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

Chapter 93: The Stand & the Shadow ⚠️

⚠️Content Warning: This story contains themes of abuse, trauma, manipulation, and distress. Reader discretion is advised.

The courtroom door closed behind us with a final-sounding click, sealing us into a moment we had been building toward for what felt like lifetimes.

The hush that fell was deep-sacred, almost-as if even the air was holding its breath.

Taehyung stood tall at the center of our small circle. Yoongi on one side, me on the other, and Joon just a step behind, his presence solid and unwavering.

Jin oppa was already at the front with the legal team, the very image of focus and authority, but his eyes never left Tae for long.

Namjoon leaned in, whispering low enough that only Tae could hear.

"No matter what they throw at you, you've already won just by standing here."

Tae's fingers flexed once, then stilled. He didn't answer with words-he didn't need to. We could all feel the resolve radiating from him.

Yoongi gently brushed his thumb over the back of Tae's hand.

"And whatever happens, we're not going anywhere. I promise."

I slipped my fingers through Tae's free hand, grounding him on the other side.

"You're not alone. You never were. Not now, not ever."

Namjoon gave a soft hum of agreement, resting a steady hand on Tae's back.

"You've got your people, your truth, and your strength. That's more than enough."

Tae nodded once, then turned his gaze forward.

The room filled quickly-friends, allies, and the quiet storm of media presence, all falling into place like pieces on a chessboard.

Dara, Yeona and the LoveMap team found seats close behind us, their expressions a mix of fierce loyalty and somber pride.

And still, one absence echoed like a hollow note.

Jungkook.

Even now, the fracture of his rejection was felt. Like a missing limb, like a song with a missing verse.

It lingered in the pauses between heartbeats, in the soft glances we exchanged when no one was looking.

But love remained. Love held us together.
And today, that love was going to fight.

The courtroom settled.

The judge entered, commanding the space with quiet authority.

Jin oppa stood tall as he began the opening remarks for our side. Not just a lawyer-never just a lawyer.

He was Tae's sword and shield, but also his heartbeat in human form.

I watched him from my seat beside Tae, marveling at how seamlessly he held both roles, unwavering legal counsel and unshakeable soulmate.