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

Chapter 115: Hearts, Paws, and Patience

"Like diplomacy," Jimin said.

"Step one," Joon read, "Scent exchange. We start with blankets. Rub one on Wacha, one on Bam. Place them near each other's food bowls."

"Oh god," Jin oppa muttered. "She's going to hex us."

"Step two," Joon continued, "auditory and visual exposure. Closed door meetups. Gate or screen door."

"We're going to need popcorn," Hobi said seriously.

Joon pushed on. "Step three: supervised on-leash meetings. Step four: supervised free interaction. Step five: ongoing safe space monitoring."

Yoongi sighed. "Sounds like preparing for a treaty negotiation. Or a marriage."

"She is a queen," I shrugged.

"And he's a prince," Kook added softly.

Jimin leaned over to rub Bam's ears again. "We just have to hope royalty gets along."

The room quieted.

All of us looked toward the stairs.
Wacha was still up there.

Waiting.
Watching.
Plotting, probably.

And soon... the next move would be hers.

______________________________

It starts-like all our best plans-with a towel and a ridiculous amount of hope.

Specifically, a soft, pink towel that's been freshly rubbed over Wacha's royal fur, and another that's been cuddled firmly into Bam's sleepy shoulders after his mid-morning sunbath.

We exchange them like secret scrolls.

Operation Wacha: Day One.

Joon hands me Bam's towel with the solemnity of a diplomat. "We begin the scent exchange."

I raise an eyebrow. "You say that like we're brokering a peace treaty."

He nods. "We are."

Yoongi, passing by with his coffee, mutters, "There's more tension in this house than the UN."

We place Wacha's towel near Bam's water bowl and the blanket that's now permanently his post-breakfast nap spot.

Kook crouches beside him as he sniffs the new scent, wide-eyed and slightly unsure.

"Gentle," Kook murmurs, rubbing slow circles over Bam's chest. "It's okay, baby."

Bam blinks, leans in, sniffs again-then promptly rolls on it like he's been blessed by a goddess.

Tannie, sitting nearby on Tae's lap, looks scandalized.

"Is he rolling on the royal towel?" Jin oppa gasps from the kitchen doorway.

"He's claiming her scent," Tae whispers, eyes wide.

"He's in love," Jimin grins. "Already whipped."

Hobi laughs as he walks in with his iced tea. "Wacha's not gonna like that. He moved too fast."

Upstairs, I place Bam's towel near Wacha's feeding nook.

She sniffs once. Twice.
Then-tail high-she circles it.

One slow lap.

Then she drops her entire body onto the towel with the most dramatic side-flop I've ever seen.