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

Chapter 87: Plants, Pinkies & Paper Cranes

He laughed at that-an actual, warm laugh. And something about it made my stomach flip.

"You're weird," he murmured.

"And you're magnetic," I shot back, grin widening.

"Don't deny it, mystery boy."

A quiet settled between us again, but it wasn't empty.

It felt... full. Comfortable.

Like curling into a warm blanket after the rain.

Jungkook's shoulders dropped a little more. His hands unclenched.

His voice, when he spoke again, was soft enough that I leaned in instinctively to hear.

"Thanks, hyung. Really."

I swallowed hard.

And in that fragile, quiet moment, something like trust began to bloom.

_______________________

The greenhouse had slipped into evening like a sigh.

Where golden light had once spilled, now shadows draped across the glass panels-soft and dusky.

Outside, the garden had quieted, but inside, something pulsed gently.

Not noise.
Not movement.

Just... a hum. Like the air between us had learned how to breathe.

Jungkook sat in front of me still, knees pulled to his chest, his sweater sleeves now pushed up just enough to show the fine bones of his wrists.

He was quieter now, but not in that wary, guarded way. Not anymore.

More like he'd just allowed the weight of everything to rest, if only for a little while.

I didn't want the moment to end.

Didn't want that look on his face-open and vulnerable and here-to disappear like morning fog.

So, naturally, I did what I do best when things get too serious.

I grinned and said,

"Okay, mystery boy. We're playing a game."

His eyes widened, wary again-but amused this time. "A game?"

I nodded solemnly.

"Rock, paper, scissors. But loser has to answer a secret question. Or do a forfeit."

Jungkook stared at me like he was trying to decide if I was serious.

I was very serious.

"Come on," I said, wiggling my fingers dramatically.

"Unless you're scared of losing to me?"

That did it.
His chin lifted a little, mouth twitching.

"I'm not scared."

"Then prove it."

We sat cross-legged facing each other, the soft glow from the nearby wall sconce catching the shadows of our hands as we counted down together.

"One, two, three!"

I threw paper.
He threw scissors.

Damn it.

A smug little smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"You first, hyung."

I groaned dramatically, flopping back onto the floor. "Fine. Ask away."