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

Chapter 79: Interrupted Kisses & Unfinished Business

"He pretends he doesn't get emotional, but last time we video-called, I saw him wiping his eyes. My brother is still trying to convince me he doesn't need my help, but I know he appreciates it."

Namjoon's expression softened, the dim lighting casting shadows over his sharp features. "You take care of them a lot."

"Of course," I said easily.

"They're my home. They sacrificed so much for me. My dad worked day and night in his small landscape business, spending years under the sun just to make sure I could stay in school. My mom graded papers deep into the night, always making sure we never felt like we were lacking anything. And my brother... even when we were kids, he always looked out for me."

I paused for a moment, tracing patterns on the wooden table with my free hand.

"When I got my scholarship, it felt like my way of repaying them. And then, when I got this job and moved here... it was the first time I could truly take care of them the way they deserved."

Namjoon squeezed my hand gently. "That's a lot of weight to carry."

I shrugged. "It doesn't feel that way. They love me. And they love you guys, too, you know?"

I glanced up at him with a grin. "My mom keeps asking about you and the others every time we call."

He let out a soft chuckle, dimples appearing. "Yeah, I've noticed. She scolds me like I'm one of her own."

"She does that when she cares."

Joon didn't respond right away. His fingers curled slightly around mine, his gaze distant. "I envy that sometimes."

I tilted my head. "What do you mean?"

He exhaled, leaning back in his chair.

"My parents love me, I know that. But it's different. My dad especially-he's not the type to say it out loud. When I was younger, I thought if I worked hard enough, if I got the best grades, if I did everything they expected of me, maybe he'd-" He stopped, shaking his head with a quiet laugh.

"Maybe he'd be proud in a way I could actually feel."

I felt my chest tighten at his words. "Joon..."

"My mom tries to understand me, but they were always strict. They had a version of my future mapped out, and I-"

He gestured vaguely, as if encompassing his entire life. "I chose a different path. One they didn't fully understand."

I squeezed his hand a little tighter, hoping he could feel everything I wanted to say.

"But they support you now, don't they?"

He nodded slowly.

"Yeah. In their own way. I think they've accepted that this is who I am. That my work means something to me. But sometimes, I wonder what it would've been like to grow up in a family like yours-warm, open, full of love that doesn't have to be earned."

His words made my heart ache. I lifted our joined hands, pressing a soft kiss to his knuckles.

"You don't have to earn love, Joon. Not from me. Not from any of us."

His breath hitched slightly, and when he looked at me, there was something vulnerable in his gaze-something unguarded, something that made my chest tighten.

"I know," he murmured. "With Jin...with you... with Tae... with Yoongi...it's different. With you guys, It's always felt like I could just be."

I smiled, resting my forehead against his. "Then just be, Joon. We're here. We love you."