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

Chapter 55: Ground Zero ⚠️

Tae hesitated before reaching out and taking it. His hands trembled slightly, so I placed mine over his, steadying him.

Yoongi reached over, too, covering both of our hands with his.

Tae exhaled, glancing at us gratefully before looking back at the list.

Woo Shik read out the first charge.
"Child Abuse & Endangerment."

Jin's voice was cold, controlled.
"This charge covers every physical, emotional, and psychological trauma they inflicted on you from childhood until you escaped."

Ji Woo, the therapist, added softly,
"Your medical records and psychological evaluations will prove the lasting damage. The court takes child abuse cases seriously, and with the amount of evidence we're compiling, they won't be able to argue their way out of it."

Tae's grip on the paper tightened. His voice was quieter this time.
"How much time would they serve for this?"

Seojun, the civil lawyer, spoke up.
"Because the abuse was prolonged over several years and resulted in severe physical and emotional damage, we're looking at a felony conviction-ten years minimum, possibly more."

Yoongi scoffed. "Not enough," he muttered.

Namjoon's jaw clenched. "Not even close."

Jin Oppa smirked darkly. "Don't worry. This is just the first charge."

Woo Shik continued.
"Physical Assault & Battery."

Jisoo's expression darkened.
"This covers every injury they inflicted-the broken ribs, concussions, bruises. The repeated attacks over the years."

Hyung Sik, the private investigator, leaned back in his chair, his expression serious.

"Hospital records confirm multiple severe injuries. Even if they try to claim you were 'just clumsy,' we have documentation that proves otherwise."

Tae's jaw clenched.

"I was never clumsy," he muttered, his voice tight with barely contained emotion.

Yoongi exhaled through his nose, his hand firm but gentle on Tae's knee. "We know, baby," he murmured. "They're not getting away with this."

Namjoon, still silent, shifted closer. His entire presence radiated protection. He didn't speak, but his free hand settled against the back of Tae's chair, the weight of him grounding, reassuring.

Woo Shik nodded.
"Attempted Murder."

The room fell into a heavy silence.

Tae's breathing hitched. I squeezed his hand immediately, feeling his pulse quicken beneath my fingers.

Yoongi's entire body went still beside him.

Jin Oppa, ever composed, leaned in slightly. His voice was softer now, but no less serious.

"Locking you in a basement without food or water for days? Beating you so badly that you barely survived?" His jaw tensed. "That's attempted murder."

"And we have enough to prove it."

Tae swallowed, his voice barely above a whisper.
"What's the sentence for that?"

Seojun answered, tone measured but firm.
"It depends, but life imprisonment is on the table."

Tae's breath stilled. He looked at Jin Oppa, searching.

"Would they really get life?"
Oppa's lips pressed together. "If we prove intent, yes."