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

Chapter 54: The Countdown || Part 1 ⚠️

"Okay," Tae says simply.
We all glance at him.

He nods once, final. "If you think it's the right move, Hyung, I trust you."

Jin Oppa exhales, like he wasn't expecting it to be that easy.
And maybe he wasn't.

Maybe he thought we'd press-ask why he suddenly wants to do this when he's been so careful to avoid it.

But we don't.
Because he doesn't have to tell us yet.

Just like Namjoon doesn't have to, either.
Not until they're ready.

Yoongi runs a slow hand through his hair. "Alright. We trust you."

I nod, my chest tight but warm. "Let us know when you do."

Jin's gaze flickers. "I will."

And when Jin Oppa pokes at Tae's cheek, calling him a brat, and Tae laughs so hard he nearly chokes on his lettuce wrap, and Yoongi-soft, quiet, but deeply present-just shakes his head with that small, knowing smile-
I know.

I know we're going to be okay.

________________________

DAY 2

Yoongi's childhood home is warm, the kind of warmth that settles into your bones-soft lighting, the scent of home-cooked food drifting through the air, and the sound of excited chatter from the dining room.

"Tae Oppa! You're finally here!"

The moment we step inside, Nari comes flying out of the dining room, her arms thrown wide as she practically launches herself at Taehyung.

Tae barely has time to react before she collides with him, wrapping him in a tight hug.

"Wah, Unnie, Oppa-he's even more handsome in person!" Nari exclaims, grinning up at me and Yoongi as she clings to Tae's arm.

Tae, caught completely off guard, lets out a startled laugh, cheeks flushing pink. "Ah-Nari-ssi, it's nice to finally meet you."

"None of that '-ssi' nonsense," she huffs, looping her arm through his like they've been siblings their whole lives. "We're family now, Oppa."

Before Tae can respond, Yoongi's mom appears, wiping her hands on her apron, her expression radiant.

"You must be Taehyung," she says, her voice warm with familiarity. "Finally, I get to see you in person."

Tae straightens immediately, bowing deeply. "It's an honor to meet you, ma'am."

Yoongi's mom clicks her tongue, unimpressed. "None of that. Come here."

Before he knows it, she's pulling him into a hug-strong, comforting, the kind only a mother can give.

Tae freezes for half a second-and then, slowly, his shoulders relax, his fingers clutching the back of her sweater as he melts into the embrace.