It's a relief to Jungkook when Seokjin says that he knows, that he understands that Jungkook would rather be at his hyung's place. But life doesn't work in such an idyllic way — never has, and Jungkook has known that ever since the first time his stepfather hit him, when he came to the realization that the distance between them wasn't a matter of lack of familiarity alone. He simply would never, could never be that man's son.

It's funny, how he still tries.

Jungkook squares his shoulders, nodding at his hyung's recommendation. "I had a couple of bites already. It's really good," Jungkook says, quickly working to spoon some porridge into each bowl, keeping the amounts relatively even. "Hyung's cooking is always the best."