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

Chapter 118: Little Fires, Brighter Flames

The next morning, I'm the first one awake.

Wacha is already stationed by the bookshelf like a judgmental gargoyle.

Bam is snoring gently on the tile, legs twitching like he's chasing squirrels in his dreams.

Tannie is curled on the armrest beside the sunbeam that's slowly stretching across the living room.

And the house... is quiet.
Too quiet.

Gabriel's things are still by the entryway.
Y/N noona's mug is on the table, still warm.

The jealousy crawls back up my spine, sour and sharp.

I move into the kitchen, start prepping breakfast.

By the time Yoongi hyung comes in-half asleep, hoodie sleeves pushed up-I've laid out toast, eggs, fruit, everything he likes.

He looks at me, surprised.

I shrug. "Wanted to."
He just nods. Quiet.

And then he walks up behind me and rests his chin on my shoulder.

His arms loop around my waist.
And I stop breathing.

For a second, the world holds still.

"Thank you," he says, voice muffled.

I turn slightly. He doesn't move away.
My hand comes up, cupping his jaw.
His eyes meet mine.

And then-
Before I can think too hard-

I kiss his neck.
Just a soft press of lips. Gentle. Honest.

He leans into it.
Lets it linger.

When we pull apart, he looks dazed. Soft.

"Brat," he says again. But he's smiling, laughing in that gummy smile I love.

Later, Y/N noona finds us in the garden.

The others have joined-Tae and Jimin whispering by the koi pond, Joon hyung lounging on the bench with a book, Jin hyung braiding Hobi hyung's hair while they argue about something that doesn't matter.

Y/N noona walks over to me, sunlight in her hair.

She hands me a cup of iced coffee, nudging my elbow. "Hey, bunny baby."

I try to smile. I do.
But the jealousy's still there.
Still clawing.

And she sees it.

"Hey," she says softer, eyes flicking over my face. "Talk to me?"

I shake my head.
"Not now."

She doesn't push. She just leans in. Presses a kiss to my temple.

"I love you."
I nod.