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

Chapter 54: The Countdown || Part 1 ⚠️

One week.

In just one week, we'd be sitting in Jin Oppa's office, going over everything.

Tae's case. His future. His justice.

DAY 1

It's early-barely 7:00 AM-but the three of us are already settled in our usual corner booth of the cafe, the one tucked near the window where the sunlight spills in just right.

Taehyung, wrapped in an oversized beige sweater, is half-asleep, lazily stirring his iced vanilla latte with a pout. "Why did we agree to breakfast this early?" he mumbles.

Yoongi smirks over the rim of his Americano. "Because you whined about being stuck unloading boxes the entire weekend."

Tae glares, sluggishly kicking Yoongi's shin under the table. "I was being dramatic"

I giggle, reaching over to ruffle Tae's hair. "And we love you for it, bear cub."

Tae hums, leaning into my touch like a sleepy cat. "That's right. You do."

Yoongi rolls his eyes, but I catch the small, fond smile tugging at his lips.

Between us, plates of breakfast sit untouched-Tae's pancakes drowning in syrup, my croissant half-eaten, and Yoongi's omelet still steaming.

For a moment, there's quiet-the kind that feels warm and easy.

Tae finally sits up, blinking away the sleep from his eyes. "So...it's next week."

Yoongi and I exchange a glance before nodding.

"Next week, we're filing our leaves later too" I echo.

Tae exhales, twirling his fork between his fingers. "Me too, I think I'm ready."

Yoongi studies him for a beat, then reaches out, flicking his forehead gently. "You don't have to be ready for everything, you know."

Tae pouts, rubbing the spot Yoongi flicked. "Hyung."

I smile softly, nudging Tae's knee under the table. "He's right, though. That's why we're here-to do this with you."

Tae's expression softens. His gaze flickers between us, something warm settling in his chest.
"...I know."

And we don't have to say anything else.
Because we all know.

By 8:30 AM, the city is awake, the roads bustling with the early rush of commuters.

Yoongi is in the driver's seat, one hand on the wheel, the other lazily drumming against the gear shift.

I'm riding shotgun, my head tilted back against the seat, sipping from my second cup of cocoa.

Tae is in the back, sprawled across the seat, humming to the song playing softly through the speakers.