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

Chapter 85: Need like Prayer 🔥

Taehyung's POV

Three days.

Seventy-two hours since his name first appeared on my screen.

Three days since we learned he existed-our soulmate, someone who was meant to be ours in some inexplicable, cosmic way.

4,320 minutes.

Not a single message from him.

I knew it by heart now-the little notification bubble sitting stubbornly at zero every time I checked the app, the unanswered messages lined up in neat, patient rows like a waiting room filled with people who refused to leave.

And God, had we tried to make this easy for him.

I scrolled through the chat again, rereading the messages we had all sent.

Maybe it was stupid to keep doing this, but I couldn't help it.

Each word we'd left for him sat untouched, like they were frozen in time, waiting for him to finally see them.

Jin hyung had been the first to message, naturally.

He was the oldest, the one who always took it upon himself to make things feel warm and welcoming, like home.

Jin (Group Chat)
Hi, Jungkook! I hope you're doing well. I know this must be a lot to take in, so no pressure.

Jin (Group Chat)
Just wanted to introduce myself-I'm Jin, the oldest of this very chaotic but very loving little family.

Jin (Group Chat)
I just want you to know that whenever you're ready to talk, we're here. No rush. 😊

Namjoon hyung followed soon after, always the one to think before he spoke, making sure his words were the right ones.

Namjoon (Group Chat)
Hey, Jungkook. I just wanted to say that this is probably overwhelming, and that's completely okay.

Namjoon (Group Chat)
We all took our time with this in our own way. So if you need space, take it.

Namjoon (Group Chat)
But if you ever want to talk, or if you have questions, we'll be here.

Yoongi hyung had been more straightforward, but still kind in his own way.

Yoongi (Group Chat)
Hey. No rush, but just so you know, you're not alone in this. We've all been there.

Yoongi (Group Chat)
When you're ready, we're here.

Y/N noona had sent the warmest message of all.

Y/N (Group Chat)
Hi, Jungkook! I know this might feel weird or even scary, and that's okay. We all understand.

Y/N (Group Chat)
I just wanted to say that you're not alone in this, and you don't have to figure it all out right away.

Y/N (Group Chat)
No pressure at all. Just know that whenever you're ready, we'd love to get to know you. 💛

And me?

I had hesitated before sending mine, thumb hovering over the keyboard, rewriting my words over and over before finally hitting send.

Taehyung (Group Chat)
Hey, Jungkook 👋 I don't really know what to say, but... I'm really happy to know you exist. 😊✨

Taehyung (Group Chat)
I hope you're okay. 🙂

I exhaled sharply, dropping my phone onto my lap and rubbing a hand over my face.

We were all at Jin-hyung's penthouse, staying over for the night so we could celebrate New Year's Eve together tomorrow.