He glances up just in time to catch Yoongi's eyes sliding to a close. It gives Jungkook an excuse to stare again, even though he swears he can't seem to hold his gaze for long without his chest growing tight. All it would take is a step forward, to move his hands a few inches higher, and he'd know, if only for a second, what it would be like to hold Yoongi. To no longer be running — either after Yoongi, or from himself.

"I hope so," he murmurs on a sigh. He hopes that he can continue to have this, if nothing else — the feeling of being precious to Yoongi, of being his favorite. Of being someone Yoongi can be proud of. "I really like you, hyung."

The words slip out, soft and unbidden. Jungkook can't bring himself to take them back, but somewhere in the back of his mind, the unease settles. He can't say something like this and keep on hanging. Disgusting, he can hear his stepfather spitting out the word.

His fingers slide back down, safely over fabric. "Should we sit? I'm feeling dizzy."