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

Chapter 89: Cracks in the Constellation

Taehyung's POV

There are good days.
There are great days.

And then... there are Saturdays like this.

Sunlight filters through the gaps in the clouds like the sky's blessing, warm on my skin as I swing open the glass door of the arcade and walk straight into the electric buzz of neon lights and chaotic soundscapes.

The second I step inside, the scent of popcorn, cheap pizza, and some mysterious sugary energy drink hits me in the face.

It's disgusting. I love it.

Right behind me, Jungkook lets out a low whistle.

"Damn. It's like a time machine in here."

I glance back at him with a grin.

"You're welcome."

He grins back, and for a moment, the world just settles into place.

There's something about Jungkook these days.

The way he smiles more easily around me now.

The way his shoulder brushes mine and lingers instead of pulling away.

We've been hanging out more, talking longer, laughing harder.

Whatever this is-whatever we're building-it's starting to feel solid. Safe.

And today, it feels like it's leveling up.

We start at the racing games.

"I call the red car," he announces.

"You always call the red car," I argue, narrowing my eyes.

"Because it's the fastest."

"That's not even-" I squint at the screen.

"Okay, technically it is, but still. I want red today."

"You can have blue," he offers, mock-gracious.

"Blue's your vibe. Mysterious. Brooding. Like a misunderstood anime character."

"I swear," I mutter, shoving him playfully as I sit down.

"When I beat you, I'm changing your name in my phone to 'Loser Bunny'."

He gasps, clutching his chest.

"You wouldn't."

"Try me."

The game begins and we're off, racing through glitchy digital landscapes-city highways, moonlit mountain roads, wild beachside curves.

He's trash-talking like a man possessed.

"Oh no, hyung, watch out for that turn-oh wait, too late!"

"Eat my pixels, Jeon."