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

Chapter 57: Coffee, Chaos, & Love

The video call connected, and in an instant, warmth filled the space between us.

Jiwon's face appeared first, grinning wide, eyes twinkling. He barely had time to open his mouth before his mother's voice rang out, excited and full of love.

"My babies!"

Yoongi choked on his hot chocolate. Jin exhaled through his nose, fighting a smile.

Tae's entire face lit up, and I swear, even Namjoon-who had never met them before-visibly softened at the sheer warmth of her voice.

Jiwon's dad's face appeared next on the screen, his expression steady, warm, eyes flickering over us as if making sure we were all okay.

Even through the screen, his presence was grounding-reassuring.

I understood why Tae loved them so much.

Jiwon's mom beamed, eyes darting around, immediately cataloging each of us. Her gaze paused when it landed on Namjoon.

"Oh!" She gasped, clasping her hands together. "You must be Namjoon!"

Joon sat up a little straighter, clearly caught off guard by the sheer excitement radiating from her.

"Ah-yes, ma'am," he said, bowing his head slightly. "It's an honor to meet you."

Jiwon's mom let out a delighted sound. "Oh, you're even more handsome than I imagined! Look at you-so tall, so strong!"

Yoongi smirked as Joon's ears turned bright red.

Jiwon laughed, nudging Tae. "Wow, he is blushing. Mom obliterated him instantly."

Namjoon coughed into his fist, fighting a sheepish grin. "I-thank you, Mrs. Im."

"Mrs. Im?" She huffed, waving a hand. "None of that. You call me Eomma now."

Namjoon blinked.

Jiwon's dad chuckled, shaking his head. "It's no use fighting it, son."

Son.

Namjoon's lips parted slightly, his chest rising and falling in a quiet inhale. I felt Yoongi stiffen beside me-like he had caught it too.

Tae practically melted, his head tilting onto Joon's shoulder as he grinned. "Joonie's an Im now. It's official."

Joon cleared his throat, looking away, but the smile on his lips was undeniable. "I-uh, I appreciate that. Really."

Jiwon's mom gave him one last approving once-over before turning to Jin Oppa.

"Seokjin-ah," she sighed, hand over her heart. "My beautiful son-in-law."

Jin Oppa nearly choked.

Yoongi's head snapped toward Jin so fast I thought he might get whiplash. Tae snorted, while I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing.

"Eomma," Jiwon groaned. "That's not how this works."

"Oh, shush, Jiwon," she scolded, waving him off. "Seokjin is family. He's been working so hard to make sure our Tae gets the justice he deserves. I will call him my son-in-law if I want to."

Oppa, who had been sitting so confidently moments ago, suddenly looked a little lost, like he didn't quite know how to process being adored so openly.

His ears and neck were bright pink, his fingers tapping against his knee.

Namjoon watched all of this with quiet amusement, shaking his head.

Jiwon's dad chuckled, nodding at Jin Oppa. "Truly, Seokjin, we can't thank you enough." His voice was even, sincere.