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

Chapter 79: Interrupted Kisses & Unfinished Business

I shrugged. "I just had a feeling."

Taehyung, who had been flipping through an art book, gasped dramatically and pressed a hand to his chest.

"This is the part where you two stare at each other longingly and the music swells," he teased.

Joon rolled his eyes, but he was smiling. "Shut up, Tae."

I laughed, nudging Tae playfully before turning back to Namjoon. "So, why this book?"

He sighed, thoughtful.

"I guess... it's always felt like home to me. The way the prince sees the world-it's so simple, but so full of wonder. He looks at people's hearts instead of just their words. He understands that love is about responsibility, about care, about seeing someone even when no one else does."

He ran his thumb over the book's cover. "I think that's beautiful."

I swallowed, my chest tightening. "It is."

And it was.

Everything about Namjoon was beautiful-the way he spoke, the way he thought, the way he carried so much in his heart and still found ways to make the world gentler for those around him.

"What about you?" he asked, tilting his head. "What book feels like home to you?"

I hesitated, then smiled. "Anne of Green Gables."

Taehyung, who had been quietly listening, let out a soft "Ohh," as if that suddenly made perfect sense.

Namjoon's lips quirked upward. "Anne Shirley, huh? That checks out."

"Why?" I challenged playfully.

"Because," he said simply, "you see the world like she does. With endless wonder, even when things are difficult. You make everything feel... magical, even the ordinary things."

I opened my mouth, but no words came.

Because what was I supposed to say to that? How was I supposed to respond when the weight of his words pressed against my ribs like a heartbeat?

Tae exhaled dramatically, flopping onto the couch beside me. "You two are ridiculous," he grumbled. "Do you even realize how in sync you are?"

Namjoon and I glanced at each other.

And then we both looked away, smiling to ourselves.

Tae leaned his head against my shoulder, sighing. "I love this," he murmured. "Us. Just existing together like this."

I softened. "Me too."

Namjoon, still standing by the bookshelf, watched us with something unreadable in his gaze. "Me three," he said softly.

The moment settled around us like a warm blanket. There was something so easy about being here, about being with them.

It wasn't just about attraction or fleeting emotions-it was something deeper, something unshakable.

"I'm gonna go see if they have any photography books," Taehyung announced suddenly, pushing himself up. "I need inspiration."

He wandered off, leaving me and Namjoon alone.

The air between us shifted-not awkward, just... heavier, charged with something unspoken.

Joon exhaled softly and settled into the chair across from me, rolling a book between his hands. "How's your family doing?"

A small smile tugged at my lips. "They're good. My mom keeps spamming me with pictures of the baby, and my dad-" I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head.