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

Chapter 68: Clay-Stained Kisses

Joonie hyung, sitting there, streaks of dried clay smudged across his cheek, lips still swollen from our kiss.

His eyes are wide as he stares at his phone, a soft pink flush creeping over his skin.

He meets my gaze, and for a second, we just sit there, breathing in sync, caught in the quiet aftermath of it all.

Then, as if on cue, we both break into grins.

"Hyung!" I exclaim, barely containing my excitement. I shift closer, lifting my wrist to show him the screen of my smart watch, even though we both already know what it says.

"We leveled up!"

Hyung chuckles, running a hand through his hair. "Damn, baby bear, you really are on a roll, huh? You've managed to level up the connection phases with all of us."

I grin, eyes twinkling. "Right? I should get an achievement badge or something."

He hums in thought. "A special title, maybe. Something like Soulmate Speedrunner-"

"-or Connection Collector!" I cut in, laughing.

Joonie hyung smirks, leaning in close, voice dropping to a murmur. "Or maybe just The Love of My Life."

My teasing expression falters-just for a moment-before something warm and soft takes its place.

My lips part slightly, my heart stuttering in my chest.

And then, ofcourse, I had to ruin it.

"Gross," I whine, wrinkling my nose. "Stop saying things that make me wanna marry you."

Joon hyung throws his head back, laughing. "You say that, but I don't hear you denying it."

I cross my arms, pretending to huff, but my smile gives me away. "Shut up and finish your terrible pottery, hyung."

We both glance down at our so-called creations and-well.

It's bad.

No, scratch that.

It's horrific.

Our wheel-thrown piece-the one we made together-is a wobbly, lumpy mess, like some ancient artifact that got stepped on a few too many times.