Perhaps wanting to help Seokjin is Jungkook's own way of searching for a way to make up for how he lacks right now — a way to feel less like a recipient of abuse, and more like a fighter. He wants to do something productive. Wants to find weight that he can bear successfully.

Wants to make sure he can support those who have lent him their strength.

But there's a proper time and place for that, Jungkook reminds himself, and perhaps tonight isn't that, not when his body is still littered with bruises underneath his shirt.

"Okay," he says quietly, continuing to sidle up close to Seokjin's side. Searching for a bit of levity, Jungkook raises his gaze and asks, "You're gonna make me pretty, hyung?"