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

Chapter 52: Steady, Sure, & Absolutely Lethal

And god, I don't know what to say.

How do I even begin to tell him what this means?

How do I tell him that this-that he-already feels like something inevitable?

I don't get the chance to answer before his gaze flickers briefly behind me. And when I glance over my shoulder, I see it.

Yoongi.

Sitting back at our table, engaged in conversation but looking over at us from time to time-his eyes shining with something soft, something adoring.

For both of us.

I inhale deeply, looking back at Namjoon, and he's still watching me.

And I realize-he's waiting.

Letting me take this moment at my own pace.

Letting us figure this out together.

So, instead of answering right away-
I step just a little closer.

Namjoon stills, his eyes darkening just slightly.

And I let myself smile.

"You're really not stepping back?" I tease.

He exhales a soft laugh, shaking his head. "No."

I tilt my head. "Not even a little?"

He grins, and the sight of his dimples alone makes my stomach flip. "Not even a little."

I hum thoughtfully. "Good."

His brows raise. "Good?"

I nod. "Yeah."

Namjoon is still smiling at me, dimples deep, eyes warm.

And I?
I am so in trouble.

The energy between us is still buzzing, a slow and steady warmth, something comfortable yet undeniably electric.

He hasn't reached for me, hasn't stepped too close, but it doesn't matter. The pull is there, settling into my bones, making me want to lean in.

Instead, I exhale through my nose, shaking my head playfully. "So, CEO Kim," I tease, tilting my head. "Are you always this smooth, or is this a special occasion?"

Namjoon chuckles, crossing his arms. "You tell me."

I raise a brow. "Well, you did just tell me I looked beautiful out of nowhere. Not to mention all those dimples."

I squint at him. "Feels suspicious."

His grin widens. "Suspicious how?"

"Like you know exactly what you're doing."

His eyes glint with amusement. "What if I don't?"

"Liar," I shoot back instantly. "You absolutely do."

Namjoon laughs, and I feel it-low and warm and rich, curling into my stomach in a way that makes me want to hear it again.

God.
I'm so in trouble.

I shake my head, attempting to regain some semblance of composure. "Anyway,"

I say, clearing my throat, "we should probably talk about something other than your devastating charm."

He hums. "Fine. Let's talk about your charm instead."

I groan. "Namjoon."

He smirks. "What? It's only fair."

"You're impossible."

"And you're avoiding the topic."

I shoot him a look, but there's no real heat behind it. He grins, clearly enjoying this way too much.