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

Chapter 54: The Countdown || Part 1 ⚠️

Yeona squeezes my hand. "Tae deserves this. And you guys deserve to focus on what matters."

I nod, my throat tight.
They get it. They really get it.

Across the room, I spot Yoongi leaning against the conference table, his cybersecurity team-Juseo, Soojin, and Jinho-huddled around him.

Soojin, ever the fiery one, jabs a finger at his chest. "Don't do anything dumb."

Yoongi rolls his eyes. "You act like I don't have a functioning brain."

Jinho, a junior engineer, snorts. "Hyung, we've seen you when you're stressed. You turn into an insomniac zombie."

Juseo nods sagely. "And when you're an insomniac zombie, you make bad life choices."

Soojin crosses her arms. "So don't be dumb."

I barely stifle a laugh as Yoongi pinches the bridge of his nose, muttering something about how he should've picked less annoying colleagues.

But the truth is-this is their way of showing they care.
And Yoongi knows it too.

He exhales, rubbing the back of his neck before murmuring, "Thanks, guys."

Soojin softens, offering him a small smirk. "Anytime, boss."

___________________

The smell of sizzling meat fills the air, thick and rich with spice.

The restaurant is warm, the sound of chatter and laughter blending with the occasional sizzle of pork belly hitting the grill.

We're tucked into a private booth, the four of us-me, Yoongi, Tae, and Jin Oppa-gathered around a smoking-hot grill, chopsticks in hand, stomachs ready.

And, unsurprisingly, Oppa has taken full control of the grill.

"You three are helpless," he scoffs, expertly flipping the pork belly with a practiced flick of his wrist. "How did you even survive before me?"

Yoongi, half-slumped in his seat, raises a brow. "I cook just fine, hyung."

Oppa snorts, unimpressed. "Yeah but it's nothing like the Jin treatment."