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

Chapter 54.5: The Countdown || Part 2

Jiwon exhaled sharply, reaching over to place a firm, grounding hand on Tae's arm.

"You were always meant to be happy, idiot," he muttered, his voice thick.

Tae laughed wetly, shaking his head.

Jiwon's dad had been quiet, listening intently, his expression unreadable.

Then, finally, he spoke.

"You were always meant to be loved, Taehyung," he said, his voice firm, steady.

Tae let out a choked breath, and god-I thought I would break right there.

Then-I glanced at Yoongi.
And I saw it.

The way he was staring at Jiwon's father.
Like he saw something in him.

Something safe.
Something he wanted to be.

I squeezed Yoongi's knee under the table. He didn't move away.

Tae sniffled, laughing through the tears that threatened to spill.

Then, slowly, he let go of Jiwon's mom's hands and turned to face them all fully.

"We're filing the civil suit in a few days and then soon, criminal charges, we wanted to tell you before you hear it, see it from the media" he said, his voice steadier now.

Final.

Jiwon inhaled sharply.

Jiwon's mom froze.

Jiwon's dad's expression didn't change-but something shifted in his eyes.

And then-a long, deep exhale.
Like they had been waiting years to hear those words.

Jiwon's mom closed her eyes briefly, her shoulders shaking slightly before she let out a breath of pure relief.

"Finally," she whispered.

Jiwon clenched his fists, his lips pressing together before he nodded.

"About damn time," he muttered, voice thick with emotion.

Jiwon's dad leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp, protective, unwavering.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

Tae met his eyes.
And for the first time in his life, he didn't hesitate.

"Yes," he said. "I am."

Silence fell over the table again.

Not the heavy kind from before.
This time-it was lighter.

Laced with hope, relief, and something undeniable.

Jiwon's mom reached for Tae's hand again, squeezing so tightly I thought she might never let go.

"We will be with you every step of the way," she murmured.

Tae's breath hitched.

"I know," he whispered.

And god, I knew I would never forget this moment.

Because tonight-Taehyung wasn't just fighting for himself.

He wasn't just taking back what was stolen from him.

He was surrounded by the people who loved him.

By the time dinner ended, I never wanted to leave.

Tae was still clinging to Jiwon's mom, mumbling sleepily into her shoulder as she ran her fingers through his hair.

Jiwon was grinning at Yoongi, giving him a playful shove before muttering, "You're cool. I guess."

Yoongi rolled his eyes, but the corners of his mouth lifted slightly"