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

Chapter 52: Steady, Sure, & Absolutely Lethal

Neither of us say it out loud, but I know we're thinking the same thing,
Tonight meant something.

By the time we reach our apartment, it's late enough that the hallways are mostly quiet.

Yoongi unlocks the door, pushing it open carefully-And immediately, a small, excited puffball comes bounding toward us.

Yeontan.

I laugh softly as he skids to a stop in front of us, his tiny paws tapping against the floor, his tail wagging wildly.

"Shh," I whisper, bending down to scoop him into my arms. "Tae might be sleeping."

Yeontan immediately starts licking my chin, his small body wriggling with excitement.

Yoongi snorts, stepping inside and toeing off his shoes. "He's been waiting for us."

I smile, hugging Yeontan closer as I step into the apartment. "Hi, baby," I coo, scratching behind his ears. "Did you miss us?"

He makes a small, happy noise in response, and my heart melts.

Yoongi shakes his head, amused, as he makes his way to the kitchen. "I'll put the food away."

I nod, still gently rocking Yeontan in my arms as I walk further inside.

The apartment is dimly lit, the only glow coming from the small nightlight in the hallway. Everything is quiet.

We must have gotten home late enough for Tae to already be asleep.

Which makes sense-he wasn't feeling well earlier.

Still, I find myself peeking toward the bedroom, just to check.

And sure enough-
He's there.
Fast asleep on our bed.

My heart softens immediately.

Taehyung is curled up under the blankets, his breathing slow and even, his arm resting gently over Wacha-who is also curled up against him.

But the best part?
Her tail.

Which, with every slow flick, is comedically slapping Tae's face in his sleep.

I bite back a laugh, covering my mouth as I watch the scene unfold.

He doesn't even stir-just shifts slightly, face scrunching in mild irritation before settling again, completely oblivious to the fact that Wacha is currently assaulting him in the most casual way possible.

Yoongi steps beside me, peeking in, and immediately lets out a quiet huff of laughter.

"I swear," he murmurs, "she does that on purpose."

I nod, still grinning. "Oh, definitely."

Yoongi shakes his head, walking to Tae and gently places his hand on his forehead "At least his fever's gone down."

I smile and nod as Yoongi walks back out to place the last of the Tupperwares into the fridge.

I watch Tae for a moment longer, taking in the soft rise and fall of his chest. He looks peaceful. Safe.

My heart swells.
And then-
My phone buzzes.

I blink, glancing down at the screen-
Namjoon.

The message is simple.

Namjoon
Hope you guys got home safe. I just got back too.

I smile immediately.
Something warm curls in my chest.

Yoongi, who has perfect timing, walks back over just as I'm reading the message. He raises an eyebrow. "Namjoon?"

I nod, turning the screen toward him so he can see.