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

Chapter 54.5: The Countdown || Part 2

"It's not that deep," Namjoon was saying, shaking his head fondly.

Tae gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to his chest. "Hyung! You wound me."

Yoongi snorted. "He should."

Tae kicked him under the table.

I laughed, my fingers curling around my mug as I sighed, watching the way

Namjoon's shoulders shook slightly from laughter. His God glorious deep dimples making an appearance.

This.

This was peace.

Namjoon turned to me, tilting his head slightly. "You okay?"

I blinked, my lips curling into a small smile.
"I'm perfect."

And when Namjoon smiled back, I swear I felt something in me settle.

Like a quiet promise, sinking into my bones.

The second half was spent wandering through the city, stopping at bookstores, random parks, tiny food stalls tucked into side streets.

And Namjoon?

Namjoon was effortless.

He moved through the city like he belonged to it-like he knew every hidden corner, every cracked pavement stone, every soft breeze that passed between the buildings.

And we?
We followed, letting him lead.
Letting him show us the world through his eyes.

We had stopped keeping track of time.

Namjoon was already so deeply intertwined in our days that it felt impossible to remember a time without him.

And the only thing missing was-

Jin Oppa.

Oppa, who was buried in work, preparing for Tae's civil suit.

Oppa, who had been checking in on us whenever he could, his voice exhausted but full of unwavering care.

And Oppa, who-without fail-made things awkward as hell for himself and Namjoon every time we called.

"You look like shit hyung," Yoongi greeted, leaning back against my couch, the phone balanced on his knee.

Jin snorted, rubbing a hand over his face. "Thanks, Yoongi. Really feeling the love."

Tae grinned, peeking over Yoongi's shoulder. "Hyung, we miss you!"

Jin's expression softened immediately.

"I miss you too, TaeTae," he murmured.
And god, I knew he meant it.

Then-Namjoon shifted beside me.
And the entire mood changed.

Jin stiffened.
Namjoon coughed.

Yoongi and I exchanged a look.
And Tae-
Tae frowned slightly, nudging me.

"We're not gonna talk about it?" he mouthed.

I sighed.
Because we all knew.

The tension between Jin and Namjoon had been palpable since the moment they re-entered each other's lives.

But not yet.
Not until they were ready.

So instead, I smiled softly.
"Someday," I whispered back.

And Tae-hopeful, trusting Tae-nodded.

Someday.

For now, we had this.
For now, we had each other.