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

Chapter 54.5: The Countdown || Part 2

Jiwon's grin widened. "Good."

Jiwon's mom was already reaching for Tae, cupping his face the way mothers do.

"Oh, my love," she murmured. "You look so good, my baby."

Tae melted into her touch, his voice soft, small. "I missed you, eomma."

I felt my heart shatter and mend itself at the same time.

And then-
Jiwon's dad stepped forward, placing a firm, grounding hand on Tae's back.

"Come here, son."

Tae went without hesitation, stepping into his embrace, his arms wrapping tightly around his waist.

I felt Yoongi exhale beside me, and I knew-he felt it too.

The unwavering love that surrounded Taehyung right now.

They loved him.
They really, really loved him.

And god, they adored him.

Jiwon turned to me and Yoongi, his grin still stretched wide across his face.

"And you must be the soulmates," he said.

I smiled, stepping forward first. "I'm Y/N."

He nodded approvingly before pulling me into a hug, no hesitation.

I laughed, hugging him back, already feeling like I had known him forever.

When he pulled away, his eyes softened, voice dipping slightly.

"I'm really happy he has you guys."

I felt it-the gratitude, the relief.

Before I could respond, Jiwon's mom reached for my hands, squeezing them tightly.

"Oh, honey," she murmured, her eyes kind, warm, filled with so much love it nearly knocked the breath out of me.

"You're beautiful," she said, and I flushed, my chest feeling full and warm.

Yoongi was next, and Jiwon grinned even wider, clapping him on the back in a way that was already so brotherly.

Yoongi stumbled slightly, scowling. "Yah-"
Jiwon cackled, clearly entertained by his reaction.

"You're cooler than I thought," Jiwon admitted, smirking.

Yoongi rolled his eyes but didn't push him away.

And then-
Jiwon's dad stepped toward Yoongi.

For a moment, Yoongi froze, his eyes shining with something unreadable.

Then, the older man placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

Yoongi swallowed, his lips parting slightly.

Jiwon's dad nodded once.
"I'm glad you're here," he said.

And that-
That was when Yoongi's expression finally cracked.

Softened.
Melted into something real, raw, and full of emotion.

And then, he bowed deeply.
"Thank you," he murmured.

Jiwon's dad just patted his shoulder again, like he already saw him as his own.

I wanted to cry.

Tae, of course, was watching all of this with hearts in his eyes.

He was practically glowing, his hands clasped together, his expression so full of love it made my chest ache.

"Alright," Tae announced. "Let's eat before Hyung starts hovering over the food again."