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

Chapter 55: Ground Zero ⚠️

Instead, his fingers found Tae's shoulder, gripping softly, just to let him know he was there.

"Thank you," Tae whispered, voice thick.
Jin Oppa's hand moved to the back of his head, his voice low but firm. "Always. I'm always here."

Yoongi exhaled beside me, so quiet only I noticed.

But in that moment, he reached out-his fingertips brushing the sleeve of Oppa's suit, just the lightest touch.

A silent thank you.

Jin Oppa didn't react outwardly, but I saw the way his hold on Tae tightened just a little. He understood.

Namjoon shifted beside me, his eyes trained on Jin Oppa and Tae, something undeniable swirling in his gaze. I couldn't quite name it-relief, gratitude, maybe even something deeper.

And me?
I didn't stop myself.

I reached forward, smoothing down the lapel of Jin Oppa's suit-an excuse to touch, to give, to say what I couldn't with words.

Oppa glanced at me then, his lips barely curving-but the look in his eyes was everything.

When Tae finally pulled away, he was still clutching his bear, but there was something different in his expression.

Steadier.

Yoongi nodded at him, eyes full of pride. "You ready, bear cub?"

Tae swallowed hard, then nodded. "I'm ready."

Jin patted his head, ruffling his curls. "Good. Let's go win this."

As we followed Oppa down the hall, Yoongi brushed his knuckles against mine. Just once. An unspoken message.

Beside me, Joon matched our pace, his presence steady-his role in this undeniable.

I turned my hand over, intertwining my fingers with Yoongi's, squeezing.

We were in this together.
And we weren't letting go.

____________________

Taehyung sat between Yoongi and me, his teddy bear clutched tightly against his chest.

His fingers gripped the soft fabric, his shoulders tense, his breath coming in quiet, uneven exhales.

I gently placed my hand over his, squeezing lightly. We're here. You're safe.

On his other side, Yoongi did the same-his palm resting on Tae's knee, thumb rubbing slow, grounding circles.

And beside Yoongi, Namjoon was there too.

His presence was solid, a quiet anchor in the room. He didn't hesitate to reach across, fingers brushing against the curve of Tae's shoulder, a touch that was gentle, warm, steadying.

"Deep breaths, Tae," Namjoon murmured, his voice low and soothing. "One at a time."

Tae exhaled shakily, his grip on his bear loosening slightly.

The conference room was huge-the long mahogany table polished to perfection, sleek monitor on the wall, displaying case files.