Ashrain

11. Hooving Around

The scent of the apple pie made by Hongjoong's grandmother's recipe floated through the house. It crept into its nooks and crannies and roused the interest of a certain four-hooved centaur.

Hongjoong sat at the kitchen table with sparkling eyes as he gazed upon the treat. Mingi had finished it a while ago and it was still deliciously warm in its form. When Mingi cut it and delivered a piece to Hongjoong's plate, he stuck his fingertip into his mouth with a whine right after. Hongjoong giggled at him, spoon poised to take a bite.

When the door to the stables opened discreetly, the brothers grinned at each other. Seonghwa's head peeked through and searched the table.

"Something smells good," he said, curiosity softening his sharp features.

"Mingi made apple pie," Hongjoong said, proud. "As our grandmother used to make. Do you want to try it?"

After a moment of hesitation, Seonghwa nodded.

"Yes, please."

Mingi pulled in the third plate that had been waiting by his side the entire time. He cut a generous piece for Seonghwa and the brothers took their food with them to sit with Seonghwa in the stables. Absorbed, Seonhwa stared at the pie offered to him. It didn't look like much, but Hongjoong swore on its taste. The ingredients were more expensive than their usual meals, so they tasted the cake only for rare occasions, but today was one of those. Mingi had visited the city extra early to have it done by noon.

Seonghwa tried a spoonful and his face lit up. With a smile so wide it hurt his cheeks, Hongjoong watched how the centaur clutched his hands to his mouth in surprise.

"This is- So delicious. Absolutely wonderful."

Bashful, Mingi waved it off.

"It probably can't replace the cake you are used to from back home, but I wanted to let you try it."

"I love it a lot. I can't measure it to my home's apple pie, but as far as human pies go, this is my most cherished one," Seonghwa swooned. He dug in again, cheeks full and happy from the good food. The brothers exchanged a gaze, inwardly praising each other.

"I also had an idea," Hongjoong piqued up. He was greedy to gain the same delight from Seonghwa Mingi got, so he left no second to pass for the centaur to turn gloomy again.

"How about the two of us take a walk in the forest later? I can show you the most beautiful spots I found while collecting kindling. We can watch animals, too!"

Seonghwa snickered at his motivation.

"Sounds like fun," he admitted. Hongjoong rejoiced and ate faster so they could depart sooner. He ended up swaying back and forth impatiently while he waited for Seonghwa to finish his cake.

Mingi would pick up another horse today, so he promised to see them in the evening when the other two took off. With a bag packed with a blanket, pie, some bread and cheese, and Hongjoong's basket to collect kindling, the duo took off. Seonghwa carried the basket elegantly tucked under his arm while Hongjoong bounced along with his backpack.

"We will go down this road for a while and then follow a well-used path to the pond. From there on, we will see whether your hooves can carry you to my special spot!" Hongjoong glanced at Seonghwa's wound. The scabbing was dark, barely visible anymore with how much it had shrunk. He was confident Seonghwa would make it.

Seonghwa regarded his excitement with a sweet smile.

"Then how about I carry you there and you give me directions? I remember we wanted to attempt this."

Laughter burst over Hongjoong's lips. His shyness mixed with nervousness to hurt Seonghwa by accident or slip off. As Seonghwa's patient smile prevailed, it died down.