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

Chapter 53: Between Boxes And Promises

Tae ignores him.

Tae (On Yoongi's phone)
Also, here's my number! [xxx-xxxx-xxxx] Text me! 🥹❤️

I lose it, doubling over in laughter. Yoongi lunges to snatch his phone back, but Tae is too quick, bolting across the room.

"Catch me if you can, old man!" he taunts, weaving through the maze of boxes.

Yoongi curses under his breath, determined. "Oh, you're dead."

I watch, wiping at my eyes, as Yoongi chases Tae through the apartment like a predator on a mission.

I glance up, heart swelling as Tae finally collapses onto the couch, victorious and breathless.

Tae's phone buzzes. His eyes lighting up at the sight of Namjoon's message.

Namjoon
Noted. Taehyung, I'm texting you. Looking forward to meeting you, kid.

Yoongi, still catching his breath, flops beside him, shaking his head. "You're impossible."

Tae grins, looking at both of us.

Then, softly-
"I really like him already."

And just like that-
Yoongi and I melt.

I sigh, settling beside them, leaning into Tae's shoulder. "We do too, bear cub."

Yoongi hums in agreement, soft for once, nudging Tae's knee with his own.

For a while, we just sit there, tangled together on the couch, content and warm in this tiny, half-unpacked apartment.

Yeontan stirs beside us, letting out a small whine, clearly missing Wacha already.

Tae pouts, scratching behind his ears. "Don't worry, baby. We'll see her soon."

Yoongi scoffs but doesn't argue.

Because we will.

This is temporary.
Three months.
And then we'll all be home.

"Tae, why do you have so many candles?"

Yoongi holds up yet another scented candle from one of the boxes, brows furrowed in confusion.

Tae, lying dramatically across the couch with Yeontan sprawled across his chest, barely spares him a glance. "Ambiance, Hyung."

Yoongi deadpans. "This is your seventh one."

Tae gasps, clutching his heart. "And?"
I snort, organizing the coffee table. "Are they at least different scents?"

Yoongi sniffs one. "Lavender." He grabs another. "Also lavender." Another. "Again, lavender."

I burst out laughing. "Tae, please."

Tae huffs, looking personally offended. "It's relaxing!"

Yoongi shakes his head, muttering something under his breath as he shoves all the lavender candles onto a shelf.

Tae grins, pleased. "Thank you, Hyung."

As I finish stacking some magazines, my phone buzzes in my pocket.

Namjoon
Still surviving the move?

I smile, glancing at Tae and Yoongi-one smugly victorious over his candle hoard, the other looking seconds away from giving up on unpacking altogether.

Y/N
Barely. But I think Yoongi's about to be defeated by a scented candle.

The reply is instant.

Namjoon
Tell him I believe in him. Stay strong, Suga.

I giggle, poking Yoongi's arm. "Namjoon says he believes in you."