I don't feel very strong, Yoongi thinks, and it's sheer habit, the quick and easy dismissal of his own abilities, because in the next moment he thinks maybe, just maybe, he does. He is stronger lately and braver and happier. And it's not that he gets those qualities from Jungkook, but, he thinks, Jungkook brings them out in him, makes the burdens easier to bear and the future easier to face.

He laughs and ducks his head, bashful at the praise, his heart full. Even if he doesn't believe it himself. It would be nice if he could have found all this in himself on his own, but he's not afraid to admit that it's Jungkook who's helped him discover it. So many times, he's found himself thinking, if Jungkook believes this and this of him, then there must be some truth in it. Maybe he's not as amazing as his boyfriend thinks, but there must be something of those qualities in him, things to love and admire and be proud of.

"And you're right," he admits. "She is proud of me. I feel it." It's a cold, brisk day, but he feels alight and warm, safe in Jungkook's arms and the sudden certainty that his mother understands. She had her dark days, too, and pulled through them. She won't think any less of him if he needs Jungkook's support to get through himself. If anything, she must be happy he's so loved. "Thank you. For coming with me." It's a lot easier not to feel so alone this way.