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

Chapter 82: The Smoldering Fuse

His expression was peaceful yet far away, lost in whatever thoughts had taken root in his mind.

Flopping onto the couch beside him, I stretched out my legs, one arm resting over the backrest.

I yawned, stretching against the couch, and let my head fall back.

"What time did you wake up?"

Joon glanced at the clock before looking at me with a small smile. "Seven."

I blinked at him.

"Why so early? It's a holiday. Sleeping in is the whole point."

He chuckled, closing his book.

"My brain had other plans."

I snorted, rubbing Wacha's tiny back as he curled up in my lap. "Of course it did."

Then, I peeked at him again, noticing the way his expression softened as he looked at the twinkling lights on the tree.

His fingers still fidgeted with the book cover, restless.

I squinted at him. "You good?"

Namjoon lets out a slow breath, "I kept thinking about last night."

I tilted my head.

"In a good way or a bad way?"

His lips twitched. "In every way."

I hummed, watching him.

I had known him long enough to recognize when his thoughts were heavier than usual, even if he didn't outright say it.

He sighed, leaning back against the couch.

"It was just... a lot. The love we all shared yesterday. The gifts. The way everyone came together."

He paused, voice quieter.

"It felt overwhelming in the best way."

A small smile tugged at my lips.

"It was really nice, huh?"

Namjoon nodded, his dimples peeking out slightly as he let his head rest against the couch.

"What was your favorite part?"

I thought for a second.

"Tae flattening and frying the hotteok was definitely a highlight."

Joon huffed out a laugh.

"The ones that nearly set off the smoke alarm?"

"They had character," I defended.

He shakes his head fondly. "Anything else?"

I hesitate for a second before biting my lip, suddenly feeling shy.

"I liked my gift from you," I admit.

My voice is quieter than I intend.

Namjoon turns his head toward me immediately, eyes warm and teasing.

"Yeah?"

Joon shifts beside me, reaching out for the gifts we gave each other last night with so much gentleness and care, placing it on the table as he sat down.

The sight alone makes something warm settle in my chest.

I nod and reached for his first gift to me, I ran a hand over the smooth keys of the wireless mechanical keyboard.

My fingers press against the keys lightly, the resistance familiar and perfect.

Joon really did think of everything.