There are times when his hyungs' words sail over Jungkook's head, the consequence of youth and inexperience. But with Seokjin, there are flashes of a bone-deep empathy. Jungkook's mother may be a harbor in the storm, but it's not enough to spare Jungkook the knowledge that he isn't enough, that he can't live up to the family name.

Not like his hyung can. Taller, broader. Perhaps not significantly better with his studies, but he looks the part, knows how to wrest control of a room. Jungkook has always been satisfied to watch and capture the scene from afar.

So when Seokjin mentions his brother, how his parents will be taking his brother with them to parties but not Seokjin himself, Jungkook's stomach lurches with the thought that his family would probably do the same, were they in a position to. But why they would leave Seokjin back, Jungkook can't fathom.

"I bet hyung would be super handsome and fit in at those fancy parties," Jungkook says, earnest even as his heart aches, "but I'm glad you're not... like that, inside. I'm glad that you're our hyung. We're always happy when we're here, you know? Cake is better than a stiff suit and tie party, anyway."