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

Chapter 51: No More Holding Back

I lean in slightly, just enough to test something.

And sure enough-Suga's breath hitches.

Oh.

OHHH.

I smile.

"So," I say, voice deliberately casual, but there's a teasing lilt underneath, "Your soulmate's excited to meet me, huh? Does that mean you are too?"

Suga chokes on his drink.

I bite back a laugh as he clears his throat, blinking rapidly like I just hit him with a ten-ton truck.

His ears are pink.

He glares at me. "Did Dara put you up to this?"

I raise a brow. "Put me up to what?"

"Being-" He waves a vague hand at me, still visibly flustered. "Like this."

"Like what?" I say, tilting my head, feigning innocence.

His lips press together, as if he's realizing that whatever he says will be used against him.

And honestly? I love it.

"Never mind," he mutters, looking away.

I chuckle, letting the moment settle between us.

But then-
I really look at him.

And it's almost unfair how good he looks.

The low, golden lighting of the event makes his skin glow, the curve of his jaw catching the light just right. His hair falls into his eyes slightly, messy but effortlessly cool, like he barely had to try.

And his lips-
I need to focus.

I clear my throat, shoving one hand into my pocket to keep myself steady. "You know," I say, a little too thoughtful, "I've always thought you were good-looking. But up close?" I give a low whistle. "Damn."

Suga freezes.

And then-"Wha-" His mouth opens, then closes. His entire face goes red.

I grin. "Did you just short-circuit?"

He scowls, smacking my arm. "Shut up."

But he's still avoiding my gaze, and his fingers curl tighter around his glass.

I move slightly forward...closer, leaning into his space just enough. "I mean it, though."

His grip tightens.

I watch, fascinated, as he struggles to compose himself.

This is new. I never expected Suga to be the one getting shy.

And now that I know it's possible?
I want to push further.

"You're blushing, Mr. Min."

"I'm not."

"You are."

"Shut up."

"You're actually cute when you're flustered."

Suga groans, tilting his head back, clearly regretting every life choice that led him to this moment. "Why are you like this?"

I smirk. "Like what?"

"Annoying," he grumbles, but there's no heat behind it.

I just watch him for a moment, letting the energy between us shift into something softer, warmer.

Because underneath the teasing, underneath the playful banter-
The tension is real.

There's a weight in the way we're looking at each other now. A pull neither of us can quite ignore.