously."

A pause.

Then, she smirks. "But also, I cannot wait to see your parents implode."

I groan. "Dara-"

"No, seriously." She grins. "They spent years planning our perfect engagement, and now you're in love with a product manager, a cybersecurity engineer, and a VR artist? And the two of them are working at my father's company and he has no fucking clue!"

I scowl. "Dara-"

"Iconic."

I drag a hand down my face. "They're going to kill me."

"They'll get over it." She winks. "Probably."

I huff out a laugh. "And your parents?"

She sighs, sipping her wine. "The usual. father's pressuring me about business acquisitions, Mother wants me to focus on our image. The engagement keeps them happy."

She hums. "For now."

I shrug "For now."

Silence.

It's comfortable. We've always been comfortable.

Best friends first. Business partners second.

And fiancés only for show.
Because our parents want power.

And Dara and I?
We just want to be free.

But then, she brightens again. "Tell me more about them."