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

Chapter 68: Clay-Stained Kisses

The rim is uneven, the sides are caving in opposite directions, and at one point, we got so distracted kissing that we forgot to keep it centered.

Even our individual pieces are tragic.

Hyung's cup leans so far to one side it looks like it's trying to escape.

And my bowl? More like a crumpled pancake with abandonment issues.

I sigh dramatically, poking at our shared disasterpiece. "This is a catastrophe."

Joon hyung wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me into his chest. He's warm, solid, steady.

I feel the soft press of his lips against my temple, lingering.

"Yeah," he murmurs. "But it's our catastrophe."

Something in my chest tightens-something tender and overwhelming-and before I can stop myself, I melt into him.

"You're lucky I love you," I mumble.

He smiles. "I love you too."

The words land effortlessly, like they've always been waiting to be said.

I turn in his arms just enough to look at him, and the way he gazes at me-soft, a little shy, but so full of love it makes my heart ache-makes me kiss him again.

This time, it's slower. Gentler.

Just a quiet, tender press of lips. A confirmation of something we both already know.

When we finally pull apart, I sigh, tucking my face against his shoulder. "We should probably finish up before we get banned from the class."

Joonie hyung chuckles, rubbing slow circles against my lower back. "Yeah. And we need to figure out what to do with our masterpieces."

By the time we're wrapping up, the instructor shakes her head fondly as she places our monstrosities onto the drying rack.

"You two might not be winning any awards for craftsmanship," she teases, "but I don't think I've ever seen a couple have more fun in one of my classes."

I beam. "See, hyung? We are artists."

Joon hyung snorts. "Sure, baby bear. The Picassos of Ugly Pottery."

I cackle, then-without warning-shove my finished bowl into his hands.

"Here. This one's yours now."

He blinks down at it. "You're giving me this?"

"Yup." I nod sagely. "A special gift. To remember this beautiful night."

He shakes his head fondly but takes it anyway.

"Fine. Then this-" He hands me his tragic cup. "-is yours."

I accept it with great solemnity, then immediately burst into giggles. "Wow, hyung. It's so... artistic."

"That's one way to put it," he mutters.

With our disaster pieces carefully wrapped up, we step out of the museum, and the city greets us with a soft, glowing embrace.

The sky has deepened into twilight, the first stars peeking out beyond the neon glow of Seoul. Streetlights flicker to life, casting golden halos over quiet sidewalks.

I breathe in deeply, stretching my arms overhead like I'm soaking it all in.

The cold air nips at my cheeks, my scarf shifting slightly as a breeze tousles my hair. I can feel Joonie hyung's gaze on me-warm and unwavering.

When I glance at him, he's already watching.

The way the city lights reflect in his eyes. The way his lips curl at the edges, like he's holding onto a secret only he knows.

The way his fingers tap idly against the paper bag holding my cup, like he's still buzzing with leftover excitement.

And god, I love him.

I love him so much it's terrifying.

We reach our bikes, parked neatly near the museum entrance. Joon hyung unclips his helmet and glances at me. "Wanna race?"

I grin. "Oh? You think you can beat me, hyung?"

"I know I can."

"You wish."

He smirks. "If I win, you have to give me another kiss."

I pause, lips pursed in thought. Then I shrug, grinning. "Deal."

And just like that, I take off-before he can even finish getting his helmet on.

"Taehyung!" he shouts, laughing as he scrambles onto his bike. "You cheater!"

"Love you, hyung!" I call back, cackling as I pedal ahead, disappearing into the glow of the streetlights.

I hear his laughter echo behind me, warm and full, like home.

And as I race through the city-his presence chasing me, our terrible pottery tucked safely in my bag-I know one thing for sure.

No matter how lumpy, messy, or completely disastrous things might turn out...

I will always love my soulmates.

__________________________

I barely manage to lock my bike before Namjoon hyung pulls me into a hug, strong arms winding around my waist, his warmth sinking into my skin like sunlight.

"You did good today, baby bear," he murmurs against my hair, voice low and fond.

I hum, pressing closer. "I always do good, hyung."

Hyung chuckles, squeezing me once before pulling back just enough to press a kiss to my forehead. His lips linger there, soft and grounding, and it's ridiculous how much I love this man.

He pulls away just as my phone buzzes in my pocket. I don't have to check it to know who it is.

Jin (Group Chat)
🛑 Where are my babies?!
It's late. Come home.

Yoongi (Group Chat)
And bring food.

Y/N (Group Chat)
And tell us EVERYTHING.

I snicker, flipping my phone screen toward Joonie hyung, who smirks.

"Guess we're going to the penthouse."