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

Chapter 61: An Expanded SoulMap

I smiled but then sighed, leaning into his touch. "He's been working so hard. Between the trial prep and his VR project deadlines..."

Namjoon nodded, his thumb absentmindedly stroking Yeontan's fur. "Dr. Ji Woo said his last session went really well, though. Tae's opening up more."

Jin Oppa, who was seated next to Namjoon, added softly, "Yeah. She mentioned he's starting to acknowledge how much progress he's made. The nightmares aren't as frequent."

Yoongi's voice softened. "He told me last night that he felt lighter after therapy. Like he's finally breathing again."

My chest warmed at that. "I'm so proud of him."

Jin Oppa exhaled, smiling. "We all are."

Namjoon chuckled. "And don't forget, Tae basically charmed Dr. Ji Woo into extending their sessions to weekly hangouts disguised as therapy."

We laughed, and Yoongi shook his head. "Of course he did."

Oppa leaned back, looking thoughtful. "He's stronger than he realizes."

Namjoon nudged Jin's knee. "And he's got us."

"Always," I echoed.

The conversation settled into a quiet hum of love and pride, all of us thinking about Tae and how far he's come-with therapy, with us, with himself.

And I knew that, no matter what awaited him in that courtroom two months from now, he'd never be facing it alone.

Later, as Yoongi and Namjoon bickered quietly over which board game to play next, Jin Oppa tapped me on the arm, silently motioning toward the kitchen. I followed.

He leaned casually against the counter, arms crossed as I grabbed glasses from the cupboard. His gaze was soft.

"You're quiet tonight," he said gently, stepping closer to help. His fingers brushed mine as he handed me a glass.

I shrugged, cheeks warm. "Just thinking about Tae. And... us. How far we've come."

Oppa's thumb ran across my knuckles without a second thought. "We're building something good, love."

I smiled at the pet name, resting my forehead against his chest. His heartbeat was steady beneath the cotton of his shirt.

"You're part of that too, you know?" I murmured.

Jin Oppa chuckled softly, wrapping me in a hug. "I know. And I'm grateful every day."

We lingered there for a few seconds, savoring the quiet closeness before returning to the others.

Yoongi and Namjoon were still on the floor when we came back, Yoongi leaning heavily into Namjoon's side as they shared quiet laughter over something on Namjoon's phone.

I caught the faint pink on Yoongi's cheeks as Namjoon playfully tugged on his ear.

"Stop acting like you hate me, hyung. I know you love this."

Yoongi rolled his eyes but didn't move away, instead letting Namjoon's arm settle comfortably around his waist. "You're lucky I do."

The two exchanged a soft look-one of those quiet, knowing glances that made it impossible not to smile at them.

Jin Oppa smirked beside me. "You're going to combust watching them."

I elbowed him lightly. "Shut up."

While Yoongi and I flopped back onto the couch, Jin Oppa gently tugged Namjoon to the balcony, their hands brushing as they stepped into the cool air.

Through the glass, I watched as Oppa stood in front of Namjoon, arms looping around his waist effortlessly.