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

Chapter 90: A Lantern in the Dark

Just breathing.
Just existing under the low hum of city lights and open wounds.

Eventually, his breathing evened out.
Still hitched, but calmer.

He scratched behind Yeontan's ears.

"I really hurt everyone, didn't I?"

I didn't lie.

"Yeah. You did."

Tae looked down, guilt twisting his features.

"But you can still make it right," I added gently.

"We're still here. Just... don't run again."

He looked at me.

"Will you come with me? When I apologize?"

I smiled softly. "Of course I will."

Because no matter how many cracks spider across the glass...

We'll always help each other find the light again.

_______________________________

The hallway outside Yoongi hyung's apartment was dim. Faint yellow light flickered above the door, casting long, tired shadows that mirrored the ones under our eyes.

Taehyung look older than he was-tired, hollowed out. The weight of grief sat on his shoulders like a soaked wool coat, heavy and clinging.

He stood frozen beside me.

His hand hovered in midair, balled into a hesitant fist, unsure whether to knock.

Yeontan whimpered softly in his arms, like even he could sense the tension.

The apology waiting on the other side of that door wasn't going to be easy. Not after what happened.

But Tae took a shaky breath and knocked anyway.

Soft. Hesitant.
The sound of a soul trying to come home.

Footsteps.
The lock turned.
The door opened slowly.
And there stood Yoongi hyung.

Eyes red-rimmed.
Shoulders slumped.
Shadows under his eyes.
Jaw clenched.
His face was pale.

His body seemed smaller somehow, like his soul had curled in on itself and left only the shell behind. His lips parted slightly as he took in the sight of Tae standing there-no defiance now, no mask. Just raw regret.

Behind him, Y/N noona sat crumpled on the couch, her cheeks blotched from crying, Yeontan's toys strewn about the floor like abandoned joy.

Wacha padded over to her, placing her head gently in Noona's lap, nudging her hand with a soft nuzzle.

Noona blinked down at her and slowly stroked Wacha's head, eyes brimming again.

Jin hyung stood at the kitchen counter, unmoving, his hands gripping the edge like the granite was the only thing keeping him grounded.

And I... I just stood there, waiting to see if Taehyung would run.

But he didn't.

Silence.
Thick. Charged.

The kind of silence that screams louder than any voice could.

Then Tae stepped forward.
His voice barely above a whisper.

"I...Can I come in?"

Yoongi hyung stared at him.
Then nodded once, stepping aside.

Taehyung entered slowly, like the room might reject him.