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

Chapter 56: Warfare & Warm Hands

Yoongi exhaled, brushing his lips against Tae's temple. "You will, baby."

The room was silent for a moment, the weight of everything settling.

Tae's hands were still trembling, but his eyes held something new.

Determination.

Jin Oppa studied him carefully before speaking. "Once this starts, there's no going back."

Tae exhaled, his voice steadier than before. "I don't want to go back."

Jin's smirk returned. "Then let's watch them fall."

Taehyung looked around the table, at his soulmates.

At Yoongi, who had been his quiet strength ever since they met.

At me, who had promised to hold him through it all.

At Namjoon, who had stepped into this storm and refused to leave.

At Jin Oppa, who had built this case brick by brick, determined to see it through.

He exhaled, his grip tightening. Then, slowly, he nodded.

I brushed a hand through Tae's hair, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. "We're here, love."

Tae leaned into the touch. "I know."

Jin smirked, standing. "Then let's begin."

______________________________

The first breath of cold air that hit us as we stepped out of the law firm was freeing.

The meeting-the foundation of Taehyung's justice-was over.

Everything was in motion.

And while the weight of it all still lingered in the background, there was something else tonight.

Something warm.
Something certain.

I tightened my scarf around my neck and glanced at Taehyung, who stood beside me, his cheeks pink from the chill.

He was still holding onto his oversized teddy bear, but the way he held it now was different. Less clingy comfort, more habit.

Yoongi stepped up beside him, shoving his hands into his coat pockets. "Still can't believe you dragged that thing all the way here," he muttered, nudging Tae's side.

Tae gasped dramatically. "Excuse you, this is a very important emotional support bear, Hyung. You gave it to me, so you cannot complain!"

Namjoon chuckled beside me, the deep warmth of it curling in my chest. "I mean, he did just declare war today. The bear deserves some credit."

Jin Oppa snorted, rolling his eyes as he adjusted the collar of his coat. "If I had known he was serious at bringing him and we'd be sharing the table with a sixth guest, I would have booked a private room."

I gasped, clutching my chest. "Oppa, how dare you speak of our newest child like this?!"

Tae sniffled, hugging the bear tighter. "I feel so attacked right now."

Yoongi, the traitor, patted the bear's head in mock sympathy. "Stay strong, bear cub."

Oppa sighed in exasperation, rubbing his temples. "Fine. The bear can stay. But he better not take my soup."

Tae grinned, eyes twinkling. "No promises."

Namjoon was already laughing, shaking his head as he turned toward the street. "Come on, let's go eat before one of you starts crying."