Maybe Jungkook should be prioritizing keeping face in front of Yoongi's mother right now. He probably would be, if this meeting were actually in person, if Yoongi's mother were actually seated by the both of them. But it's impossible for Jungkook to witness Yoongi's tears and to stay back, his expression fading into one of concern as he reaches out and cups Yoongi's cheeks in his palms, brushes the tears away before he smooths both hands down to Yoongi's shoulders and pulls him close.

He doesn't think that Yoongi's lying; they're happy now. Jungkook has seen enough of Yoongi's smiles, witnessed enough of the change in his behavior to know that Yoongi really means it when he says that things are easier. Because there are times when he isn't focused on the loss — can't be, not when the concept of them is all that either of them can focus on.

But being happy doesn't exclude being sad. Doesn't erase the feeling of loss.

"It's okay to miss her," Jungkook murmurs, leaning forward to press a kiss to Yoongi's forehead, then leaning in until they're pressed cheek to cheek. "I'm sure she understands, Yoongi-ah."