Jungkook was halfway through his sandwich, idly scrolling through his notes for the next class, when his gaze flicked up.

He saw Niko leave the table, tray already cleared, heading toward the bathrooms. That wasn’t strange—everyone did it. But Jungkook’s eyes lingered for just a second longer than they should have.

He tried not to think much of it.

Until Niko came back.

Jungkook noticed it right away. The way Niko’s eyes looked too shiny, like they’d been rinsed out with something heavier than water. The red tint in the corners. The way his expression was too carefully blank.

No one else at the table seemed to notice. Everyone was still busy joking, chatting, throwing grapes at each other across the table.

But Jungkook leaned back in his seat, chewing slower now. Watching. Thinking.

After a moment, he stood, grabbing a random empty water bottle and pretending he needed a refill.

He caught up with Niko just as he reached the hallway.

"Hey," Jungkook said, tone light but eyes steady. "Bathroom crying session, huh?"

He gave a small, knowing smile—not teasing, not mocking. Just gently honest. Then, softer:

"You wanna talk about it, or... should I just sit next to you and pretend nothing’s wrong until you're ready?"

He stood there with quiet patience, giving Niko room to choose either.