Chapter 2: A Plan in the RainI

It was just like every other morning in the bustling town. The sun began its slow rise, casting a golden glow over the cobblestone streets. The big bazaar buzzed with activity—vendors shouting their wares, customers haggling for the best prices, and beggars lurking in the shadows, eavesdropping to trade information for cheap liquor. Children laughed and played games, chasing one another as a crisp breeze swept through, ruffling their hair.

Min Joon darted through the chaos, bread tucked under his arm, laughing as the baker cursed and stumbled behind him. His bare feet pounded the ground as he dodged squished fruit and toppled crates, zigzagging through the crowd with practiced ease.

"Somebody please stop that thief!" the baker roared, his apron flapping as he gave chase.

Min Joon grinned, breathless but exhilarated, and withbreathless but exhilarated, and with a sudden burst of speed, he spun around and shouted, "Catch!" He hurled the stolen loaves into the air.

From the shadow of an alley, Jin Seok emerged. His movements were smooth, calculated, and quick. He caught both loaves effortlessly and vanished into the nearest building, disappearing before the baker even noticed.

Moments later, Min Joon stumbled to a halt, surrounded by two town guards and a furious baker. They searched him, flipping his pockets inside out, but found nothing.

"I swear it was him!" the baker barked, face red with frustration. "He always does this!"

One of the guards sighed, patting the baker's shoulder. "Come on, old man. Let it go. There's no bread on him."

Min Joon smirked, wiping sweat from his brow as the guards escorted the protesting baker away.

"Better luck next time!" he called after them, his grin wide.

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Min Joon met Jin Seok just outside the town, high-fiving as they reunited, victorious. They made their way to their usual spot—a massive tree atop a grassy hill just beyond the outskirts of the town. The view stretched endlessly, the sun hovering just above the horizon. Here, they could sit, eat, and forget the world below.

"Jin Seok, that plan was genius," Min Joon said between bites, tearing into the bread with gusto.

Jin Seok, chewing slowly, didn't look up. "You almost got caught."

"Almost," Min Joon shot back, grinning. "But that's the fun part."

As they ate in companionable silence, the air grew warmer. The breeze was calm, and the sun shone gently. Once they finished their bread, Min Joon leaned back, hands behind his head, and grinned mischievously

"How about a spar?" Min Joon suggested, hopping to his feet.

Jin Seok raised an eyebrow. "Now?"

"Why not? You need to get stronger. and we'll need every edge we can get."

Jin Seok sighed but stood, grabbing two wooden sticks they kept nearby. He tossed one to Min Joon, who caught it with a flourish. "First to three taps?"

Min Joon nodded, twirling the stick. "You're on."

They squared off beneath the massive tree, the soft rustling of leaves their only audience. Min Joon struck first, aiming high, but Jin Seok parried with a swift, fluid motion. Their sticks clacked together, the sharp sound echoing across the hill.

Min Joon pressed the attack, moving fast and aggressive. His blows were wild but enthusiastic. "What's the matter, Jin Seok? Too slow?"

Jin Seok dodged a strike and countered, tapping Min Joon's side. "That's one."

Min Joon growled playfully and adjusted his stance. He attacked again, this time more controlled, aiming for Jin Seok's shoulder. Jin Seok deflected the blow and swept his leg low. Min Joon jumped just in time, grinning.

"Not bad," Min Joon admitted. "But try this!" He lunged forward, feinting left and striking right.

Jin Seok caught the movement too late, and Min Joon's stick tapped his ribs. "Gotcha!"

"One to one," Jin Seok said, stepping back and narrowing his eyes. "Don't get cocky."

Their sparring intensified, both moving with grace and determination. Jin Seok's strikes were precise, calculated, each swing aimed to exploit a weakness. Min Joon, on the other hand, was quick, unpredictable, using feints and speed to keep up with Jin Seok guessings.

The clash continued until Jin Seok found an opening and landed a clean tap on Min Joon's shoulder. "Two."

Min Joon didn't back down. He grinned and charged again, sweat beading on his brow. They circled each other, their feet sliding on the damp grass, but before they could continue, a distant rumble echoed through the air

Jin Seok paused, glancing up. Dark clouds gathered on the horizon, rolling in fast. "We need to stop."

Min Joon looked disappointed but nodded, tossing his stick aside. "Fine. But next time, I'll win."Jin Seok smirked. "You always say that."

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They stood under the tree, watching the clouds approach. The wind picked up, cooler now, bringing the scent of rain. The first few drops fell, light at first, then steadily growing into a gentle shower.

Min Joon tilted his head back, letting the rain splash onto his face. "Feels nice."

Jin Seok watched him, then turned toward the town. "We need a shelter."

They made their way back into town as the rain poured harder. The cobblestones glistened underfoot, and the marketplace buzzed with people rushing to cover their goods. Children, undeterred, laughed and splashed in the puddles forming in the streets.

Min Joon slowed his pace, watching the kids with a soft smile. "They don't have to worry about where to sleep tonight."

Jin Seok didn't respond, his face stoic.

They soon found a cluster of small, abandoned doghouses near the edge of town. Min Joon knelt, peering inside one. "Not much, but it's dry."

They settled in, the rain drumming steadily on the roof above them.

"We'll need something better," Min Joon said, his voice softer. "Winter's coming. We'll need a bigger place."Jin Seok nodded. "Yeah."

Min Joon leaned back against the wall of the makeshift shelter. "Don't worry. When I'm rich, I'll get us a real place. Big, warm, stocked with food. You'll see."

Jin Seok glanced over, his expression unreadable. "You really think so?"

Min Joon grinned. "I know so."

They sat in silence, the sound of rain a steady rhythm around them. For now, they had what they needed—a roof over their heads and each other.