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

Chapter 117: Versions of A Home

I can't help but chuckle. "You architects are a different breed."

"Guilty."

Off to the side, Y/N's laugh cuts through the room-light and familiar. She's leaning against the table, watching us.

Hobi stands beside her, arms crossed and smiling too, but the smile doesn't quite make it all the way to his eyes.

I see it. I feel it.

I glance across the room and spot Tae, seated on the armrest of the studio couch, one knee drawn up.

He's staring.
Not in a hostile way.
Not even judgmental.

Just... watching.

Like he's observing something he doesn't quite trust.

I look down at Gab.
He's smiling. Unbothered.
Completely unaware.

And somehow, that makes it worse.

Later, as the sun dips low and the work wraps up, I step out onto the balcony for air.

I'm not alone long.

I feel Joon before I hear him-his quiet footsteps. He doesn't say anything at first.

I lean over the rail, watching the breeze ripple through the trees, trying not to overthink the ache in my chest.

"He's good," I mutter finally.

Joon hums. "He is."

I nod toward the studio. "Did you see how fast he mapped that ceiling problem?"

"I did."

We stand in silence again. My fingers curl tighter around the edge of the rail.

"It's not that I don't like him," I say, surprising myself with how honest it sounds out loud.

"He's smart. Kind. Funny."

"Reliable," Joon adds softly.

I take a deep breath, stare up at the early twilight. "He knows her in a way we don't."

Joon doesn't respond right away. His eyes locked on the horizon.

But he hears it. Every word I didn't say.
And then, gently-quietly-he says,