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

Chapter 93: The Stand & the Shadow ⚠️

His voice cracked a little.

"And God, what Taehyung went through... how is he still standing?"

My chest swelled with quiet pride and a hint of relief.

Even though I was quite convinced, I had still feared Hobi hyung wouldn't feel it-that deep, unmistakable pull of soul recognizing soul.

But now that he had, now that I could see it written in the way his eyes shimmered and his fingers trembled ever so slightly...

"You're convinced now, aren't you?" I said, a teasing edge to my voice.

"You're a part of us."

Hyung turned to me, a wry smile tugging at his lips as he nudged me with his shoulder.

"Don't be so smug about it. I'm still mad at you, remember?"

I chuckled.

"Right, right. You're 'mad at me.' Sure, hyung."

"You're lucky I love you,"

he muttered playfully.

I grinned, my heart flipping in my chest.

"Luckiest guy in the universe."

But just as I was about to say more, something caught my eye-a familiar form down the corridor.

Her back was to us, her pace slow, her figure unmistakable even from a distance.

Y/N noona.

Hyung must have noticed the shift in me as he followed my gaze.

The moment he saw her, he smiled.

It wasn't a big grin, just something soft and knowing, like he understood everything in a single heartbeat. He nudged me again.

"It's okay," he said gently. "Go."

I hesitated. "What about you?"

He looked at me with eyes full of patience and light.

"In time. When this is all over."

I reached for his hand, kissed his knuckles with reverence. "I love you."

"Go," he whispered, already stepping out of view.

I turned and moved, faster than I realized, like the pull was guiding me, gravity bending toward her.

And then she stopped.

She hadn't even seen me-her back still to me-but she paused, her body still, her breath hitching in the space between seconds.

Slowly, almost like it was out of her control, she turned.

Her eyes met mine.
And she broke.

Tears welled and fell before a word left her lips. She stumbled forward and I opened my arms just in time to catch her.