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

Chapter 82: The Smoldering Fuse

Then, my hand drifts to the ergonomic laptop stand, my thumb brushing over the polished surface.

"These are... I don't know, exactly what I needed. Exactly what I would've picked for myself, if I ever actually took the time to."

I glance at him, my throat feeling tight in a way I don't entirely understand.

"It's stupid, but I feel like you just... know me."

Namjoon's smile grows, slow and fond, dimples peeking out. "That's not stupid."

I drop my gaze, tugging at the hem of my sleeve, suddenly feeling too exposed.

"I mean, I know you had an advantage. You listen to me rant about dumb stuff all the time. Still, it was nice."

"Hyung," he says softly, and when I look up, there's something unreadable in his expression.

Something deep.

"It's not just that I listen. It's that I care. I wanted you to have things that make your life easier, that make you comfortable. You deserve that."

His voice is so sincere that I don't know what to do with myself.

My fingers tighten around the edge of the laptop stand.

"You always make sure I have what I need," he continues.

"So let me do the same for you."

I don't know what to say to that, so I just swallow, my gaze darting away.

"Hopeless romantic," I mutter under my breath, just to say something.

Joon chuckles.

"Takes one to know one."

I huff, rolling my eyes, but I don't deny it.

His voice turns playful. "I liked my gift too."

I glance at him, studying his expression.

"Really?"

He nods, shifting slightly so that he can reach for the poetry book I gave him. The signed first edition from one of his favorite poets.

The way his fingers glide over the worn cover, the way his thumb lingers on the author's name-it tells me more than words could.

"This," he says, voice almost reverent.

"This means a lot, hyung."

I watch him for a long moment.

"Figured you'd like it."

Namjoon exhales a soft laugh, shaking his head like he still can't believe it.

"How did you even-"

"I have my ways."

He huffs, rolling his eyes, but there's affection in it.

Then his gaze flickers to the headset sitting beside him-the second part of my gift.

I watch as he picks it up, fingers brushing over the small note still attached.

You talk too much. But I like it.

He reads it again, and then-laughter.

Loud, bright, full. The kind of laugh that makes his dimples deepen and his eyes scrunch at the corners.

I try to fight my own smile, but it's impossible.

"I mean, it's true," I say with a shrug.

Namjoon shakes his head, grinning, before reaching over and tugging me into a tight hug.