We sit like that-quiet.
Kind of together.
Kind of not.
He keeps clicking between tabs, pretending to edit a video I know he's already finished yesterday.
His eyes aren't really focused, just... moving for the sake of movement.
"Kook," I say, carefully. "You sure you're okay?"
"Yeah," he replies instantly. Too fast.
"It's not a big deal."
His hand twitches on the mouse, and I can tell he wants to close everything and run but doesn't know where to go.
Or maybe he's already run, emotionally, and just left his body behind.
I reach out, my fingers gently brushing the inside of his wrist.
"You've been quieter lately. I don't want to assume, but... I notice things. I notice you."
He finally glances at me-just a flicker of eye contact-and shrugs, like the truth is a jacket he doesn't feel like wearing.
"Seriously, Noona. I'm good." He offers me a crooked little smile, charming enough to almost convince me.
But I know that smile. That's his Don't worry about me, I'm holding it all in so you won't have to smile.
So I don't push. I just stay close.
Rest my head against his shoulder and loop my arm through his.
I whisper after a while, barely audible,
"You're not losing me, you know."
His body stays still. Too still.
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"Didn't think I was,"
he replies, but the words are hollow. They echo like a hallway with the lights off.
I don't call him out.
I just squeeze his hand tighter.
There's a long pause.
Then another.
He doesn't melt into me this time.
He doesn't cry or crumble or confess.
He just... sits there, jaw clenched, pretending everything's cool while his whole body screams otherwise.
But he doesn't pull away.
So I stay.
Wrapped around him like silence with arms, offering space and closeness all at once.
Eventually, he shifts-just slightly-and leans into me enough for his head to bump mine.
It's not a hug. Not yet.
But it's not nothing.
And that's where we are.
Suspended in the in-between.
Not quite breaking, not quite okay.
But still choosing to be here. Together.
And maybe that's enough for now.
Maybe that's what love looks like when someone's not ready to fall apart-just... ready to be held while they pretend they're fine.
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Stigma Love's Algorithm [ A BTS x Reader Poly ]
Fanfiction|| BTS x Reader Poly Soulmates || In a world where soulmates are confirmed with algorithms, can human connection still thrive? It's 2025, the LoveMap App promises to revolutionize how we find love. Based on intricate data, emotional intelligence, a...
Chapter 126: Soft Wars and Silent Codes🔥
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