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

Chapter 91: The Weight of Fate

The sun was setting by the time I made it back.

The sky was streaked with soft gold and violet, the kind of colors that made you feel like the world was exhaling.

I lingered outside for a moment, fingers tight around the strap of my bag, the last of Jungkook's words echoing in my mind.

I'm sorry.
I'm trying.
Thank you for not hating me.

A breeze swept through the trees, brushing against my skin like a whisper, and I finally stepped up to the door.

It creaked softly as I pushed it open.

Warm light spilled out from the living room-dim, ambient, and quiet. The kind of quiet that didn't come from absence, but from waiting.

They were all there.

Yoongi was curled up in the corner of the couch, legs tucked under him, his hands wrapped around a mug of something I could guess was probably cold by now.

Jin oppa stood near the window, arms crossed, gazing out like he'd been counting cars.

Joon sat on the rug, laptop open but untouched, his fingers pressed to his lips.

Tae was pacing.

He stopped the second he saw me.

Four pairs of eyes turned to meet mine.

A stillness fell over the room, like the whole house had inhaled.

I shut the door gently behind me.
Nobody spoke at first.

Then-softly-Taehyung stepped forward.

"Well?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

I met his eyes.
And I smiled-tired, aching, but real.

"I met him," I said.

Yoongi was the first to move.

He set his mug down and came to me slowly, taking my bag from my shoulder like I was carrying something heavier than just canvas and fabric.

"Come sit," he murmured.

And just like that, they all gathered around me, quiet and gentle, like I might shatter if they got too close too fast.

I sank into the couch, knees tucked up, feeling the weight of their gazes settle around me.

No judgment.
Just curiosity.
Concern. Love.

"He looked nervous when he walked in,"

I said softly, watching my own fingers trace the seam of a cushion.

"Like he didn't think he deserved to be there."

Tae sat on the floor in front of me, arms resting on his knees. "Did he say that?"

I shook my head. "He didn't have to."

Namjoon exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"He asked about you first," I told Tae, my eyes meeting his.

"Before anything else. His first words were, 'How's Tae hyung?'"

Taehyung froze.

Jin oppa came to sit beside me, his hand brushing mine.

"What did you tell him?" he asked, voice careful.

"That you're not okay," I said honestly.

"But that you will be."

Yoongi nodded slowly.

"And how did he react?"

"Like it hurt," I whispered.