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

Chapter 88: The Comeback Kid ⚠️

he says with open arms and a grin that breaks something open in my chest.

It's not like the last time-the day we when we first met Tae's legal team to make sure his devil of an uncle is jailed.

That day Jin oppa was all sharp suits and sharper control, holding himself together like he might shatter if he didn't.

This time, there's no restraint.

He embraces each of us like we're his own-pressing a kiss to Yoongi's temple, squeezing Joon's shoulder with unspoken pride before kissing his cheek, cupping my face and kissing my forehead like he's blessing me.

Then he reaches Tae.
And he pauses.

Just a moment.
Just long enough for Tae's breath to hitch.

Then Jin steps forward and pulls him in-tight, warm, unrelenting.

His hand cradles the back of Tae's head as he kisses his cheek, then his forehead, then just holds him.

Taehyung doesn't speak, but I see the way his shoulders tremble for just a second before settling.

"You're doing good, baby bear" Jin oppa murmurs.

"I'm proud of you."

Tae nods against his chest, not trusting himself to speak.

We all are. So fucking proud.

Because we've seen him-every breakdown, every night, every moment he felt like he was failing even when he was giving everything.

And now, here we are.

The room behind Jin oppa is filled with thick folders and a glowing screen, prepped for war.

But in this hallway, with sunlight streaming in through the high windows and dust motes dancing around us like falling stars, all I can feel is love.

Not just any love.

Ours.

Messy, hard-earned, patient.

Tae finally steps back, and his eyes are glassy but bright.

"Let's do this," he says, gripping Teddy Jr. and Tigger under one arm and brushing his thumb along the paper crane in his pocket.

"Let's fight."

Yoongi smirks. "Jin hyung says Jisoo is brutal"

"Then you better watch me kill it," Tae grins.

"Let's do this."

We walk in together. As always.
United.

A little bruised, but never broken.

And god, how far we've come.

_______________________

The atmosphere in the boardroom wasn't the same as the first time we came here to make sure Taehyung's uncle ended up where he belonged-behind bars.

Back then, it was heavy. Suffocating. Thick with fear, with uncertainty, with the fragile, trembling beginning of hope.

Now, it was different.
Still serious. Still focused.

But this time, it buzzed with power.
With connection. With something solid.

Taehyung wasn't the same boy who had walked into this office months ago, hiding behind Yoongi's shoulder, clutching Teddy like a shield, unable to meet Jin oppa's eyes without flinching.