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

Chapter 90: A Lantern in the Dark

Because behind every word, I could feel it.
The hesitation.
The guilt.

And the quiet hope buried underneath.

He cared.
And he was coming.

_______________________________

The cafe was quiet, tucked into a tree-lined street just far enough from the bustle of the city to feel hidden.

Soft jazz floated through the air, mixing with the scent of fresh-ground espresso and pastries warm from the oven.

I sat near the window, hands wrapped around a mug of chamomile tea I hadn't taken a sip from.

My fingers were trembling slightly.

My heart had been in my throat since I left Yoongi's apartment, since I read Jungkook's message, since I realized-
This was happening.

I was going to meet him.

I kept my eyes on the door, but the moment he stepped through it, I knew.

I didn't need to see his name pop up in the app. I didn't even need to see his face.

I felt him.

That unmistakable, magnetic pull-like gravity, but warmer. Softer. Like someone had reached inside my chest and lit a lantern.

He stood in the doorway for a second, eyes scanning the café before they landed on me.

Wide, dark eyes. Shimmering like a night sky-galaxy-deep and threaded with something raw.

And then he walked toward me, hands nervously shoved into the pockets of a black bomber jacket. His steps were hesitant, like he wasn't sure if he had the right to be here.

I stood up slowly.
And then I heard it.

"Uhm... uh-Y/N?"

His voice cracked slightly on my name.

Then, softly-"Noona?"

That broke me.