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

Chapter 115: Hearts, Paws, and Patience

"Hi, sleepyhead," I laughed, turning to kiss his forehead. He smiled against my skin, then padded over to Hobi to do the same - planting a kiss on his cheek as Hobi giggled and returned it.

From the kitchen, Tae strolled in, still yawning, Tannie tucked like a fussy baby in one arm.

He kissed Yoongi's lips, then Jin's, and let Jimin ruffle his hair as he leaned over the table to give Hobi a temple kiss.

I got the final kiss-slow, sleepy, but deep enough to make me gasp. Hobi cackled behind me.

"You're a menace," I whispered, breathless.

"Your menace," Tae smiled lazily.

We finished setting the table, and I pinched Tae's cheeks for good measure.

He collapsed into the bench beside Hobi with Tannie still on his lap.

Meanwhile, Jimin had made himself comfortable on Hobi - curled like a cat, face in his shoulder, sighing contentedly.

"Are you a soulmate or a scarf?" Hobi asked, amused.

"Yes," Jimin mumbled.

After breakfast was set, I went back into the living room - and paused.

Tannie and Bam were... interacting.

Not dramatically. Not aggressively. But close.

Bam was lying down on the floor, gnawing gently at a rubber toy. Tannie was sitting a cautious few feet away, watching him with what I could only describe as academic suspicion.

"He's studying his prey," Joon joked.

"I don't think Bam has any idea what to do with a puffball that makes noises like that," Kook whispered.

But when Bam paused and looked at Tannie, head tilting curiously, something shifted.

Tannie took one cautious step forward.
Bam blinked.

Another step.
And then Tannie - slow, suspicious - sat down beside him. Not touching. But close enough.

"Oh my god," I whispered. "We have progress."

Kook clutched Joon's arm. "They're not killing each other."

"They're learning," Jin oppa sang from the kitchen.

Yoongi smirked. "Hyung Bam and baby Tannie. It's sweet, honestly."

By the time we all sat at the breakfast nook, Tannie was still curled in Tae's lap - but more relaxed - and Bam lay quietly under the table near Kook's legs, tail swishing contentedly.

We were vigilant, of course. But the two had formed a delicate peace treaty.

"It's official," Jimin declared, digging into his French toast. "Bam's got hyung energy."

Kook beamed. "He's the best boy."

After breakfast-once the dishes were cleared and Jin oppa was humming in the kitchen again-Joon pulled out his tablet.

"Alright," he said, adjusting his glasses. "Time to strategize: Operation Wacha."

The name alone made everyone pause.

Yoongi groaned. "We need military backup."

Hobi whispered, "She's already watching us."

Joon ignored them and opened a tab.

"So I found this article on gradual introductions. Cat and dog harmony. Step-by-step plan."

"Like courtship?" Tae asked.