From the Darkness

5. The Trader

Thankfully, the trader wasn't so far away that Wooyoung had to call things off because he worried about the distance to Yunho. A rickety old cart stood tucked in the shade between two boulders. Its hind doors stood wide open and were hung with various items, none like the other. The middle offered an assortment of weapons and ammunition and crates with food. Even two water bottles rested on the ground.

On its side, and smoking the cigarettes one often found in the leftovers of the old civilization, leaned a tall man. His hair was the colors of flames and his dark clothes matched his shady business. Over his shoulder leaned a shotgun, ready to meet those looking for a quick steal. When the two raiders neared without malevolent intentions, he pushed off the swaying wood and came over. Full lips pulled into a smirk when he recognized San.

"Ah, a familiar face. Who did you bring me?" His voice was deep and scratched in his throat as if rubbed with sand. His posture was lax, swinging the gun around as if it were a plaything.

"Found this one battling some fouls. We need ammunition," San said, jabbing his bandaged thumb at Wooyoung. Reluctantly, Wooyoung drew closer.

The trader was tall, and younger than one would think. His body was lean, legs long and durable for someone who could unwind when it concerned survival. Upon their request, he rummaged through his rich assortment with the glimmering cigarette tucked between his lips.

"Pick the ones you need. What you got in exchange?"

Wooyoung peered into his bag when San left the dealing to him.

"Some wipes, a full bottle of water, scrap, cloth, and a bunch of bones."

Yunho and he never carried more than they needed. Investing in valuables was a tireless burden.

When he spotted the second gun, his frown lit up.

"And another gun. What does it fare?" He handed it to the trader, and he contemplated it. Wooyoung clutched his bag close, scared for the precious water now that the two hyenas knew about it.

"I can take it off your hands. Pick five packs of your bullets," the trader grinned. When Wooyoung accepted, he let him access the stack. Hawk eyes watched how many he took.

San leaned against the rock for casual conversation.

"Any news out here?"

"Sky's been looking kind of cloudy today. We are expecting rain," the trader chuckled. Wooyoung was too tense to laugh with them. He pocketed his ammunition, reloading the gun on the occasion.

"You also got a shovel?"

"Whoa, slow down there, fella. Isn't it too early to dig yourself a grave? Still so young and fresh," the trader cooed. He reached out to tuck Wooyoung's hair behind his ear, but Wooyoung flicked his head back. When he came back with a scowl, the trader giggled.

"Keep your hands to yourself. He's trying to dig out his boyfriend," San scolded, and that mocking lilt was back. Wooyoung ignored it as he awaited the trader's reply. The shotgun shrugged.

"Is it fun when those parts also foul away? Guess it's nice and squishy, I wouldn't know. I got a shovel. But it's the water in return."

Wooyoung hesitated. He would hate to give up the water he just found. It was such a rare and precious treasure, and he wanted to feed it to Yunho once he got out.

The trader noticed his reluctance and waved it off.

"Then leave it."

Before Wooyoung had to torment himself with priorities, San pushed off the wall. His hand delved into his bag and came up with a metal flask.