Jungkook relaxes immediately against Seokjin's hold, the ache in his chest deepening, but warming as well. Deep breaths, in and out, help to stave off too many tears. Maybe it's selfish to wish for such little details to shift — he should be grateful just to have a friend like Seokjin, rather than wishing they were tied together by blood or marriage. Still, it's hard not to imagine how much better life might be for the both of them, broken pieces of family coming together in a warm, cohesive whole.

"I'd like that," Jungkook says quietly, closing his eyes to imagine what a life in the States might be like, surrounded by smiling people and green trees. "Maybe we can do that someday, anyway. I'll study hard... I'll study for my exams, brush up on my English. Then we can all go."