YANG JEONGIN

The hum of the tattoo gun buzzes through the sterile dimly lit parlor, a familiar backdrop to Jeongin's average afternoon. He is huddled over his latest canvas. He’s working on a woman’s bare back, his gloved hands steady against her skin as he needles a delicate floral piece along her spine.

Jeongin looks effortlessly striking under the harsh studio lamp. His sharp eyes are accentuated by a touch of smoky eyeliner, and his jawline looks prominent as he concentrates. Despite his muscular frame and heavy presence, he moves with an easy, laid-back grace.

"You're doing so well, darling," Jeongin murmurs to the woman softly, his melodic voice cutting through the mechanical whir. His English is slightly accented but carrying that seductive charm he uses to soothe anxious first-timers. "Just a little bit more. You are being such a brave girl for me, you know?"

When you step into the workstation, Jeongin catches your movement in the corner of his eye. He doesn't stop his steady hand, but his foxlike eyes soften instantly, a brief flash of his deep dimples showing how glad he is to see you as he smiles.

"Hey," you say gently, leaning against the counter. You take a look at Lily’s - the client's - tense posture and the slight tremor in her shoulders. "She looks like she needs a minute."

Jeongin pauses the machine, lifting the needle from her skin. He inspects his progress, then wipes away the excess ink with a crisp paper towel. "Good idea," he says softly in his accented English, stretching his shoulders back. "A five-minute break for you, Lily. Rest a bit for me."

He steps away from the stool and walks over to you. Wanting to tease you just a bit, he leans in, grabs your waist, and presses a brief, firm kiss to your lips. It’s a sudden, rare exception to his usual strict no-PDA rule that undeniably forces heat rushing to your cheeks.

Just when you think he's about to pull away, he lingers for a split second, gently and playfully nipping at your lower lip with his teeth. The subtle, sharp tug makes you gasp softly, and your flustered reaction makes him chuckle mischievously. Jeongin is such a tease.

From the massage table, Lily has already pulled her shirt back up and turned around, a soft smile forming on her lips to thank him for the breather. But the words catch in her throat. She freezes at the sight of the two of you so close.

She watches the kiss as it deepens, her eyes widening as the illusion completely shatters. The special connection she thought she was building with the charismatic tattooist instantly evaporates. Her face flushes a deep, burning crimson, just as yours, except hers was born of embarrassment.

Lily feels betrayed. She thought those soft pet names and dedicated praises were just for her. It was all manufactured after all?

Jeongin finally pulls back from you, completely oblivious to her internal panic as he grabs a bottle of water from his desk.