The mention of blackmail raises Jungkook's gaze immediately, a slight shiver spreading under his skin. He's never thought about it in terms so stark — it's never been more than the slight uptick of pressure, never been more than brotherly teasing taken a little too far. But when standing at a distance, it's clear that there's no other word for it. Soft laughter, fingers slipping into his wallet, the slow retreat of heavy steps.

Jungkook takes a deep breath, echoing Yoongi's. The touch of a thumb to his cheek draws Jungkook's eyes to a close, leaning into the warmth of a palm. If he takes a moment to anchor himself here, then the challenges seem further away. Yeongwook doesn't matter. His father doesn't matter. Nothing matters, beyond finding a path to Yoongi's side and staying there for good.

"I don't know," Jungkook murmurs, softly shaking his head. "I don't think there's any way that I can bluff my way out. And besides, I don't want to deny this. Maybe I can't shout it out to the world yet, but... I don't want to pretend that I'm not in love with you. I don't think I can."

With a sigh, Jungkook opens his eyes, feeling all the energy drained from his shoulders. "Maybe I just say fuck it. So he tells dad. What's the worst that can happen? I can talk to mom, and if she won't do anything about it, then I'll leave." The thought makes his chest pull tight, stomach twisting into knots, but maybe Jungkook's mistake was letting it get to this point.

Never asking his mother for her help.