It was early morning, the sky barely lit with the soft blush of dawn. The cold kitchen tiles bit into Niko's bare feet as he moved silently, hoping not to wake anyone. Not that they’d care if he left unnoticed. There was no lunchbox waiting on the counter, no breakfast plate, no gentle voice asking if he slept well. Only silence, thick and heavy.

He quietly slipped on his backpack—light, almost empty—and headed out, stomach already aching with the familiar emptiness. The bruises from two nights ago were still tender under his hoodie, hidden like secrets no one cared to uncover.

Jungkook was already outside, leaning casually against the gate in his usual hoodie and jeans, his smile warm even in the chill of morning. The moment he saw Niko, his face softened with concern. He pushed off the gate and walked over.

"Hey," Jungkook said gently, reaching out to adjust the strap of Niko’s bag, like he always did. His eyes scanned Niko’s face, searching. "Did you eat?"

He didn’t wait for the answer. He already knew.

He sighed softly and opened his own bag. "Mom packed extra again. She knew you'd skip breakfast," he added with a small, knowing smile. From inside, he pulled out a wrapped sandwich, a banana, and a carton of milk, holding them out like it was nothing—like it wasn’t saving Niko’s day.

As they walked to school, Jungkook kept close, his presence a quiet shield. When other students waved or called his name, he waved back, but never strayed too far from Niko’s side. In the hallways, when people gave Niko odd looks or whispered, Jungkook would glance their way, and somehow, the whispers always died quickly.

After school, they didn’t even talk about where they were going. Niko followed Jungkook like it was routine—because it was. The moment they stepped into Jungkook’s home, the warmth hit like a wave. The scent of dinner cooking, the soft sound of his mom humming, the dog barking happily from the living room.

"Niko, sweetheart! You’re just in time!" Jungkook’s mom called, peeking from the kitchen with a smile that reached her eyes. "Wash up, both of you. Lunch's almost ready."

Jungkook turned to him, smile gentler now. "You’re home now."