If he were truly given the offer, would Jungkook take it? There's a part of him that wishes it were truly possible to skip directly ahead to two years from now, when all of them will be free from the clutches of their parents. No matter how hard it might be to find their footing without the financial support, Jungkook believes that they must be capable of it. Every year, a new wave of young adults sets off on their own.

There's no reason to think that they can't do so every bit as well as anyone else.

But there's a certain fear that accompanies the thought of the future as well. Too much uncertainty about what might have changed. Perhaps it's best to live life out from day to day, Jungkook thinks, if only so that nothing comes as a devastating blow.

"Hyung, you already do so much," Jungkook smiles, raising his bowl in emphasis. "You knew something was up and came to take care of me. That's what I needed most, I think. Not to be alone."

He glances down at his bowl, then scoops up another spoonful of juk, savoring the bite.