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

Chapter 52: Steady, Sure, & Absolutely Lethal

Eventually, I roll my eyes, switching gears. "Alright, let's talk about something safe then. Work."

Namjoon groans dramatically. "Y/N, no."

I snicker. "What? You're a workaholic, don't act like you're above this."

"I'm not, but do we have to?"

I grin. "Yes."

He sighs, but there's fondness in his expression. "Fine. What do you want to know?"

I shrug. "How do you feel about the project so far?"

Namjoon's expression shifts, just slightly.

The teasing remains, but underneath it, I see something deeper-something proud.

"I feel good about it," he admits. "This update was overdue, but it's here now. And it's going to help a lot of people."

Something softens in my chest.
I've always admired him for this. For how much he cares.

"You did good, Namjoon" I say, meaning every word.

He stills slightly, like he wasn't expecting that. Then, his lips tug into something softer. "We all did."

I nod, knowing he means Yoongi too. The thought warms me even further.

"You know who wouldn't care about any of this?" I muse, smiling.

Namjoon quirks a brow. "Who?"

"Tae," I say with a laugh. "I love him to death, but if he were here right now, he'd be more interested in the dessert table than our accessibility updates."

Namjoon laughs. "Honestly? That's fair."

"No, you don't understand," I insist, leaning in slightly. "That man has priorities. And food is at the very top."

Namjoon shakes his head, amused. "I don't think I've ever been this excited to meet someone."

Something in my heart tugs.
He's excited to meet Tae.

I swallow, ignoring the way that makes my emotions tangle. "He's been excited about you too, you know."

Namjoon's expression softens. "Suga did mention that"

I nod. "He has this thing about us meeting our soulmates." I grin. "He likes to be dramatic about it."

Namjoon smirks. "What, does he think we're fated?"

"Oh, definitely," I laugh. "I think he called it the greatest love story of the century at some point."

Namjoon grins, shaking his head. "I like him already."

I feel my heart swell.

And then-
He looks at me, really looks at me, and suddenly the air shifts again.

"I meant what I said earlier," he says, voice lower now.

I blink. "About what?"

Namjoon tilts his head slightly, his gaze never leaving mine. "About not stepping back."

I inhale.
The warmth of his words settles deep, curling into my chest.

"I don't know what this is going to look like," he continues. "I don't know how fast I can get there, or how much I can promise right now." He exhales. "But I do know that I'm here. And I want to be here."

My throat tightens.
Because this?
This means something.

I don't know how long I just stand there, heart thrumming, emotions tangled.