A brief thought flickers through Jungkook's mind at Yoongi's words — that there should have been someone else trying long before now, that Yoongi's father should have been the one maintaining Yoongi's happiness. Jungkook's opinion of the man always seems to waver back and forth, between sheer frustration at his incompetence and empathy for all that he must have lost. Ultimately, though, parents should be there for their kids. They should be able to rise above all other struggles and at least be present for their children.

Jungkook wonders what Yoongi's mother would think. What she'd do — if she'd make an effort to get through to her husband for her son's sake.

If Jungkook can one day be brave in her stead.

His eyes close instinctively for the kiss, cheeks flooding over with warmth as his gaze skirts briefly to the side, glancing at Yoongi's mother's marker, as though she might offer some type of sign of approval.

"I love you most," Jungkook murmurs, pressing another peck to the tip of Yoongi's nose as his thumb continues to brush away any remaining moisture on his cheek. "I'll never stop trying to make you happy. Even if you become the happiest person in the world, I'll keep trying to find a way to make you happier still."