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

Chapter 116: Echoes of a Former Home

"He's got edge."

I caught Y/N walking in just then, barefoot and carrying a basket of folded tea towels, humming under her breath.

She looked glowing. Soft. The way she always did when she was surrounded by all of us like this-happy chaos and coffee-fueled clutter.

But there was still something unreadable under her smile.

Something just a little more careful.

Jimin caught it too. Of course he did.

He took a slow sip of his drink, then grinned mischievously. "So, Tabs," he said, voice light, teasing,

"you're still glowing from last night."

Y/N blinked. "What?"

"Gab," he clarified.

"You were all sunshine and giggles. It was cute."

The room stilled-just for a second.

Jungkook's mouth twitched, and he muttered something into his drink that I didn't quite catch, but it definitely didn't sound like a compliment.

Hobi raised a brow, smirking.

"Jealous, Kookie?"

Kook didn't answer. He reached for another plushie instead-aggressively.

Tae, from where he'd just entered carrying a tray of mugs, handed Jungkook his tea first. A quiet, wordless gesture.

He didn't even glance at Y/N until afterward.

The shift was subtle, but it echoed.

Y/N set down the towels. "Okay," she said, standing straighter. "So... I wanted to say something."

She looked around-at each of us-and I could feel her heartbeat from here.

Not literally, but in the way her voice went gentle, eyes flicking from face to face like she needed permission.

"About last night," she said. "And Gab. I know he was really affectionate and I... I probably wasn't as mindful as I should've been."

Yoongi had walked in just then, silent as always, and leaned against the back of the couch.

He said nothing yet, just watching her closely.

"I talked with Yoongi last night," she continued, nodding toward him.

"He told me how it made him...all of you feel. And I understand. I didn't mean to make anyone uncomfortable. And I promise I'll be more mindful going forward."

My chest twisted.

Because even though her voice was steady, I knew her. I knew when guilt was chewing at the corners of her heart.

I opened my mouth, but Namjoon beat me to it.

"Noona..." he said gently, "you don't have to walk on eggshells with us."

"I'm sorry for making you feel like this, Aein. Joon is right. We're not your keepers,"

I added, pushing up from the floor, gently setting Wacha onto a nearby blanket.

"We don't own you."

Hobi nodded. "Sorry too noona, that wasn't right of us. We're your soulmates. Not your leash."

"That sounded kinkier than I meant it," Jimin coughed.

"Not the point," Joon sighed.

"But good point," Yoongi murmured.
Y/N laughed, barely.

I walked over and took her hand.

"We love you. That includes all the messy parts. The old friends. The weird nicknames. The awkward photos and childhood crushes-"

"I never had a crush on Gab," she said firmly.

"-sure," I said, smiling.

"But even if you had, it wouldn't matter. What matters is how you look at us now. What we're building. That's ours. This home. This life."

Hobi stepped in, brushing her hair back with a featherlight touch.

"We're gonna be better. I'm gonna be better. We want to love everything about you-not ask you to trim parts away."

"Speak for yourself," Jungkook mumbled, and the room tilted slightly.

Everyone looked over.

He was seated against the far wall now, one leg stretched out, Bam's head resting loyally across his shin.

His fingers were still in the fur, but his eyes were stormy.

"You don't have to lie about how great he is," he said, voice quiet.

"Or pretend it didn't sting to watch."

Silence.

Y/N took a breath, but didn't move toward him. I was proud of her for that.

She didn't chase. She waited.

"Okay," she said softly. "You're allowed to feel that way."

That was all. No defense. No apology.

And somehow, that landed better than anything else could have.