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“Damn,” Jungkook swore under his breath. He could’ve sworn he had plenty of banana milk just last night! Jungkook tipped the large jar he kept his milk in completely upside down, as if that would magically make more of his favorite beverage appear. The milkman wasn’t due at the market for two more days. Jungkook had never run out this fast before!
“What do I do now?” Jungkook questioned the air. He ran his anxious hands over his ears, pulling them down and tugging lightly on the ends in agitation. Jungkook needed his banana milk. It was the first thing he had to drink every day and the last thing he had every night. It was soothing and delicious, and he was pretty sure he was going to die if he had to go two days without it. Three, if you count today.
With a sigh, he put the lid back on the large container and heaved the heavy jar into his arms. He turned and trudged up the stairs and out of the cellar. Looks like he was just going to have to go get some new milk himself.
As he emerged into the early morning light, he took a second to appreciate the way the rising sun glittered off the dew-covered lawn. A thin cloud of fog was still settled over the cozy little farm, but despite the early hour, the world was already alive with sounds.
Setting the jar down with a heavy clunk, he closed up his cellar doors before lifting his fingers to his lips and letting out a sharp whistle. Within seconds one of his large ears swiveled slightly as it picked up the heavy footfalls headed in his direction. Mere moments later, Gureum came bounding around the corner.
“Hey, buddy!” Jungkook laughed a greeting as the large white creature nearly bowled him over in his enthusiasm. Gureum responded with a loud chuff and an energetic shoulder bump that nearly knocked Jungkook off his feet. “Alright, alright, settle down! We’ve got errands to run.”
Gureum obediently settled into his place at Jungkook’s side. The sturdy animal’s head was practically level with Jungkook’s shoulder. Gureum was a Gaeschund, a large domestic species that was highly intelligent, very strong, and a powerful and loyal worker. Their bodies were built a little like large dogs with lion-like heads, but they grew to the size of ponies. Gaeschunds came in a wide variety of colors and specialties, and they had worked alongside humans for generations.
Gureum was an all-white variation that was bred only in the frosty mountains of Northern Territory. He had soft grey dapples on his legs and across his shoulders a bit, but otherwise, his fur was as pale as fresh snow. His tail was a short plume that curled over his back as is typical of a Northern Gaes, and his paws were wide and tufted. Despite his variation being rare in Middle District, Jungkook had stumbled across Gureum when he was just a pug, and they’d been best buds ever since.
Jungkook swung the door to the barn open with a flourish, Gureum tight on his heels. Without even needing to light a lantern, he made his way to the section in the back that held Gureum’s harness and cart. He slipped the contraption onto the patient animal with practiced ease and double-checked all the fastenings. He then checked that all the bags he’d stocked in the cart last evening were still in place.
“We’ve got a special errand to run today, buddy,” he told the Gaes as he led him out into the sunlight. The small cart bumbled along behind the animal as he followed his owner back towards the cellar. “You’re going to have just a little bit of a heavier load.”
Jungkook shifted some of the bags around to fit his large milk jar in the back of the cart. The wooden bed creaked ominously at the added weight. Gaeschunds had been used for draft work since their initial domestication, so Jungkook wasn’t worried in the slightest about Gureum being able to handle the additional weight. The cart, however, was another story entirely. Jungkook eyed the structure for a second to see if it would hold, before turning and scratching the Gaes lightly behind his round ears.
“It’ll be fine,” he assured. He glanced up to check the position the sun was in. Perfect. He was right on time. “Come along, Gureum.”
As Jungkook trudged along the dusty road, he went through his mental checklist for the day. He only had five stops to make today, plus the additional errand at the end. One of his long ears twitched, swiveling backward to catch the faint sound of wagon wheels bumping over the ground. A few minutes after, Jungkook spotted a large Gaeschund out of the corner of his eye. It was hooked to a lightweight wagon and carried a small child perched on its back. Jungkook waved happily as the wagon trundled past. A young girl in the wagon bed waved enthusiastically back, her other arm clutching a chicken to her chest. Jungkook laughed lightly at the sight.
He was passed twice more on his way into town, once by another Gaes carriage and once by a rider on an Elqferd. By the time he arrived, it was mid-morning and the marketplace was bustling with activity. As he weaved his way through the crowd, he kept an eye out for any wandering hands getting too close to his cart. The marketplace was always a lively place in the morning, and today was no exception. Making his way towards the western edge, Jungkook smiled at all the people he saw selling wares or buying goods or simply out enjoying the morning. A young boy streaked past chasing a Kadschund pug, and a stray Felltus ran under his cart at one point.
Jungkook let his feet steer him between the familiar market stalls without much thought. He could almost do this route in his sleep these days. He’d had the same basic routine for the past two years after all. First stop: Seokjin’s bakery.
Seokjin’s bakery was one of the permanent shops set up on the outer ring of the marketplace. The walk-up counter was attached directly to the main shop that could be entered from the street as well.
Seokjin himself was a bit of a mystery. Even Jungkook, who had been friends with Seokjin since he moved to Middle District, wasn’t entirely sure what he was. All he knew was that Seokjin was old. Very old. In fact, Jungkook was pretty sure Seokjin was far older than anyone else in the whole village- even the elves!
Despite his mystery, he’s well known around town for both his delicious baked goods and his stunning good looks. No really, Jungkook was pretty sure Seokjin’s the most gorgeous person he’s ever laid eyes on. And boy did he know it.
“Hey, Jungkook! I see you’ve come by for your daily dose of handsomeness by yours truly,” the taller man grinned cheekily, one hand waving under his chin to show off his face. His strange golden eyes sparkled in the morning light, and Jungkook would be lying if he said it wasn't beautiful.
Seokjin had enough of an ego though, so Jungkook just rolled his eyes good-naturedly. “In your dreams, hyung. You know everyone only loves you for your food!”
While Seokjin spluttered and waved his arms in mock rage, Jungkook carefully pulled the topmost bag out of his cart. “Here you go, hyung. Fresh from the farm! Goguma are bagged separately, just like you asked,” he said cheerfully, hauling the lumpy bag onto the counter for Seokjin to see.
Jungkook wouldn’t really call himself a farmer. At least, not to the point of having his own market stall. He had started with a small vegetable garden that was mostly just for himself, but over time, he gained a small list of regular customers who appreciated buying his surplus goods at lower prices than the larger farms asked. Plus, Jungkook had a knack for growing sweet potatoes, even though they lived way farther north than the root vegetable desired. Seokjin might sell mainly bread and baked goods, but he was also an incredible chef, and he had been one of Jungkook’s very first customers.
“Awesome! I was just talking with Namjoon about what to make for supper tonight. You know how much he loves goguma mattang,” Seokjin said. He carefully closed the bag back up and swept it off the counter. Returning a moment later with his own bag of bread and biscuits to hand over to Jungkook. “If you’re not doing anything tonight, you know your presence at our table is mandatory as always.”
“Only if you promise to keep the jokes to a minimum,” the hybrid threw back with a wink. He tucked the bag of baked good down into the cart.
“Yah! You love my jokes.”
Jungkook just laughed. Truthfully, he did love Seokjin’s jokes. And he loved how the elder always laughed his signature silly laugh every time he said one.
Seokjin knew Jungkook would never turn down his offer. As the only person in his friend group who lived outside of the inner village, the group dinners every other night were the only times he really got to socialize. He was extremely grateful for the invitation, especially since his friends were well aware the hybrid never had any other plans.
“Here, bun,” Seokjin said, his arm stretched out to hand Jungkook a pastry and a small cookie-looking object. He nodded towards the Gaeschund patiently waiting by Jungkook’s side. “One for Gureum as well.”
“Thanks, hyung!” Jungkook pocketed the treat for now. He’d give it to Gureum after they’d made their rounds.
“Can I ask what that monstrosity is for?” Seokjin asked. His golden eyes looked pointedly at the large jar situated in the back of the cart.
Jungkook’s ears twitched, and he ran a hand over one in embarrassment. “Ah, I seem to have run out of banana milk. I’m hoping the milkman will be here today, but if not I’ll have to go out to his farm.”
“You and your milk,” Seokjin teased. “Can’t seem to live without it can you? You’re going to turn into a banana at this rate!”
“I’d rather that than have to go a day without it!”
Seokjin shook his head and flicked his hands out. “Alright then banana-boy, off you go. You’re holding up the line.”
“Okay, okay. Wish me luck on my quest, hyung. Ears crossed!” He crossed his long black ears playfully for a moment, before turning and steering Gureum away from the bakery counter. He bit into the pastry Seokjin had given him. Mmm, Delicious!
Jungkook licked his lips and did a quick binky in the air. Despite his earlier despair, today was turning out to be a great morning.
Licking his fingers clean of the last of his pastry, Jungkook stepped out of the small alleyway between the two buildings and back into the sunshine. Namjoon’s shop technically had a market-side counter that he passed on his way to Seokjin’s, but he rarely ever manned it himself, so for this dropoff, Jungkook would have to enter the bookstore proper.
He came to a stop by the store’s door and turned back to his cart. Taking great care, he lifted the cloth-covered package out of the bed.
“Wait here for me, okay Gureum?” he instructed. Trusting the Gaes to do as he bid, he made his way inside, carefully juggling the package in one hand so he could open the door.
Namjoon’s bookstore was one of Jungkook’s favorite parts of town. The interior was packed with bookshelves from wall to wall, but they had been placed sporadically over the years so the whole area was a maze-like structure of barely contained chaos. The odd chair or cushion spotted the unorganized walkways between shelves. Books and scrolls filled every inch of space and often spilled out into precarious stacks on the corners.
The random mess of shelves had no discernible pattern, and combined with the low ceiling, it should give the place a rather claustrophobic feeling, but to Jungkook, it was simply homey instead. Lanterns and potted plants dotted the walls, and brightly colored rugs and pillows helped liven the place up. Plus, it always smelled like books and tea, two things Jungkook quite enjoyed.
Steered by his ears, Jungkook picked his way through the shop in the direction of the distinctive sounds of Namjoon’s mumbling. The bookkeeper had a habit of talking to himself when he was working. As he journeyed deeper into the store he spotted a few customers hanging out between the shelves.
Namjoon’s store did technically sell books, but few villagers read well enough and often enough to make that a very popular venture. Instead, Namjoon allowed people to come to his store and read whenever they wanted. He even lent books out to people, so long as they left something of theirs for insurance.
Jungkook knows the kingdom seats of the surrounding territories often had large libraries for the royal family, but Namjoon believed in sharing knowledge with everybody- even the lowliest of villagers. Besides, Namjoon’s humble bookstore boasted one of the finest and largest collections of written works in all of Middle District. After all, the half-elf had certainly had a long time to work on it.
“Aw, not again!”
Jungkook snickered lightly when he picked up the sound of a sharp snap. Typical Namjoon. He paused in the doorway to admire the scene. Namjoon was behind the counter, gazing forlornly at what Jungkook was sure had once been a very nice quill whose tip was now completely broken.
“Another quill, hyung?” he questioned teasingly.
Namjoon’s head popped up at the comment. “Jungkook! I was wondering when you’d show up. And, uh, yeah it appears so.” He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand and grinned sheepishly. Namjoon went through quills faster than anyone else Jungkook knew. Although, he supposed that made sense considering the scribe’s job requirements.
“What are you working on?” Jungkook questioned.
“Commission from the Im family. They’ve asked for a few short poems before, but this time noona requested a whole volume.” Namjoon carefully laid the broken quill down and capped his ink jar. “But that’s enough about my work. I want to see what you’ve brought me!”
He gestured excitedly to the covered package Jungkook held. Jungkook carefully lifted the thin package with one hand and pulled the cloth off with the other. His ears flicked nervously as he waited for the elder’s response.
“I, uh, I hope you like it. I wasn’t too sure how it would turn out.”
‘It’ being a painting. Jungkook enjoyed growing vegetables, but that was more of a hobby than a job. No, Jungkook’s real job was as an artist. He was the only artist in the village who did full-color paintings, and he was often commissioned by different families to paint portraits.
His favorite paintings were of landscapes, though, like the one Namjoon had requested.
“Oh, Jungkook, it’s perfect,” Namjoon replied. His eyes had widened in awe and he stepped closer to carefully run a soft fingertip over the delicate silk. “He’ll love it!”
Jungkook’s ears drooped slightly in relief and his face broke out in a wide grin. His friends opinions always meant so much to him.
“He didn’t notice it in the cart this morning, did he? I know you always stop there first,” Namjoon questioned.
Jungkook shook his head. “Nope. Was too busy teasing me about my love of banana milk.”
Namjoon laughed at that. “Good. I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise.”
When Namjoon had initially told Jungkook what he wanted from the painting, Jungkook had been pretty confused. An aerial view of the forest and river near the village was not the kind of scenery he thought someone like Namjoon would appreciate. Honestly, he would’ve been less surprised if Namjoon had asked for a painting of his own bookstore. When Namjoon had explained that the painting was a gift for Seokjin, it had made a lot more sense.
Seokjin, for all that he loved his little village home, had a strange obsession with heights. Not in the way a thrill-seeker liked heights; he legitimately felt more at home the higher he was. He enjoyed nothing more than hiking the lofty peaks of the Longclaw Mountains or trying to climb the endless branches of the Everreach Forest. Jungkook wondered sometimes why Seokjin didn’t still live in the mountains he used to call home. He spoke about missing the feeling of wind on his face with a kind of wistfulness that rang of deep longing.
“How do you plan on getting it inside without him seeing?” Jungkook asked.
“Oh, that’ll be easy. The store isn’t that busy today. I’ll leave Seohyun to lock up and sneak home well before the bakery closes. Thankfully, Seokjin saw fit to make an outside door to the apartment decades ago.”
Jungkook smiled at that. No one in the village was all too certain how old the town was, but even the oldest of citizens seemed to agree that Seokjin and Namjoon had already been there when they arrived. It wouldn’t shock him in the slightest if it were to come out that the Bonded pair were, in fact, the very first citizens of the little village. Besides the marketplace, Seokjin’s bakery was the closest thing to being the very center of town. And Namjoon’s store was right next door.
“Well, I’ll leave you to it hyung. I’ve still got a few more stops to make,” Jungkook said before bidding his friend goodbye with another promise that he’d be there for supper. Plus another pastry that Namjoon had pulled out of nowhere. Jungkook always found it funny how his hyungs were constantly trying to feed him, but he wasn’t about to turn down free food. Especially when it was as delicious as Seokjin’s baking.
---
“Come on, Gureum. Just one last stop,” Jungkook said encouragingly. He patted the top of Gureum’s soft white head. “I know you don’t like the Star, but it’ll only be for a few minutes, I promise.”
The Scorch Star was what the villagers called the massive burn mark that took up a large patch of land on the western side of the village. The huge black mark still radiated heat so badly you couldn’t walk across it even with the toughest of shoes on. The area around the blast was still mostly dead, and most people like to say the mark gives them the heebie-jeebies. Gaeschunds like Gureum especially hated being near it.
Legend has it that it was made by one of the True Dragons of old, but most people would agree that it much more likely was a magick experiment gone wrong. Whatever it was, everyone instinctively gave it a wide berth, and the so nicknamed ‘Scorch Square’ was devoid of any shops.
Any shops but one, that is.
The bell on the door twinkled merrily as Jungkook stepped into the apothecary. The smell of a wide assortment of herbs and spices hit his nose, and he sighed in relief as the tension that walking around the square had given him slid away. No matter how much he hated this side of town, the store always felt like home.
“Jungkook! Right on time. Here, I’ve made you tea!” a perky voice popped up. It belonged to the short, wavy-haired boy who stood behind the counter. Fluffy silver strands fell across his forehead which only served to highlight his brilliant violet eyes.
Jungkook smiled his thanks and carefully took the proffered cup. It was delicious of course, exactly what he hadn’t known he’d wanted. Typical Jimin. The witch always seemed to be a step ahead of everyone else.
“It’s perfect as usual, hyung,” he said. Jimin beamed in response, his eyes disappearing into cute crescents. Despite being many years older than Jungkook in actual age, Jimin still looked like a teenager. His Fae blood made aging a much slower process for the witch than for a hybrid like Jungkook.
Jimin ducked behind the counter briefly and reemerged holding a small sack in his hands.
“Here, bun, I’ve got those things you ordered,” he said, handing Jungkook the lightweight bag.
Jungkook grabbed it with a cheery, “Oh, awesome!” but didn’t bother to double-check the contents. He trusted Jimin. He’d been friends with the other boy for nearly as long as he’d lived in the village.
Back then, Jimin had still been the scary ‘witch in the woods’ that villagers warned you of. Jungkook had stumbled across the elder’s cabin by accident, but instead of suffering some strange curse as the rumors stated, he’d instead made a good friend. Jimin had since moved to the village proper where the villagers had learned to accept his presence and trust his products.
“How much do I owe you?” Jungkook asked.
Jimin waved his hand and gave a light scoff. “Please, you don’t owe me anything.”
“I can’t just take it for free! Allow me to give you something.”
“No, nope, no. Consider it a gift from Yoongi and me. For being such a good friend.” The witch grinned. He knew he had Jungkook beat; it would be very rude of him to turn down or attempt to pay for a gift.
Jungkook rolled his eyes lightly in response. He’d just have to think of his own gift to give the couple later on.
“Speaking of Yoongi-hyung, is he here today?” he asked. He glanced around the shop for a second, ears swiveling to pick up any sounds.
“He’s around somewhere. You know him, always taking his cat naps,” Jimin replied, winking and grinning at his own little joke.
“That hyung hears better than I do! It’s a miracle he can sleep through all the noise of people coming in and out.”
It was true. As a bunny hybrid, Jungkook certainly heard better than most, but as a werecat, Yoongi’s hearing was still far superior to his own.
“You know Yoongi; when he’s sleeping, not even a dragon would dare to wake him up.” Jimin laughed lightly at his Bonded's expense.
“In my experience, most dragons aren’t all that brave,” Jungkook replied giggling. The little reptiles were more often than not the ones sent scurrying when larger creatures came their way.
“Pft, those aren’t real dragons. I’m talking about true dragons. Like the ones of old.”
Jungkook almost laughed out loud at his friend’s seriousness. As if that wasn’t the most ridiculous thing he’d ever heard! “Yeah, sure hyung. Just like the dragon that created Scorch Star, right?”
“Exactly!”
Jungkook eyed Jimin suspiciously. He wouldn’t have thought the young witch was one of those believers. “I thought all you magick folk agreed that wasn’t possible. Next thing you know, you’ll be telling me that the Dragon King is still slumbering away at the top of Wyrmroost.”
Jimin just shrugged. “You never know. Legends don’t tend to just pop out of anywhere. Like they always say: there is no—“
“Yeah, yeah, ‘there is no lie that holds no truth’.”
“Yah! Don’t interrupt me, brat. I’m still your hyung.”
Jungkook grinned mischievously and reached out to ruffle his friend’s hair. “I’ll always be taller though! And I don’t even need my ears for that.”
“You could beat Namjoon if you counted those monstrosities!” The shorter boy batted Jungkook’s hands away in annoyance.
“Don’t make fun of a hybrids ears, Jimin. They don’t have much else going for them,” a new voice popped up.
Jungkook’s ears turned mere seconds before the rest of him towards the latest incomer.
“Yoongi-hyung!” he shouted in gleeful welcome. The older werecat was leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed. “And, hey! That’s rude.”
Yoongi smirked in response, his lips lifting just enough to reveal a flash of his white fangs. He didn’t bother responding to Jungkook’s comment. His shaggy black hair almost hid his small cat ears from view, but his sharp golden eyes were on full display.
“Are you coming to supper at Jin’s place tonight?” the werecat changed the subject.
“Yeah, he practically demanded I be there.”
Jimin tilted his head curiously. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the bunny hybrid.
“Are you sure you don’t have any plans tonight?” the witch asked. There was something odd in his tone that Jungkook couldn’t place. His own eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“Not that I know of. Why? What do you know?”
Jimin wasn’t a Seer, but he was certainly much more perceptive than normal. Even amongst witches, he was exceptionally tuned in to the world and its events.
“Nothing. Just...there’s a double full moon tonight,” the witch answered cryptically. “Strong magick. You never know what may happen.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it hyung. I never have any evening plans other than you guys,” Jungkook brushed off. He waved his hand as though unbothered. Despite that, he tucked Jimin’s words away in his head. The witch was very rarely wrong, and even Yoongi was looking at Jungkook with something else in his gaze.
“I have one last stop to make before I take Gureum to my place, and then I’ll head back into town to meet at Seokjin’s for supper.”
Yoongi tilted his head curiously at that. “Aren’t we usually your last stop?” he asked.
“I have an emergency stop to make today. I ran out of banana milk this morning, so I need to go track down the milkman.”
Jimin laughed loudly at that, and even Yoongi cracked a grin. Jungkook took their teasing good-naturedly. So what if he loved his banana milk? It was no more strange than Namjoon mixing his tea with crushed rocks or the way Seokjin liked everything he ate well-done to the point of burnt. (Seriously, his hyungs were weird)
“Speaking of Gureum though, you should probably be heading out. He’s braver than most Gaes, but even he won’t stay this close to the Star for so long,” Jimin pointed out.
“Ah, you’re right. It was nice to see you both! I guess I’ll see you tonight for supper,” Jungkook replied. He waved both hands lightly in goodbye, one hand still clutching the small bag Jimin had given him, before making his way to the door. He paused suddenly when a thought hit him.
“Oh, do either of you happen to know where I’d find the milkman's farm? I already checked the marketplace this morning, but his stall was empty.”
Jimin and Yoongi exchanged glances. Jungkook wondered briefly if they were communicating telepathically. He’d heard rumors that really strong Bonded could do that, but neither of the couples he was friends with would ever give him a straight answer about it.
“You’re probably looking for the Kim family. You buy their fruit too I bet. They have the biggest dairy farm in the area,” Yoongi finally said. “You come in on the main road, right?”
Jungkook nodded.
“Well, you’re going to have to go all the way across town then. They live out by the river, so you’ll need to take East. I’d go back through the marketplace. Your cart should still fit through the shortcut to Cobb Street, and you can cut past Town Hall to save time.”
“Maybe you can pick up Hobi-hyung in the market! He should still be there this time of day. I know he’s been out to the farm a time or two,” Jimin added on.
“Thanks so much, hyungs! I’ll let you know if I was successful tonight, I guess!”
With a couple of last goodbyes and a quick bow, Jungkook headed on his way once more. He’d have to hurry if he wanted to make it all the way to the river, home, and back to town before supper.
---
Jungkook stumbled slightly on the uneven road, grabbing onto Gureum’s thick neck to steady himself. This far from town, the dusty dirt roads were much less smooth and worn, and were instead covered in bumps and holes and spotted with grass and weeds. Mixed tracks from wagons, paws, feet, and hooves spotted the surface.
Jungkook had indeed been able to find Hoseok in the market, but the lively older boy didn’t have time to walk him all the way out to the farm. Instead, he’d made Jungkook promise to say “hi” to the Kims and tell him about it at supper this evening. Jungkook hadn't even managed to ask what he was busy with before he’d gone bounding off and been lost amongst the crowd.
Hoseok was a bit of an odd one. He didn’t have a true profession, and instead, he lent his time and effort to anyone who needed a job done. The athletic young man was eager to help out and was good for just about anything you wanted. If you had a job that needed doing and no-one around to do it, Hoseok was your guy.
With his strong lean form and unnatural speed, combined with those signature, long, tapered ears of his, most villagers assumed Hoseok was of elven blood. Jungkook was one of the few friends he’d entrusted with the truth. Hoseok had centaurian blood. A secret that Jungkook had sworn to Ils S’Lenica he’d never reveal. He would never judge his friend, but he knows the kinds of rumors that surround those with centaur bloodlines, and he also knows just how cruel people can be.
Beside him, Gureum raised his head suddenly and took a deep inhale, his chest rumbling lightly as he picked up on some scent that wasn’t yet in Jungkook’s range.
“What’ve you got, buddy?” Jungkook asked. He glanced around, but all he saw still were trees. He could hear the river in the distance, but he hadn’t seen any farm yet.
Gureum grunted at him and lengthened his strides, forcing Jungkook to take a couple of quick steps to catch back up.
“Alright, alright, I guess we must be close.”
Sure enough, within just a few minutes the treeline came to an end as Jungkook was treated to the incredible sight that was the Kim Farm. Large swaths of pasture and great stretches of orchard covered the property surrounding a large—presumably dairy—barn. He spotted several small houses scattered across the landscape from his vantage point up on the hill.
“Wow.” He breathed in amazement. The view really was incredible. Gureum pushed his broad nose against Jungkook’s side impatiently when the hybrid halted to admire it.
“I’m coming, I’m coming.”
It took them several more minutes before they reached the path up to the barn, Jungkook’s eyes and ears still taking in all the sights and sounds of the large farm. A cheery sign helpfully told them they were in the right place. As the hybrid and Gaes made their way up the path, Jungkook spotted several workers out in the orchard, hard at work harvesting fruit. It was still cherry season after all, and many villagers loved the small red fruit.
Jungkook spotted a lone worker walking out of the barn ahead of him and decided that was probably his best option. He and Gureum picked up the pace a little.
As they got closer, Jungkook realized the other man was a hybrid. A thick, white-tipped tail swung behind him, so he was probably a fox. Not that Jungkook had ever seen a fox be that color before.
His hair was a strange strawberry blonde, as though it had once been dyed red but had faded so significantly that the blonde strands showed through everywhere. His perky triangular ears were champagne-colored, with slightly darker edges and pink insides. His hands were fiddling with the edge of his shirt, revealing just the slightest sliver of smooth tan skin.
He was quite possibly the most beautiful person Jungkook had ever seen, and Jungkook knew Kim Seokjin, so that was saying something.
Jungkook was only a few meters away by the time the beautiful man noticed him. His whole demeanor seemed to brighten in response and it was like seeing the sun for the first time after a lifetime in the darkness.
“Hello! What brings you to the Kim farm?” he shouted in cheerful greeting.
Jungkook managed to pull himself out of his mesmerized thoughts long enough to answer. “I was looking for the milkman. I ran out of banana milk, and I really can’t go without.”
He braced himself for the typical teasing. He wasn’t even sure the milkman would let him buy milk early. He needn’t have worried though.
“Ah, I completely understand! I prefer juice myself, but I get where you’re coming from. Habits will be habits,” the fox replied. He grinned at Jungkook as the hybrid and Gaes stopped in front of him. His smile was large and rectangular and Jungkook felt his heart stutter slightly in his chest. “I’m Taehyung by the way. The milkman is my cousin.”
“Jeon Jungkook. It’s nice to meet you Taehyung.”
“Likewise! And who’s this?” Taehyung pointed to Gureum, who was waiting patiently by Jungkook’s side.
“This is Gureum. He’s my best helper,” Jungkook said fondly. He ran a hand over Gureum’s snowy white ears.
“He’s from Northern Territory, isn’t he? I’ve got a Kadschund from there,” Taehyung said.
Jungkook’s ears perked up a little at that. There weren’t many other people he’d met that owned any Northern varieties. “Really? That’s so cool! Did you travel north to get him? Or did you move here from North?” he questioned excitedly.
“Ah, no to both actually. A traveler brought him down a few years ago and I just couldn’t help myself. You’ll see when you meet him. He’s the cutest!
“I’ve actually lived here my whole life. Everyone on this farm has; it’s been in our family for generations. Pretty much my whole extended family still lives on the farm but for a few outliers who were born with wandering feet.”
As the fox talked, the two hybrids had been making their way back towards the large dairy barn in the center of the property. It was a beautiful work of craftsmanship with a stone foundation and strong wooden walls. The inside was a little shadowy and smelled strongly of hay and animals.
“All the Mooyu are out on pasture for the afternoon,” Taehyung spoke up. “We’ll have to go grab one for you.”
“No, no, that’s okay! You don’t need to do all that on my behalf. I’ll be fine, really.” Jungkook immediately protested. He had assumed the farm would’ve had some milk on hand.
“But you’ve already walked all this way! And who am I to turn down such a pretty customer,” Taehyung said with a wink in Jungkook’s direction.
Jungkook could feel his cheeks heat up as a blush spread across them. He rubbed at one of his ears in embarrassment.
“Really, it’s not that big a deal. All the cows have to be milked in an hour or so anyway when they’re brought in for the evening. We’ll be doing my cousins a favor, actually, since they’re the ones on milking duty tonight.”
“If you’re sure it’s not too big a hassle.”
“Positive!”
Taehyung steered the pair over to a small door on the end side of the barn past the pens. The door opened into a small room full of buckets and barrels and brushes. An assortment of tools and care equipment seemed thrown in semi-organized piles along the floor. Taehyung picked up three wooden buckets, two of which he held out to Jungkook to take. He popped open a barrel and scooped out a few handfuls of what appeared to be corn to put in the third.
“Come on,” he said, popping out and closing the door behind him. “We’ve got to grab a Kads on the way to the pasture.”
The two hybrids deposited their buckets beside the stanchion, Gureum being instructed to stay there as well. Taehyung took them around the back where there was a large kennel built in a similar fashion to the main barn.
“We keep a pretty decent array of Gaes and Kads. A few Berschunds too. Not all of them are kept in this kennel, but the dairy Kads are.” Taehyung shoved the door open and the two boys were met with a cacophony of barks. Jungkook’s ears flattened against his head in distaste. He wasn’t terribly fond of Kadschunds. At least Gureum, as a Gaeschund, wasn’t capable of barking.
Taehyung only took a few seconds before deciding on a Kads. He popped the kennel open for the smaller animal to come bounding outing excitement. This was a Middle-bred Kads. Shaggy tricolor fur, sweeping tail, floppy triangular ears. It stood well over two feet tall at the shoulders and was quick and light on its feet.
Taehyung led Jungkook out of the kennel and out towards one of the property’s large pastures. The energetic Kadschund following alongside.
It was certainly an interesting experience to watch Taehyung round up a couple of cows. Jungkook was fascinated the entire time. He’d been left at the gate to avoid startling the little animals, but his ears and eyes were following the fox’s every move. The playful Kads had immediately settled down with a job to do, and Taehyung had expertly guided the herding animal around the field in a series of sharp whistles. The hybrid/Kadschund pair easily picked two of the cows out from the herd and steered them back towards the gate.
Taehyung’s tail swept behind him with every step and his ears flicked back and forth. Jungkook would be lying if he said he wasn’t the slightest bit entranced by the sight. He’d never seen a hybrid like Taehyung before, and he was truly stunning to look at. He smiled at Jungkook when he neared the gate, and Jungkook couldn’t help but smile back just as wide.
The two hybrids led the pair of cows back up to the barn, the Kadschund carefully weaving around behind the pair to keep them in line. Jungkook reached down and ran a soft hand down one of the little cow's backs. He’d never been this close to a Mooyu before.
Mooyu were small bovines barely any bigger than the Kadschund guiding them. They came in all kinds of variations and colors. The one closest to Jungkook was a Banana Moo. She had pale yellow spots all across her coarse white fur, large droopy ears, a pair of tiny blunt horns, and a cute pink nose. Her short fluffy tail swept across her flanks as she swung it from side to side. Her companion was a Coco Moo. Her fur was a patchwork of black and brown but for the white markings on her face and a spot on her tail. She had a thick tuft of hair that fell over her eyes like bangs.
Jungkook continued to watch in fascination as Taehyung walked the paler Mooyu up to the stanchion and grabbed his milk pail. He observed the way Taehyung gently guided the animal into the headgate and gave her soft little pats on the flank. He smiled at the careful way Taehyung settled into a rhythm and reassured the cow she was a ‘good girl’. He almost swooned when the little bovine got restless and Taehyung started singing softly to calm her down.
Jungkook learned a lot about Taehyung as he chatted his way through milking the two cows.
He learned that Taehyung knew Hoseok because the farm often hired the handyman during heavier harvest rotations and that the two had become friends. He learned that Taehyung had 24 cousins living on the farm as well as several aunts, uncles, both maternal grandparents, and even his great-grandmother was still around.
When he teased Taehyung for being a fox-hybrid farmer, an odd combination, he learned that Taehyung’s brother-in-law was also a fox. Although, according to Taehyung, he wasn’t much of a farmer.
“My older sister and he sing together at some of the events in town. You should hear them, they sound amazing!” the hybrid enthused. Jungkook thought Taehyung had sounded pretty amazing, too. Clearly, singing ran in the family.
Jungkook also learned that Taehyung was only a couple of years older than him. The fox mostly enjoyed working with the many plants that grew on the farm, he’d never been outside the village before, he often took care of his baby cousins, and he was hoping for a niece or nephew soon.
He laughed at the story about Taehyung’s eighth nameday when he’d gotten to partake in the Kim family tradition of planting his own cherry tree. Taehyung, bless his eight-year-old heart, had accidentally planted an ornamental cherry tree instead and had been devastated to find out it would never grow fruit.
“It’s the prettiest tree in the whole orchard, though! It’s always the first to bloom in the spring, and my halmeoni calls it the heart of the orchard.”
Jungkook notices that Taehyung never mentions his parents. He wonders if they’re one of those family members the fox mentioned had ‘wandering feet’ or if there was a darker reason their names never came up.
By the time the other hybrid had finished with both cows and had two full buckets of milk, Jungkook knew he was a goner. The older boy was smart and kind and beautiful. He spoke of his family with endless fondness, and he treated the animals with the same amount of respect Jungkook treated his customers with. His voice was deep and soothing, and his calloused hands were soft and gentle. And his smile, his smile felt like pure sunshine: bright and warm and happy.
Jungkook hauled his heavy milk jug out of the cart and waited for Taehyung’s return. The farmer had gone to put the two cows away inside the barn.
“He’s something else, isn’t he boy?” he spoke to Gureum. The Gaes just chuffed lightly in response, rubbing his large head against Jungkook’s arm. “Yeah, something else indeed.”
The bunny hybrid noticed that several farmworkers were making their way over to bring in the rest of the Mooyu. The sun started to slip behind the trees, and streaks of orange and red lit the evening sky.
Jungkook’s ears perked up at the sound of Taehyung’s footsteps coming back. They were joined by the pitter-patter of much tinier paws. When the fox came into view, he was being followed by a small black and tan Kadschund at his feet. The Kads plush fur, curled tail, and tightly folded ears pointed to it being the Northern Kads Taehyung had mentioned earlier.
The other hybrid smiled cutely when he saw Jungkook watching the little animal. “This is Yeontan!” he introduced. “He’s my own best friend.”
“You were right, he is adorable!” Jungkook answered. He squatted slightly so he could pet the smaller animal. Yeontan ran a little circle around his feet in happy greeting.
Taehyung had also brought back a small white cloth that he placed over the top of Jungkook’s jug to work as a filter. He picked up the bucket of banana milk and poured it carefully into the jug. Banana milk didn’t actually have any bananas in it. The Mooyu had been selectively bred over the years so that its milk resembled the flavor of the tropical fruit.
Jungkook’s eyes widened when he realized that Taehyung was giving him the whole bucket full- almost half a gallon. It would easily last him past the date the milkman was supposed to show back up at the market.
“You didn’t have to give me that much,” he said.
Taehyung smiled at him as he closed the jug’s lid. “It’s no trouble for us!” He pointed to the second bucket of creamy brown milk. “The chocolate milk goes for much more at the market these days anyway.”
Reminded of payment, Jungkook reached for the coin pouch he had tied to his belt. “Right, how much do I owe you? I can pay extra for the inconvenience!”
He was stopped from spilling the coins out by a large hand wrapping around his arm. He blinked up at Taehyung startled, and the other hybrid smiled sweetly at him. Jungkook noticed for the first time that Taehyung’s eyes were an icy blue color. He wondered if the hybrid had the Kiss of Magick like Jimin and Seokjin or if they were naturally like that.
“No need. It’s on the house this time.”
Jungkook stared in shock for a second. A whole half-gallon of milk was worth at least five bits at the market, if not more. Jungkook paid two dints for his 1.5 gallon jug to be filled every rotation.
“You can’t possibly just give it to me for free! Let me give you something in return,” he protested.
Taehyung just shook his head. “Nope, consider it fully paid. I’d take making a new friend over a few bits any day.” He threw Jungkook a wink, his tailing swishing playfully behind him. Jungkook felt a rush of warmth from the top of his ears to his tiny tail tucked away in his pants.
Taehyung’s strange blue eyes sparkled slightly in the fading sunlight, and his boxy smile was one of the most beautiful things Jungkook had ever seen. But he’d been given plenty of free goods today already, and he wasn’t about to let Taehyung join those ranks.
“Tell you what then, at least let me treat you to dinner,” he blurted spontaneously. He winced internally, but it was too late to go back. “I picked up a bunch of groceries from the market today, and I’m not the greatest cook, but my friend has given me some recipes and he’s the best chef I know.”
Taehyung seemed to think for a second and Jungkook almost took back his words. He shouldn’t have assumed that the other boy was free tonight. Or that he’d want to go to Jungkook’s house.
“Well, I would be a fool to turn down free food.” Taehyung finally responded giggling. He nodded quickly. “Sure then, it’s a date.”
The hybrid’s heart practically leaped out of his chest at that comment. Taehyung gave a foxy grin and flicked his tail playfully.
Jungkook blushed and smiled. He’d have to send a message to Jin-hyung. Turns out he does have plans tonight.
