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

Chapter 61: An Expanded SoulMap

Oppa's answer was honest, but filled with quiet defiance. "Yes."

But what followed wasn't fear-it was resolve.

Tae's grip had tightened on Yoongi's hand. "Then we'll fight when the time comes."

Yoongi's gaze was steady. "We're not going anywhere."

And me?

I remember looking at all of them and realizing that no matter how complicated this got, we'd face it together.

Now, here in the cozy warmth of this little café, watching them all laugh and tease and steal little touches-the heaviness from that night felt distant.

Joon chuckled as Tae poked at his cheek. "Hyung, you have a dimple showing."

Namjoon raised a brow, smug. "You say that like it's not my secret weapon."

Tae melted immediately. "Ugh, why does that work on me?"

Jin Oppa leaned over to whisper something in Joon's ear, making him grin wider, and I swore Tae's soul left his body for a second.

Yoongi chuckled softly. "Bear cub, you're too easy."

Tae crossed his arms, cheeks puffed. "No, I'm not."

"Mhmm," Yoongi murmured, squeezing my hand under the table, his thumb brushing my knuckles softly.

I couldn't help but smile at the sheer comfort of it all.

Namjoon, ever the leader, draped an arm around Tae and pulled him closer, ruffling his hair. "You're adorable. Accept it."

Tae groaned dramatically, but I could see the way he melted into the affection.

Oppa's hand rested on Joon's knee, thumb brushing gently back and forth as if it were second nature, and Namjoon's free hand reached for Jin Oppa's, their fingers tangling automatically.

Yoongi shifted beside me, voice quiet but amused. "They're so gross."

"Yeah," I whispered, squeezing his hand. "Gross and sweet."

Yoongi's gaze softened as he leaned in to kiss the side of my head. "Like us?"

I grinned. "Exactly like us."

Our nightly café meetups had become our ritual after work, an anchor after the whirlwind days at EchoTech and Speak Yourself Foundation.

We'd decompress, laugh, steal small moments to exist in each other's spaces.

Tae's head eventually dropped to Namjoon's shoulder, eyes fluttering shut for just a second before Jin oppa gently tugged his hoodie up to keep him warm.

"You'll fall asleep on Joon's arm and get a crick in your neck," Oppa teased softly.

"Worth it," Tae mumbled, eyes still closed.

I leaned forward on the table, chin propped on my hand. "You know... we've come so far."

Namjoon's eyes met mine, warm and full of gratitude. "Yeah. We really have."

Yoongi nodded, his hand lacing tighter with mine. "Feels like home."

And looking at them now-Jin Oppa smiling softly at Joon, Tae grinning despite being half-asleep, Yoongi's steady warmth at my side.

No matter what was waiting ahead... we were ready.

As we sat there, basking in the warmth of soft laughter and playful teasing, Namjoon cleared his throat lightly, drawing all our attention.