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

Chapter 88: The Comeback Kid ⚠️

"Well... when the trial ends. And, assuming it all works out, I'm moving in with the rest of our soulmates. We found this place-a big ten-bedroom house. It's really nice with a garden, a studio space, everything. It's perfect for us."

Jungkook's gaze flicked to mine, sharp and quiet.

"It's in Seoul but it's private, a bit rural,"

I continued, feeling my excitement rise.

"Yoongi hyung says the acoustics in the dining room are insane. And Y/N noona's already planning to fill the attic with art supplies. Jin hyung wants to turn the backyard shed into a smokehouse. Joon hyung has been very insistent about a library. It's gonna be chaos. Beautiful, wonderful chaos."

I smiled brightly as I said it, already picturing the noise, the late-night karaoke, the way Jin hyunv would burn the first batch of pork belly and insist it was 'intentional flavor.'

I wanted that life so badly.

When I looked back at Jungkook, though, he wasn't smiling anymore.

His expression had shifted-subtle but clear. Something fragile behind the eyes.

A tightness in his shoulders.

Not jealousy, not exactly. More like...
Longing.

And something like fear.

"Oh," he said softly, like the wind had been knocked out of him.

I sat up, concern flickering to life. "Hey..."

He blinked, covering it with a soft smile, but I saw the edges.

The hesitation.
The worry he was trying too hard to swallow.

I leaned closer, voice gentler now.

"It's okay. I meant it, remember? No rush."

Jungkook looked at me for a long second-like he was trying to figure out if I really meant it, if this wasn't some countdown he was supposed to beat.

Then he nodded, and this time, it felt real.

"Thanks," he murmured.

I smiled, nudging his knee with mine.

"Of course. I'm wonderful."

That earned a soft laugh.
The tension eased.
And just like that, we switched gears.

"I'm demanding a rematch," I said, grabbing my controller like a sword.

Jungkook cracked his knuckles.

"I will destroy you."

"Bold words for someone whose dog wears sweaters."

He grinned. "Your dog is a sweater."

And we were off again-racing through rainbow loops and lava pits, throwing shells and insults with equal enthusiasm.

Yeontan barked every time we shouted, tail wagging in delight.