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

Chapter 53: Between Boxes And Promises

Yoongi smirks. "No promises."

I huff a soft laugh, but there's a tightness in my chest.

Because Tae's dramatics aside-I know he's feeling the same ache I am.

The same one Yoongi is feeling, even if he won't say it out loud.

Yeontan hops onto Tae's lap, nudging his chin like he knows exactly what's going on.

Tae immediately cradles him, pouting. "At least you love me."

"Tan loves everyone," Yoongi deadpans, shoving another box toward the movers.

Tae narrows his eyes. "Yeah? Well, your cat is coming with me, so."

At that, Yoongi's entire body stills.

I snort, watching as he slowly turns toward Tae, expression flat. "Excuse me?"

Tae shrugs, rubbing behind Wacha's ears where she's curled up beside him, completely unbothered.

"She sleeps with me every night. I'm her favorite now."

Yoongi scoffs. "She sleeps with you because you're a human space heater, not because she loves you more."

"Denial," Tae sings, kissing the top of Wacha's head.

I giggle, biting my lip. "You guys are ridiculous. Also, the cat is staying, might I remind you guys, Wacha is MY cat."

Yoongi looks personally offended, muttering under his breath as he tapes up another box.

For a moment, things feel normal.
For a moment, we're just us-teasing, laughing, making fun of Yoongi's obsession with Wacha-

But then, the movers call out that the trucks are almost loaded, and reality comes crashing back down.

Tae's smile falters.

Yoongi exhales sharply.

And I feel it too-that dread, curling in my stomach.

I try to push it down. "Okay," I say, forcing some enthusiasm into my voice. "Three months, guys. We can do this."

Yoongi nods firmly, though his jaw is still tight. "Three months."

Tae clutches Yeontan dramatically. "Can't we just buy a house now? Let's just pick the first one we see."

I laugh, nudging his knee. "You are not living in a haunted house, Tae."

He gasps. "How dare you assume my taste."

Yoongi shakes his head. "You literally looked at a listing last week and said, 'This one looks cursed, we should buy it.'"

Tae sighs dreamily. "It had vibes, Hyung."

I snort, shaking my head. "Three months," I repeat. "We'll find something perfect."

Tae pouts, but I see the corner of his lips twitch.

Because we all know the truth.

It's not about finding a house.
It's about building a home.
And for us?

That's not a place.
It's each other.

One of the movers pokes his head in, calling out that they're ready to go.

Tae groans, burying his face in Wacha's fur. "I don't want to gooooo."

I reach for him, squeezing his wrist. "You'll be back before you know it."

Yoongi sighs, running a hand through Tae's already messy hair. "Alright. Let's get this over with."

Wacha finally stirs, stretching before hopping off the couch-but not toward Yoongi.