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

Chapter 54.5: The Countdown || Part 2

And Yoongi-oh, Yoongi.

He froze for half a second.
His entire body eased, the way he let himself be seen.

Jiwon's mom, meanwhile, had fully adopted me into her loving grasp.

"Oh, sweetheart, your skin is glowing," she cooed, brushing my hair back. "Tae and Yoongi are making sure you're taking care of yourself?"

I laughed, nodding. "Yes, Eomma."

She brightened at that, squeezing my hands. "They better."

Jiwon smirked, leaning toward Tae. "Your soulmates are literally perfect. How did you pull this off?"

Tae grinned smugly, tossing his hair. "I'm adorable."

I snorted.

Yoongi groaned. "This is what I deal with every day."

Jiwon's dad chuckled, watching all of us with that quiet, steady warmth.

The warmth of a man who loved deeply, fiercely, without hesitation.

And when he looked at Taehyung-
It was undeniable.

Tae wasn't just a guest ever.

He was a son.

Completely. Fully. Undeniably.

A deep silence settled over the room, thick with something unspoken, heavy, and overwhelming.

And then, slowly, Taehyung exhaled.
"Hyung, Eomma, Appa..." He swallowed hard, looking at Jiwon's parents with an expression so raw it made my heart ache.

His fingers clenched around the edge of the table, like he was bracing himself.

Then-his voice wavered, but it was strong.
"I just-I need to say this."

Jiwon's mom reached out immediately, taking his hand in both of hers, her warmth wrapping around him like a lifeline.

"You don't have to say anything, my love," she murmured, her voice so full of affection it made my throat tighten.

Tae shook his head. "I do. I do, Eomma."

He inhaled deeply, his grip on her hand tightening.

"I wouldn't be here without you," he whispered.

Jiwon's dad stilled.
Jiwon's face fell slightly, his teasing smile melting into something softer, something deeper.

Tae's voice cracked.
"I wouldn't have survived."

Yoongi's hand immediately found his back, rubbing slow, steady circles.

I reached for his other hand, squeezing tightly.

Tae inhaled sharply, blinking fast.

"You-you saved me," he continued, looking between them, his gaze full of something desperate, painful, and full of gratitude.

"You loved me when no one else did. When I thought I didn't deserve it."

Jiwon's mom let out a soft, shaky breath, her eyes already glistening with unshed tears.

She reached forward, cupping his face in both hands, brushing her thumbs over his cheeks.

"Oh, my baby," she whispered.

Tae let out a wobbly breath, leaning into her touch, eyes fluttering shut.

"You're the only reason I was able to grow up to be the man I am," he murmured. "The only reason I was able to live happily, despite everything."