Despite the sprawling vastness of the cemetery, the day feels quiet, the two of them isolated from the rest of the world — freed from it. Yoongi smiles at the gentle brush of Jungkook's lips and nods. "That's got to be a good sign," he says. "That it feels right." He wants so badly to feel they would approve, knowing how much Jungkook's dad means to him, knowing how much his mother loved him. At the end of the day, if this is what makes them happy, that must be enough. It is, at least, for him.

"I wish," he adds, slowly feeling out his words, "that they were still here. That I could see your father and get his blessing. But... I love you. As you are. And I know he would be proud of you, too. Of who you've become without him. Like I am." His thumb traces over the fullness of Jungkook's lower lip, gentle. He can't know, not really, what a man he's never met would think, but he can imagine. The good, kind father Jungkook loves, however distant his memory, must have been a good man. How could such a man have a son like Jungkook and not be proud?

He smiles, wry but fond. "Bad grades and all."