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

Chapter 124: Love in the Tension Lines

My palm sweats on the spoon handle, teeth gnawing at the grains like defensive armor.

Taehyung hyung glides a finger in Bam's ear again-slow, soothing. Bam sighs. TaeTae's calm is like a silent challenge to me: "Don't lose this".

Jimin hyung catches my eye, lifts an eyebrow, half-smiling like "Hang on". And I do, only because I know he's in my corner.

I stuff the last grain of garlic rice into my mouth, determined not to blink-because I'm in enemy territory.

Gab lifts his fork again, turning from nostalgic cafeteria tales to something else entirely.

"Actually," he says, voice shifting gears, "the conference was incredible. They loved the urban renewal panel. I've got three new firms asking me to consult."

Y/N noona lights up beside him. And then-under the table-she squeezes my hand. Soft, but fierce.

Like she's anchoring me.
It's warm. Steady.

A gentle reminder that I'm more than just a silent rug at this table.

It felt like a hum of a favorite song I'd forgotten I knew by heart.

Not just affection-it feels like a message.
I'm here. I see you. You're mine, too.

The grip isn't tight, but I feel the weight of it. Not controlling-comforting.

Like a silent battle truce slid across enemy lines. And just like that, the itch under my skin eases a little.

Gabriel Shmabriel continues, explaining city blueprints and facade designs. His words are smooth, confident.

I see Joon hyung lean in, eyes bright and respectful. Even Yoongi hyung gives a slow nod, his eyebrow arching in approval.

"It's impressive," Yoongi hyung says after a moment. "Sounds like you're making waves over there."

Gab smiles, but he glances at Y/N noona before responding-like he's anchoring himself in her approval.

That'll come back to haunt him.

Jimin hyung pipes in, wrapping his words in teasing tones.

"So... you'll be staying in Korea for a while more then?"

Gab laughs, and it's too easy.
"Probably, if the projects materialize and also for Y/N? I'd be glad to stay."

My chest constricts-whoa, whoa, whoa. Petty alert. I swallow again, trying not to demonstrate all the ways I'm plotting a territory stake.

Noona reaches across again, this time grasping my wrist-yes, that's mine-and I catch her eye.

Her smile is full and warm, but right now? It feels like a shield.

Taehyung hyung notices this, glances up at me, offering a tiny nod and a soft smile. We're in this group, this orbit-together.

Across the table, Jin hyung clears his throat.

"Shall we clean up?" His tone is firm-fun, but firm. A hint that peeling everyone out of this charged breakfast is probably smart.

Hobi hyung, always the lightning bolt, beams.

"Cleanup! We've got office dream design plans to get to... or does Gab get to be carried in as a guest of honor?"

He theatrically fans the table.

Gab laughs and stands, grabbing his plate.
"I can wash up-man's gotta pitch in."

We all rise. The tension starts to slip away-like steam from our hot chocolate.