For a moment, Jungkook almost smiles at the thought of Yoongi trailing along after his mother, adopting her mannerisms, always wanting to be within reach. But the pain of the image follows almost instantly — reminders of how often Jungkook's seen Yoongi standing on his own, more isolated than the rest of them. How often Jungkook's gaze skirted to the side long before they became a couple, curious about the hyung who so rarely seemed to lean on the others.

Now, Jungkook understands that the strength and skill were likely both built out of necessity.

How different would things be, had Yoongi's mother not passed away?

"I don't know about making you better when you've always been perfect to me," Jungkook murmurs, his throat feeling tight. "But I know that I make you happier. And she'd want that. That's what loving parents want most, right? For their kids to be happy."