The Head Collector

The road felt longer coming back than it did when Yoongi left in the morning. After walking for almost an hour in heavy silk he was finally close enough to see Jimin sitting in the window fanning himself. With summer fast approaching hot afternoons came and went between cool spring showers.

People spending the long days sitting in the shade trying to keep cool would be the new normal in a few weeks time. Although he hoped to be able to afford a few luxury items by then with a new government job. He knew Jimin was especially uncomfortable as he dealt with symptoms of pregnancy as well. Being able to ease that discomfort was his current goal.

It was at least satisfying to finally see him showing so much. When he wore only one layer of cotton the curve of his belly filled Yoongi with pride to know he bred his mate so well.

Drops of sweat gathered along his hairline and dripped from under the manggeon that kept his hair in place. Such a long walk from the city back home put him in a bit of a sour mood, and carrying his study material was an added annoyance. A stack of thin books with Chinese titles filled with information about the government.

He waved when Jimin spotted him from where he lounged in the shade, a pretty smile pulled across his face that chased away some of the annoyance. The omega gestured for him to come over with his fan and Yoongi shuffled up to the window.
The books he had been carrying were no longer his problem in that moment and he carelessly tossed them inside. His test was over anyway so they've served their purpose.

"I didn't see you leave this morning. You look so handsome in silk." Jimin reached out a hand which Yoongi took and brushed his thumb across his knuckles. Smooth skin marked him as a nobleman's son who never had to endure hard labor in his nineteen years.

Their hands were brought to rest on the sill between them, it burned with heat where their skin touched but it was bearable in the shade.

"I'm drowning in sweat, this wasn't made with summer in mind, it's awful." he said then leaned against the window like he might try to crawl in the house to escape the sun on his back. The only downside to passing the civil service exam was he would have to wear silk in the summer every year after this one.

"Come in and change. I'll shave some ice for us," Jimin said.

Yoongi nodded at the squeeze his hand was given and skirted around to the front entrance. Stepping around potted plants he stooped down, pausing briefly to pluck a few leaves from a mint plant and began to chew them as he moved on. The bitter wildness of the taste built up saliva in his mouth that tasted cool and fresh to swallow. It was a nice treat after a long day of strained mental focus.

The test had been administered outside in the city hall's court yard where he and a handful of others knelt and hunched over their papers and books for the better part of four hours. All of them were just as sweaty and miserable as the next guy.

After, once they had gathered all their things and had their tests collected, they complained that they should have tested in the spring or fall. A sentiment which Yoongi wholeheartedly agreed with.

Sitting down on the front wooden deck there was enough roof overhang to block the sun and he could immediately feel the difference. Relief from the shine that made his skin slick in an uncomfortable and sticky sort of way. Not at all like the sweet stuff Jimin soiled their sheets with.

He lifted the loose fabric around his feet to pull off his shoes then set them next to a smaller more delicate looking pair. They obviously belonged to the omega of the house as the colors noted the status of the wearer; and when Yoongi placed his next to them it became obvious that a couple lived in the home. He barely gave them more than a glance before turning to go inside.