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

Chapter 92: Every Version of Us

Her words are heavy but kind.

And then-she rests a hand on my shoulder.

It's light, comforting. Not pushing.

"Maybe then... you'll see something else too."

A beat passes.

"Maybe then... you'll see the light."

I can't breathe for a second.
I close my eyes.

Not because I'm tired, but because it feels safer in the dark.

My mind flashes with memories I haven't asked for-Jungkook smiling, mouth full of strawberries on the kitchen counter. His laugh in the middle of a thunderstorm when the power went out and we danced by candlelight.

His voice, low and broken that night in the hallway-"I have seven soulmates... and I think one of them is you."

And me.
Always the light.
Always the sun.

But lately... I've felt more like dusk.
Fading.

Not because I'm unloved.
But because I've stopped letting it reach me.

I open my eyes again and nod-barely.

It's not a promise. Just... willingness.

Noona smiles softly and lets me go.

When I step outside her office, the world feels louder.

Seoul is still alive. Horns honk in the distance, children's laughter echoes from a playground across the street, the hum of scooters vibrates through the air like static.

The light is golden now, brushing the edges of everything like a final kiss before nightfall.

But inside me?
Inside, I'm quiet.

Not healed.
Not certain.
Not brave yet.

But maybe... just maybe...

I'm willing to accept whatever fate has thrown at me.

____________________________

Jungkook's POV

The apartment is quiet.
Too quiet.

The kind of quiet that settles on your skin like mist-soft, but heavy. Not suffocating, just... thick with all the things unsaid.

I sit on the couch, knees pulled to my chest, hoodie sleeves too long over my fingers.

There's a half-empty mug of lukewarm tea on the coffee table in front of me.

Chamomile. Hobi hyung made it.

He always does, when he can tell I'm trying not to unravel.

He doesn't say it, but I know.
He knows I'm unraveling.