Sungmin had never heard of Piedra Lumbre when he was first approached by the head of the city bank with a job offer. With news of the old man who had once maintained the bank in the small town falling gravely ill and therefore unfit to manage the branch, and the recent string of robberies upstate, the banks board of directors felt it necessary to send someone with enough travelling experience to take his place. Although Sungmin was wary at first, his lack of current job and promise of a hefty pay with provided accommodation he packed up his small collection of items, loading them into his expensive horse drawn carriage before setting out on the three day trip to the town in the middle of no where.

Reaching his destination Sungmin found a collection of small buildings, the entire area not even taking up half the space of the other towns in the nearby area. It was quiet as he tied up his horse at the worn pitching post and took in his surroundings, no one in sight but a skinny blonde waving a red flag around himself wildly. Seeing no one else around that he could introduce himself to he approached him, clearing his throat to get the odd mans attention. At the sudden noise the blonde let out a loud squeak, spinning on his heel to face the newcomer. When the alarmed blonde said nothing Sungmin sighed, sticking his hand out nervously.

“Hello, I'm Lee Sungmin. I don't know if you've heard but I'm the new deputy bank director taking over for Mr Kim, is there someone around that I could get information about my job and housing from?” 

The blonde stood there for a moment, eyes wide before his face split into a bright grin, placing the end of the flag into Sungmin's hand in a substitute handshake. “Hi! We got news of your appointment the other month, I didn't realise you'd be here so soon! I'm Hyukjae, the towns bullfighter, its lovely to meet you. You'll want to go visit the local bar, someone there should be able to get you on your feet – just head down this road in front of you and look for the building named 'the Ace in the Hole'.”

Sungmin nodded, committing the name to memory before taking in the rest of Hyukjaes words, frowning at the other man in concern. “There is a bull threat in the area? I didn't know they were such an issue this far south”

“Oh they're not” Hyukjae replied, expression serious as he moved in closer to the alarmed man, “but when they do show up I'm going to be ready for it don't you worry.” He stared at the bewildered Sungmin, stare fierce before he stepped back, gummy smile back on his face as he swung the flag around him. 

“Alright then... I guess I'll be on my way now. Pleasure meeting you.” Sungmin mumbled, getting a bright wave of the flag as a response as he turned to walk down the dusty road in the middle of the town, ambling along curiously until he came across the building Hyukjae had pointed out to him, faded sign reading 'ace in the hole' and two men sitting at the wooden table outside, pile of cards and chips between them.

“Excuse me, but is this where I can find some assistance? I'm the new deputy bank director and the... well the bullfighter at the edge of town directed me this way.”

“Oh! Of course we've been expecting you for a couple of days now!” The smaller of the pair exclaimed, jumping out of his seat and leaning against the balcony railing so he could properly face Sungmin. “It seems like you met Hyukjae then if you ended up here – don't worry about him you'll get used to it. I'm Ryeowook, owner of the barbershop down the road, welcome to Piedra Lumbre!” 

Sungmin smiled, giving him his own name before the small man began to ramble on about the town, saying something or other about how long it had been since they'd had a newcomer. He listened half heartedly to Ryeowook, gaze eventually focusing on the slim man still seated at the table, slowing pulling a number of chips towards his side. The man did nothing but eye him warily, mask of boredom on his face as he glared at the stranger before him. Catching Sungmin's surprised gaze Ryeowook paused, sending the man a sweet smile.

“Don't mind Kyuhyunnie here, he isn't the most friendly person at first – well, at all – but thats because he doesn't know you yet.” He turned to Kyuhyun, giving him a light glare “Lighten up Kyukyu! You don't want to scare our new friend away like everyone else just because you're grumpy about me talking to him.” As Kyuhyun grumbled, pout on his face not matching the fierce gaze Sungmin had just been witness to, Ryeowook just turned his back on him, smile still on his face.

“So you're from the big city? That must be such an exciting place to live - we've had a few travellers come in from the city and I get a few clients on their way home but other than that we don't get much of anyone around here but the locals.”

“I've lived all over the country actually, but its not the first time I've been to a small town for a job. The city is nice but very busy, sometimes the quietness that comes with places like this is better. I can tell you all about the city another time if you'd like.”

“You would really do that? Thankyou so much Sungmin!” Ryeowook replied, eyes wide with wonder and awe while Kyuhyun snorted in amusement behind him. “Wook shouldn't you send him in to see Heechul before nightfall? Mr Moneybags probably needs time to get settled and he can't do that with you running your mouth into the next century.”

Ryeowook gasped, looking at his friend before turning back to Sungmin below him. “You're right Kyuhyunnie, how rude of me! Head on up the stairs and inside Sungmin, the bars owner Heechul and the sheriff will be able to help you on your way more than we can – Heechul basically runs the town and everything goes through him anyway, Just remember once your settled to come out and have a drink with us! Kyuhyunnie and I would love that, right Kyu?”

“Yeah. Sure.” Kyuhyun mumbled, shuffling the cards infront of him distractedly. 

“See?” Ryeowook smiled, patting Kyuhyuns shoulder in approval, the other man turning a light shade of pink. Nodding in thanks Sungmin left the pair and climbed the stairs, heading into the bar. 

The room was dark, little natural light from the stained glass windows and dim orange lightglobes giving just enough brightness for Sungmin to see the mess of tables around him. The bar was quiet, empty save for the two men sitting at the bar talking to a beautiful man behind the counter. Collecting himself Sungmin moved forward, catching the attention of the trio on the other side of the room.

“And just who would you be?” The man at the counter asked, passing a judging gaze over him.

“My name is Lee Sungmin – I'm the new deputy director for the towns bank. I assume the city board sent you the details of my job and accommodation while I'm here?”

One of the men at the bar snorted, his red hair bouncing around his round face. “Well you're different to what we expected.”

Sungmin looked at him, eyebrows furrowed in confusion “How so?”

“You're not a pompous old man for one thing, more like a little kid in comparison.”

“Just because my hair is not graying doesn't mean I won't be able to perform this job to the best of my ability.”  Sungmin spat out, eyes narrowing at the jab at his character.

“Easy there princess” the bartender drawled, sending him a smirk “he didn't mean any harm by it. It's nothing but the truth – we haven't had anyone as young as you willingly take a job here in years. I'm Heechul, the owner of this fine establishment. Your new friend there is Shindong, the blacksmith, and this walking moustache is our sheriff Siwon.”

“...Pleasure to meet you all.” Sungmin replied shortly, getting a friendly nod from the sheriff an apologetic smile from Shindong. “Ryeowook told me one of you would be able to help me get settled and figure out my accommodation?”

“That we can.” Heechul replied, moving around to the front of the bar and kicking the bumbling sheriff off his seat. “Siwon here would be more than happy to help you out, being out dear sheriff and all. He knows where you're staying and what you're doing so just follow him out and try not to let him get too distracted during the short walk – trust me.”

Sungmin barely got an okay out before the sheriff was in his face, mouth in a wide grin as he grabbed the bewildered man by the arms and pulled him into a rough hug. “Welcome Sungmin!”

“Oh I forgot to mention hes a bit touchy... you'll get used to it.”

“People keep telling me that” Sungmin wheezed, the two remaining men at the bar sharing a knowing grin as he was pulled out of the bar by the hyperactive Siwon. 

“Don't forget to stop by once you're settled in!” Heechul shouted as the door shut on the two of them, Siwon walking past the now arguing pair on the balcony – shouting something about 'cheating' and 'missing chips' – and back down onto the large dirt road.

“Apart from everything you see here on the main road there ain't nothing much to our town – a few side roads leading to the back of shops for easy access to folks homes and a couple of old trails out to Jongwoon's ranch and the nearby springs, but what you see is what you get.”  Nodding Sungmin trailed after the enthusiastic sheriff, barely able to keep up with where he was motioning to different parts of the town with a flourish. “From what I've been told you'll be moving in to old man Kibum's place. He was the previous bank owner round here, lived on the second story of the actual bank building. I must say though, must be quite odd for a rich cityman like yourself to be settled in such a small town like ours huh?”

“Not really” Sungmin shrugged, giving the sheriff a gentle smile. “I mean I was quite the seasoned traveller before this, taking the jobs that came up so I'm actually much more used to things on the smaller side – the cosiness is quite comforting.”

The sheriff just looked at him, amused chuckle escaping his lips as they reached the bank building in the middle of town. “We may just have room for you in our town just yet.”

Whistling Siwon hopped up the small steps of the bank, unlocking the front door and gesturing for Sungmin to head inside before following in after him. Siwon reached over to turn on the nearby switch, main light flickering before the bulb went out completely. Cursing the sheriff moved to the shops front windows to tug at the blinds before they squeaked open, afternoon sunlight spilling into the small room.

The bankers station stood at the edge of the room, brass of the tellers cage gleaming in the light. Slowly moving forward Sungmin looked over the area, taking in the entire room that was covered in a thick later of dust. Siwon ran his finger lightly against the edge of the windowsill, scrunching his nose up in disgust. 

“We – uh – we haven't really been in here much once Kibum left cept for Heechul's safe check once a week. None of us had no real use for the place so you'll have to do a little cleaning before starting work. If you want you can head down to the barbershop, I know Wook would be more than happy to give you a hand. Did you meet Wook yet?” 

“Yeah I met him outside the bar earlier.”

“Excellent, he'd probably have a fit if he didn't meet you first anyway... Speaking of the bar, Heechul mentioned that Kibum left a paper with everything you need to know about working the counter and the safes in relation to the city department so it should be around here somewhere.” 

Walking forward Siwon retrieved the keys out of his pocket, unlocking the brass door before handing the ring to Sungmin. “There are all the keys you'll be needing to get around, including access to the back room with all the storage safes and the apartment upstairs where you'll be stayin. You've got plenty of running water and I'll go get the buildings generator started again to make sure you'll have enough electricity for tonight. If you want to go up and unlock the apartment door I'll go and get someone to help you with all you're belongings before sundown.”

Giving the sheriff a grateful smile Sungmin thanked the enthusiastic sheriff who smiled brightly, throwing up three fingers in an odd goodbye gesture as he headed for the front door. Quickly climbing the stairs next to him Sungmin unlocked the door, opening the apartment with a creak before turning back down the stairs, hurrying out the door to fetch his horse and carriage.

Walking back down main street he unpitched the horse and carriage, waving awkwardly to Hyukjae before leading his restless horse back down the main road to the bank. “Shhh Cacao shhh its okay boy” Sungmin whispered, patting the black mare as he tied its reigns to the balcony's fence. When a large shadow fell over him Sungmin turned around, jumping back in shock and breath hitching at the sudden appearance of the large man directly in front of him, staring at him menacingly through his long blonde hair.

Letting out a shaky breath he gave the surly man a weak smile, trying not to show his fear. “Hello there, I'm Lee Sungmin. How – uh – how do you do...?” The blonde narrowed his eyes, gaze flicking to Sungmin's possessions before focusing back on the smaller man.

“Whats your favourite fruit?”

“...excuse me?”

“Favourite. Fruit.” The blonde growled out, folding his arms in front of him as Sungmin stared at him bewilderedly. 

“Watermelon?”

The man continued to stare at Sungmin, contemplative look on his face when Siwon suddenly came back into view behind him, slinging an arm around the blonde shoulders affectionately. “Well it seems like you found the new guy on your own Youngwoon! Sungmin this is Kangin, the towns fruit vendor – if you need something fresh to eat theres no one with better fruit than him for miles!”

At the sheriffs statement the blonde visibly melted, reaching forward to pat Sungmin's head gently, large smile on his face, before moving out of Siwon's hold to pick up a couple of Sungmin's suitcases, moving past the pair to carry them inside. 

Sungmin watched the blonde disappear inside the building, turning back to the sheriff baffled. “He seems nice I guess. Very... interested in his profession.”

“Yeaaahh he really likes his fruit. Don't worry you'll get used to it.” Siwon replied, grabbing another one of his bags with a bright grin, hurrying in after the larger man.

Patting his horse Sungmin just looked around the main road. He'd only been here an hour or so and he was already completely overwhelmed – he wasn't sure he'd ever get used to this odd town.