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

Chapter 96: Where We Are Meant to Be

"Noona."

She ruffled his hair immediately, tugging on a curl. "Still so polite."

"Only to you," Hobi muttered.

Ji woo stepped in and pulled Hobi into a tight, brief hug.

"I told you they wouldn't eat you alive."

"You said I had no choice."

"And I was right," she said, turning to the rest of us.

Then-She was enveloped in hugs.

Tae wrapped her up first, mumbling a soft,

"Thank you, noona."

Then I stepped forward and hugged her tightly.

"You made this happen," I whispered.

"You brought them to us."

Her voice wavered.

"They came on their own. I just... nudged them."

When we pulled back, her eyes were already a little misty. She blinked it away with a sigh.

"Ugh. Don't make me cry at a fancy restaurant. I have standards."

"Liar," Jisoo piped up from the corner.

"You cry every time Woo Shik trips on the stairs."

"I have vertigo," Woo Shik protested.

"And no spatial awareness," Seojun added, slapping him on the back.

"Can I please get a drink before I sue all of you," Woo Shik groaned.

"I am the lawyer, remember?" Jin oppa said with a smirk, raising his glass.

Hyung Sik tapped his spoon gently against his cup.

"Excuse me, everyone. Before this turns into an HR disaster, I'd like to propose a toast."

The room quieted.

Hyung Sik's eyes scanned the table, pausing on Tae-who sat in the middle, surrounded by love.

"To Taehyung," he said, voice warm.

"To his courage, his fight, and his freedom. And to every soul who stood by him. May this be just the beginning of the happiness he so deeply deserves."

We raised our glasses high. Some of us had soju, some tea, some sparkling water.

But the feeling?
The same.
Gratitude. Celebration. Unity.

"To Tae!" we echoed.

"To freedom!" Woo Shik added, already halfway into his shot.

"God, I missed drinking with you weirdos," Jisoo said.

Dinner began in a symphony of soft clinks, low murmurs, and belly-deep laughter.

Tae glowed under the attention, sometimes shy, sometimes giggling when Woo Shik teased him about the way he used to fall asleep mid-therapy.

"You drooled," Woo Shik said with glee.

"I was traumatized," Tae replied with a laugh, blushing.

Ji woo, seated beside Hobi and Jungkook, reached over and patted Tae's hand.

"You were strong," she said simply.

"And you're my hero," Tae replied.

Hobi leaned in then, whispering something that made Jiwoo laugh. She nudged him hard in the ribs.