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

Chapter 118: Little Fires, Brighter Flames

But I feel the way his shoulders tighten.

His ears turning red.

Hyung mutters something under his breath, as he turns back to the pot.

He doesn't move away.
He never does.

It's worse when Gabriel's around.
Which he is. Too often. Always polite, always casual, always just a little too close to noona.

He calls her Tabby like it's his name to use. Like it belongs to them.

He doesn't do anything wrong.
That's the problem.

They laugh. Easily. Too easily.
And me?

I sit on the other side of the room, pretending to scroll, jaw tight, eyes always dragging back to her.

Watching the way she touches his arm when she's explaining something.

Watching the way she leans into him like her body's forgotten it's supposed to be ours.

I've never been in a relationship with a woman before.

Never needed to.
Until her.
Until now.

And I don't know what to do with this heat in my chest except clench my fists and pretend it doesn't feel like drowning.

I make her tea that night. Her favorite blend. I don't say anything when I set it beside her while she's talking to Gab.

I don't wait for a thank you.
I just walk away. Again.

Yoongi hyung catches my eye as I pass him. He says nothing, but his gaze lingers, steady.

Later, when I slip into his studio, he's not there.

But the space is lit low and humming gently.

I set the tray on the desk.
Neatly arranged.
His favorite ramen.

Chopsticks pre-set.
A soy egg, sliced just how he likes it.

Grabbed a sticky note and doodle a muscle bunny on it:

"Because I know you forget to eat when you're working. - JK"

Yoongi hyung steps into the room behind me. Sees the tray. Stops mid-step.

He exhales. A whisper.

"You are going to kill me with sweetness, you brat."

We end up curled in his studio later, scrolling through plugins like it's a normal night.

It's not.
His head ends up on my lap.
Not like it's a big deal. Like it's just... easier.

My fingers move to his hair before I even think.

He hums under his breath.
My breath hitches.

I glance down at him-soft lashes, relaxed mouth, hands resting over his chest like he's finally let something go.

Then-*ding!*

A notification buzzes.
I glance at my phone. Blink.

You have reached a Nurturing Connection Phase with Yoongi.

I feel my face flush.
I turn the screen so he can see it.

"Hyung," I say, nudging his shoulder. "We leveled up."

He groans. "Is this a video game to you?"

I grin. "You're the final boss."

He snorts, closing his eyes again. "God help me."