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

Chapter 93: The Stand & the Shadow ⚠️

Mr. Choi looked shaken.

The mask he had worn for years-the arrogance, the pretense, the smug illusion of control-was cracking, piece by piece.

And for the first time, I saw something in his eyes that I never expected to see.

Fear.
And we weren't done yet.
Not even slightly.

Jin oppa rose from his seat with the calm precision of a man who had already won.

He adjusted his tie with deliberate ease.

He didn't need to say anything to command the room-his presence was enough.

I glanced across the table at Tae. His shoulders were squared, back straight, but his hand trembled slightly beneath the table. I reached for him instinctively, letting my fingers find his.

He didn't look at me, but he gripped my hand like a lifeline.

Jin oppa turned toward the defense table with a smirk that could slice bone.

"The prosecution calls Mrs. Choi to the stand."

A ripple of murmurs spread across the courtroom like a wave hitting concrete.

Tae exhaled sharply. His thumb brushed over mine once-a question.

I squeezed his hand tighter.

"We've got you."

He gave the smallest nod.

Mrs. Choi rose from her seat, spine straight, steps practiced and composed.

She was still playing her part-dignified wife, reluctant witness. The woman who had "no choice."

But we knew the truth.
And so did Oppa.

She took the oath and folded her hands in her lap, looking every bit the polished socialite.

But there was something brittle in the way her lips pressed together.

Jin oppa's tone was calm, but his eyes were steel. "Mrs. Choi, do you understand that you are testifying under oath?"

She nodded. "I do."

"And you understand the consequences of perjury?"

"I do."

"Then let's begin."

He didn't waste time.

"Were you aware that your husband was physically abusing Kim Taehyung?"

The room went still.
She hesitated.

But then-"Yes."

Gasps echoed through the gallery.

I felt Tae's hand go ice cold in mine.
Yoongi inhaled sharply, his whole body tightening.

Oppa's voice didn't waver.

"Did you ever attempt to stop it?"

Silence. Then, softly-"No."

Taehyung flinched.

Namjoon's hand steadied him, moved to his shoulder, a quiet reassurance.

Jin oppa pressed, eyes locked on hers.

"So you watched a child suffer in your home. And you did nothing?"

Her voice wavered. "I was afraid."

"Afraid of what?"

"My husband."

Jin oppa tilted his head.