Whisper Of The Wind [ONF FF]

Chapter 4

The sunny day that welcomed them was nothing like the previous day's weather. It really was as if the town was welcoming their visit. Upon arrival Yuto couldn't take his eyes away from the different things he saw. Anywhere he looked had something mesmerising to appreciate, be it the habitations, the people, the flora, the trinkets being sold along the streets. What had gained his attention the most, however, were the gold and red decorations all around, these colors being represented by objects in different shapes and sizes.

"These are decorations for the anniversary of the Kingdom. Every year the town is painted in red and gold, the colors of our coat of arms. This year the decorations are even more extravagant, probably due to it being the 100th anniversary."

Yuto listened attentively to Changyun's explanations, the latter telling him everything he knew about what he found interesting. The Prince felt truly comfortable and happy as they roamed the streets, the happy aura the people created warming his heart.

They spent a few hours just roaming around, talking to townspeople, vendors, musicians who sang on the streets. It all fascinated Yuto. His stomach, however, had started complaining about the lack of food given to it, grunting loudly as soon as Yuto's nose detected the smell of freshly baked goods.

"Could we go get something to eat? There's a divine smell coming from that street!"

Changyun chuckled. "Of course we can. That bakery is actually my favorite in town. I have a feeling you will enjoy it as well." Upon watching Yuto's delighted expression he enthusiastically pulled the younger with him towards the establishment.

The two boys entered the almost empty bakery, Yuto immediately heading over to the display of baked goods, mouth watering at the pleasant smell and aspect of what the shop had to offer. "Changyun, look!"

A chuckle startled the two boys out of their own bubble, the shop owner greeting them with a delighted smile on her face. "Welcome, how may I help these two gentlemen?"

"Oh, Ma'am please excuse our rudeness!" Yuto exclaimed, a soft pink tint making its way to his cheeks out of embarrassment. He had completely disregarded any other person in the room due to his own gluttony."

The lady once again laughed, bringing her hand to cover her mouth as the sound left her body. "On the contrary, I'm joyful to see two young men so hypnotised by our products."

Another chuckle followed, this one from a young man sitting on one of the booths the bakery offered for its clients to sit. "Brought a friend Changyun?"

"Hyojin!"

Yuto looked in between the other two young men inside the establishment, confusion in his mind as he tried to make ends meet. Changyun seemed to notice and smiled, gesturing to the boy he had just referred to as 'Hyojin'.

"He's a friend. He works here and he's always been the one taking care of my orders."

"Oh, nice to meet you Sir!"

The man named Hyojin smiled, getting up from his seat to shake Yuto's hand.

"Likewise. Are you a friend of Changyun? How come he's only brought you here now?"

"We're childhood friends, actually. "

"Oh, so you work at the palace too?"

Yuto's eyes widened at the question, frantically looking at Changyun. So the young man knew about Changyun's job at the palace. Yuto realized then and there that perhaps he had said something he shouldn't have. Before he could keep on overthinking it, however, Changyun intervened.

"He does. He's also the son of a maid."

Hyojin nodded in acknowledgement. "I see."

"Hyojin, where are your manners? Young gentleman, certainly you did not come here only to not eat, what would you like?"

A smile automatically bloomed on Yuto's face, the young man buying a bunch of different pastries that appealed to him.

"Is it his first time in town?"

"How did you know?"

Hyojin smiled, lifting an eyebrow at Changyun. "I know everyone in town."

"Way to flaunt your connections Mr."

The older one stifled a laugh, bumping his shoulder against the other. "He seems a bit cow-handed and stiff."

Changyun just replied with a hum, bidding goodbye to his friend and his mother as soon as Yuto walked back towards him.

"Have a nice day Sirs." The shop owner wished, waving from behind the counter.

The two young men stepped foot outside the bakery, sitting down on a stand on the opposite side of the road, watching the bakery through its huge glass windows as they munched on the baked goods that had just been purchased.

"That lady's really nice. Changyun, I think I made my first friend in town."

Changyun chuckled, Yuto's enthusiasm easily infecting him as well. "I'm glad then."

"Now that I've made friends with a baker I have an excuse to come here everytime I come to town."

"You don't need to do that in order to visit the bakery whenever you feel like."

Yuto nodded, smiling softly as he ate his croissant. "I know. But being friends with a baker? That's an authentic victory!"
The Prince ate the remnants of his croissant, scanning his eyes across the street, taking in every corner, every detail. It wasn't long before he noticed the establishment right next door, especially its name. In big letters on top of the main entrance door there read 'Whisper Of The Wind'.

The outside of the shop was decorated with different kinds of plants, accompanied by twinkling red and gold lights. It was an alluring sight. Unconsciously Yuto stood up and walked towards the establishment, curiosity getting the best of him as he stood in front of it.
He could finally get hints of what looked like a bookshop, the window display being filled with books and other trinkets. The longer he stared at it the bigger the urge to enter was. He then suddenly remembered Jaeyoung's words.

'I am akin to the fire, you are one with the wind. You deserve to stay true to yourself.'

"I am one with the wind."

He glanced at Changyun who seemed to be immersed in his own thoughts and wondered if maybe he should call him. After a while of staring at his friend Yuto decided to get into the shop alone.