Jungkook opens his mouth to protest, but finds that it's hard to figure out exactly what it is that doesn't sit properly with him. The idea of only placing his attention and risks on himself and his own happiness feels wrong, not just for the inherent selfishness, but also because it just doesn't feel possible. When Jungkook tries to reflect upon who he thinks he is, who he wants to lay stakes for, he finds that it's impossible to extricate himself from his hyungs.

Without them, who is he, really? Who was he, before Taehyung first reached out to him?

Afraid and nervous. Always focused on making sure his steps never crossed the line, on following his father's orders as best he could, even if it would never yield the pride and affection Jungkook hoped to inspire.

"I don't think I can not worry about you or any of the others, hyung," Jungkook frowns. "And that's not me being stubborn or anything, it's... I mean, you're all my family. So you're like a part of me. Of course I'd bet my life on all of you. Any of you."