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

Chapter 63: Falling for a Menace

The city feels far away, even though it's right there, towering in the distance.

Taehyung takes a bite of his sandwich, then turns to me with an exaggerated moan of satisfaction.

I snort. "Good?"

He nods dramatically. "Amazing."

I take a bite of mine, humming at the taste. "Not bad."

He gasps, placing a hand over his chest. "Not bad? Hyung, this is a masterpiece."

I roll my eyes. "It's a Subway sandwich."

He nudges me with his knee, eyes twinkling. "And yet, somehow, it tastes better because I'm eating it with you."

I pause mid-bite, glancing at him. His face is all innocence, but I know better.

"You're doing it again," I mutter.

Taehyung blinks. "Doing what?"

I narrow my eyes. "Flirting."

He grins. "Observing."

I exhale, shaking my head, but I can't fight the small smile forming on my lips. He's been relentless today, and the worst part?

I don't hate it.

I don't even want him to stop.

As the food dwindles and the afternoon stretches on, our conversation shifts. The teasing edges into something quieter, something more thoughtful.

We talk about photography, about the shots we took today and the way we see the world through our lenses.

"You always focus on the details," Taehyung says, watching me carefully. "The little things no one else notices."

I nod slowly. "It's easier to see emotions that way. The way someone's fingers twitch when they're nervous, the way their eyes soften when they're happy."

Taehyung smiles, but it's softer this time. "I like that about you."

I glance at him. "Yeah?"

He nods. "You notice things that matter."

I don't know what to say to that, so I just take a sip of my drink, hoping he doesn't notice the way my ears are heating up.

But of course, he notices everything.

At some point, Taehyung shifts closer, his shoulder pressing against mine. It's casual, like he isn't even thinking about it, but I know better.

Then, his fingers brush against mine. Just barely. Just enough.

I don't pull away.

Instead, I let my hand turn slightly, letting my pinky curl around his.

He smiles at that, the kind of smile that feels like sunshine, and I feel something settle deep in my chest.

This is different. This is more.