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

Chapter 81: Under the Christmas Lights

My fingers shake just a little as I open the smaller box nestled beside the envelope.

Inside, resting against soft velvet, is a delicate gold bracelet. Simple, elegant-but my heart clenches at the engraved charm.

'Aein.'

Jin oppa watches me carefully, his hand coming up to cup my cheek.

"You're mine," he murmurs, so softly it's almost reverent. "And I wanted you to have something to remind you. Always."

I don't even try to fight the emotion rising in my chest.

Instead, I lean in, pressing my lips to his in a slow, tender kiss, pouring every ounce of gratitude, love, and devotion into the way I hold his face, the way I linger just a little longer than necessary.

When we finally part, Taehyung is already holding out his gift. "Me next!"

I laugh, shaking my head at his enthusiasm as I accept the neatly wrapped package.

Inside, I find two things.

The first is a framed photo-an artwork, really. A beautiful, expertly edited photo of me, Wacha, and Yeontan, curled up together in sleep.

The lighting, the colors, the warmth-it's us. It's love, and home, and quiet safety, all captured in a single moment.

"Oh, cub..." My voice cracks, and I press my fingers to my lips, overwhelmed.

He beams, clearly pleased with my reaction. "I wanted to capture what you are to us. You're warmth, you're love. You're the quiet in the chaos."

I hug him immediately, squeezing tight.

He lets out a happy little hum, burying his face against my shoulder, before pulling back with a grin. "There's one more."

I open the second package and find a handmade scrapbook, filled with photos, notes, and little mementos from our time together.

I flip through the pages, taking in the captions written in Tae's unique handwriting.

"The time we got caught in the rain and danced anyway."

"Your first birthday with us-so beautiful, it hurt."

"The moment I knew I loved you forever."

Tears spill before I can stop them.

"Tae baby, this is..."

"Shhh," he murmurs, brushing them away with his thumb. "Just love me, noona."

I do. I press kisses to his cheeks, his nose, his forehead, and finally, finally, his lips, slow and sweet and full of love.

Joon's gift is next.

I unwrap the first box and find a beautifully designed leather-bound planner.

The initials on the cover gleam in gold, but it's the inscription inside that steals my breath.

"For the woman who builds futures-with apps, with love, with her whole heart."

I let out a shaky breath, fingers trembling as I trace the words. Between the pages, there are little notes-words of encouragement, love, admiration.

I look up at him, speechless.

"I know how much you do," he says softly. "I just wanted you to have something that made you feel seen."

I throw myself at him, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck. "You're ridiculous."

His deep, warm laugh rumbles against my skin. "I love you too."