Ashrain

15. Hooves and Pointy Ears

Mingi and Hongjoong skipped telling Seonghwa that their early return for another market day in Durnatel was because of their money troubles. They didn't want to burden the centaur, so the brothers explained they regularly utilised the city to promote their service. Since his help around the house had failed so miserably, Seonghwa was glad to serve in the city. His mere presence had boosted their sales last time, and Mingi counted more new customers in his little book than ever before. As depressing as Seonghwa being trapped with them was, it came as a blessing when it was about financing them.

This time, they couldn't stop Seonghwa from his unshakable demands of pulling the cart. He stood in the stable door, broad-legged and with his arms crossed, until Hongjoong gave in and fastened the leather straps around Seonghwa's horse stomach and human hips. The cushioned, soft weight didn't bother him much, and he tested its seat with his dainty fingers before they tied the cart to him.

"Is it uncomfortable?" Hongjoong asked, standing close to him with a frown on his face.

Seonghwa shook his head.

"Unfamiliar, but it's only a cart I will pull. I'm happy to be of help." He gave Hongjoong a hand while they hooped the leather buckles into each other and successfully tied the cart to him. Mingi brought out his utensils, impressed by the sight.

"Who knew that of all creatures we could ever use for cart pulling a centaur would be the first?" Mingi chuckled. They had no bull or lovable donkey, for their line of work never required one direly. Hongjoong would admit that Seonghwa's help eased the strain off his back once they set out.

Seonghwa seemed unbothered by the weight. As beautiful and untouched as his grace was, he harboured strength many times more than that of a human. The wobbly cart rattled behind the clop of his hooves.

This time, too, they set up their work in front of Wooyoung's home. And just as last time, they got noticed by both new people and the people from before. Hongjoong spotted a few familiar girls hurrying over to ogle Seonghwa, and the curious eyes of a group of bards passing by. Seonghwa greeted people with smiles and showed off his hooves, shining like a star in their midst. Mingi and Hongjoong became bothersome bugs by his side that collected the money. Neither could complain.

Around noon, most workers, as well as shoppers, took a break. They retreated into the taverns to have a meal, and the delicious scent of meat wafted through the streets. Hongjoong's stomach grumbled. Mingi giggled and huddled into his jacket now that no crowd of warm bodies dispersed the cold any longer.

"Want me to get some food?"

"You're the best brother the world has seen," Hongjoong praised. Mingi brushed it off with a grin and bounded off to get food. With their new earnings in their purses, their smiles were uninhibited by stress. No freedom felt as serene.

Hongjoong shoved his fingers into his pockets and leaned into Seonghwa's side. They watched the stand together, but the few people out all passed them.

"Are you cold?" Hongjoong craned his neck to look up at Seonghwa. The centaur gazed at him, his hair open as it fell around his face and shoulders.

"Not yet. I am used to much harsher temperatures."

"Tell me once you are. I'll make you a blanket and a poncho or something," Hongjoong grumbled into his collar. Affectionate, Seonghwa brushed a strand of hair from Hongjoong's face the wind blew astray. Hongjoong blinked at him in thanks. Seonghwa's body exuded heat even now, and Hongjoong just wanted to bury against him, kiss him, feel his touch on his skin and be at ease.

Somebody cleared his throat next to them. Like a mouse peering from its hole in the ground, Hongjoong untucked his head from cowering between his shoulders. When he found Yeosang next to them, his eyes widened.