Destiny Makes Eight

Strange Meetings

Walking through the town with its brightly colored ribbons and flowers would have been a much more enjoyable time if his feet weren't aching and sore. Weeks on the road had been difficult but Yunho couldn't bring himself to stop moving. To put as much distance between himself and his past as possible. He had crossed the border between kingdoms two weeks ago and managed to catch a ride with a lone merchant for few days. While the company had been pleasant, Yunho wasn't eager to answer many of the questions thrust his way. Finding a solitary traveler wasn't very common, especially one like Yunho. Thankfully, the man who picked him up off the side of the road didn't seem to be bothered by it. Yunho's lack of answers could have persuaded him to abandon him again but he didn't. The old man had been kind enough to even give him a sack of food to help tide him over until he reached the town.

"Excuse me." Yunho mumbled with a quick bow of his head.

He'd bumped shoulders with a passerby while trying to navigate the busy street. The man merely grumbled at him about young people having no respect and kept walking. Yunho sighed, but was grateful that was all it was. It seemed he'd managed to reach the town during a market day. The scents of fresh baked bread and roasted meat assaulted his nose. His empty stomach growled painfully. Yunho sighed as he rubbed it with his hand. He had to be careful with his money, not having much left since he'd left home. The food the old man had given him was still good, but Yunho found himself craving more. He stopped under a thin awning and pressed his back to the wall. Yunho dug out his leather pouch and counted out his coins. He frowned and leaned his head back, resting it against the rough wall behind him. He would need to figure something out to earn more money soon. He couldn't continue for much longer like this.

A soft scent wafted through the crowds and drew Yunho's attention. His wallowing cut short as he lifted his gaze to find the source of it. He couldn't quite describe the mixture but he knew it was comforting. What home would smell like if he had one. It wasn't the same as the food stalls that surrounded the market. Two men walked past, and Yunho caught the scent again. He followed them with his eyes, intrigued. The scent wasn't a strong one, per se, but enough for him to know these men were both Betas. Looking at them, Yunho found himself surprised. One was quite tall, much like himself. While the other looked small and slim like a lot of desirable Omegas. But the fact he was male made Yunho push that thought away immediately. Male Omegas were so incredibly rare he doubted he would ever meet one on the street.

The shorter man laughed at something his companion said and Yunho found himself entranced by the taller man's smile. His cheeks pressed up into his eyes, turning them into crescents. His voice sounded deeper than Yunho expected and he felt a slight shiver down his spine. He straightened, flustered at his own reaction and quickly shook his head.

"No, calm down." Yunho slapped his cheeks with his hands. He knew he didn't have time to pine over someone he had merely seen in passing. He was a traveler; he wouldn't see the man ever again anyway. Despite that, Yunho looked up to see him again and was disappointed to find the two men had disappeared. Yunho adjusted his pack on his shoulders and stepped back out into the street. He dodged around a few people as he made his way toward one of the stalls. May as well get something to take with him as he continued on his journey.

Yunho looked over the meat rolls on display and finally selected a couple he would be able to take with him. They should last him until evening and he would be able to eat two meals with them. He painstakingly took out the two silver coins that the meat rolls cost and handed it over before the stall owner wrapped them in a cloth and passed the bundle to him. The woman was round faced and flushed from the heat of cooking all day, but she smiled at him as he reached for the rolls.

"Haven't seen a Beta like you around here." The woman smiled again as she eyed him up and down. "You know, my daughter—"

"Ah, I'm sorry ma'am, I'm just passing through." Yunho stammered as he took the bundle in his hand. "Have a pleasant day." He bowed his head and quickly disappeared into the crowd before she could attempt to continue her train of thought.