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

Chapter 74: Ski Slopes and Scandals

We walk in silence for a moment, his thumb idly brushing over my knuckles as he exhales softly.

And then—his voice drops.
“You ever wonder when the other shoe is going to drop?”

I blink, turning to him fully. “What do you mean?”

Jin lets out a breath, his free hand running through his hair. “All of this—us, the five of us—it feels too good. And I keep thinking…”

He trails off, his jaw clenching.

I wait, giving him time.

He exhales, looking ahead at the snow-covered path. His hand slips into mine, his thumb brushing over my knuckles absentmindedly.

“Sometimes, I wonder how long this peace will last.”

My smile falters. “Oppa…”

He exhales, voice quieter now. “My father doesn’t lose. He doesn’t let go of things he thinks he can control. And right now, I know he still sees me as something he owns.”

I squeeze his hand. “He doesn’t own you, Jinnie.”

He lets out a humorless chuckle. “Tell that to the engagement Dara and I had to agree to, just to keep him from digging into my life. Tell that to the years I spent pretending I didn’t love Namjoon, just so my father wouldn’t destroy him.”

I squeeze his hand harder.

Jin oppa swallows, looking straight ahead. “Tae’s trial is coming up. And I know my father—he always has an agenda. What if he tries to use it? What if he digs into all of us? What if he—”

I stop walking, turning to face him fully. “Oppa.”

He looks down at me, his expression unreadable.

I take a deep breath. “You are not alone in this.”

He swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

I reach up, cupping his cheek. “You have us. No matter what happens, no matter what your father tries—we will fight for each other. For you.”

Something in his gaze cracks.

His fingers curl around my wrists, holding onto me like I’m the only thing keeping him grounded.

I soften, my voice quieter now. “You are so loved, Jin oppa. By all of us. And no matter what happens, we will fight for each other.”

He swallows, his grip tightening.
For a long moment, he just stares at me, his expression unreadable.

And then—
He pulls me into his arms.

It’s not like our usual hugs.
It’s tight. Desperate.

Like he’s trying to hold onto something bigger than just me—like he’s trying to believe in everything I just said.

I wrap my arms around him just as tightly, my face pressing into his chest.
His heartbeat is racing.

After a moment, his voice comes out muffled. “I don’t deserve you.”

I pull back slightly, looking up at him. “Yes, you do.”

He opens his mouth, but I shake my head.

“You deserve every good thing, Kim Seokjin. And I’ll spend forever reminding you if I have to.”

Something in his expression cracks.
And then—he smiles.
Soft. Small.
But real.

I grin, poking his cheek. “See? Not so scary now, huh?”