Chapter Text
And then he could breathe again.
It wasn't difficult to accept the breakup. Jake was, in fact, content. During his recent toxic relationship, he never felt like himself. He was always imprisoned in his unhappiness, alone on a deserted island.
Like how she always decides what Jake should wear and how much food he should eat during special occasions. She's so particular about his haircut that she won't let him dye it or use other chemicals in it until she tells him to.
Although Jake wasn't the ideal partner, he is aware deep down that their lengthy relationship was not difficult for his ex-girlfriend. He followed her demands closely and was a good boyfriend; he even purchased her the things she wanted. That wasn't Jake at all, but he nevertheless did what was expected of him. In fact, he went above and beyond to gratify his ex-girlfriend.
He was just a regular guy who smoked and drank like the rest of them. But he was never that man with her.
He took one of the cigarettes from the pack and lit it. He clenches the filter between his teeth softly and withdraws in one swift flow. He felt as if it was the first time. He puffed up a cigarette for the first time in 6 years.
He felt a lot better after that and it helped him reclaim his identity. As he stood there by himself, he smiled sheepishly and reflected on how silly those years seem to him now. He believed that there were numerous factors that hindered him from doing the things that truly characterized him rather than following anyone.
He flicks the cigarette to remove the ash, then returns it to his lips to inhale the remains of nicotine before tossing it to the ground and stepping on it to snuff out the fire.
As Jake walked into the tattoo studio, the wind chimes resonated around the space. His tattoo appointment was set for 7 p.m. His dream was to get his skin inked and he likes the idea of having his own artwork tattooed on his own flesh. It makes him jazzed.
The studio had a dark ambiance due to the drab painted walls, but the plants and wooden decorations, as well as the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, kept it seeming minimal.
"Nice interior." Jake said to himself as he sat on the sofas, waiting for assistance.
"Do you think so?" Jake was startled when he heard a man's voice speak.
He fixed his gaze on the man standing at the reception area. He was about 6 feet tall and slim. His hair was silver, and he had tattoos all over his arms. The man's lip ring, which was placed on the left side of his plumpy lips, drew Jake's attention.
He gave a small smile and nodded before saying, "How long have you been there, by the way?"
The man simply chuckled and returned Jake's smile. Jake broke their stares after they had been staring at each other for a few moments. Jake felt his heart was about to explode at that minute.
"I’m Sunghoon, by the way. For the rest of the evening, I'll be your tattoo artist." Finally, the man introduces himself. "I'm assuming you're Mr. Jaeyun Sim?" Sunghoon went on.
"Yes, I'm the guy. You can call me Jake." With a gentle smile, Jake reassured him. "You’re alone?" Jake asked, as if to state the obvious.
Jake. What a lovely name. Sunghoon couldn't take his attention away from his glittering eyes, entranced by the man's charm. In contrast to him who had innumerable tattoos, he appeared to be excessively reserved and gentle.
"Apparently. I also enjoy staying for my shift overnight.” Sunghoon explained. “Can I smoke here?" Sunghoon pulled his lighter and a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.
“I'm fine with that. I'm a smoker as well.” Jake suggested.
Sunghoon reached into his pack and handed Jake a stick. Jake took a moment to realize that the latter was offering him a cigarette, so he accepted it. Jake took out his own lighter, which had a plain steel case with the letters 'S.J.Y.' engraved on it.
“Is it your first time?” Sunghoon broke the silence. Jake appeared perplexed by the question, so he added, "Tattoo?"
Jake didn't respond right away as he was lighting up his cigarette. He inhaled deeply to absorb the nicotine before exhaling the smoke into the air. He stared at Sunghoon dead in the eyes.
“Yes. Embarrassing, right?” Jake chuckled as he answered.
Sunghoon scoffed and shook his head. Trying things you weren't able to try when you were younger is not in any way shameful. In fact, he is enthralled with Jake. He consciously asks himself, ‘What is it about this person that interests me?’Is it because he has a thing for tattoos? Or the way he flicks his cigarette and instantly becomes more attractive? Perhaps he fancies him simply because he is gorgeous.
Sunghoon hated interactions and chats, particularly with his clients, although his heart was warm to him. He had the sense that he was in a safe place. He was completely dumbstruck by Jake's vicinity. Maybe it's only Jake's presence that's making things feel so light and comforting right now, Sunghoon reasoned. He'd never felt this way about anyone or any of his clients before.
“I also got my tattoos just about 2 years ago.” Sunghoon retaliated. "It’s never too late, I promise.” He continues as he taps the ashes of his cigarette on the ashtray.
Jake simply nodded. Even though it wasn't a significant issue, he felt glad that he could talk to someone about it and divulge a little bit of personal information. He was, nevertheless, terrified. He was terrified that they would judge him and he was terrified of being chastised. So he just kept silent while the smoke filled the room.
Sunghoon stood up after dying the flame of his cigarette.
“Come inside with me when you're finished.” Sunghoon then walked inside the first stall.
Jake felt ecstatic. He felt something ignite within him, a spark flaring at the end of his veins that slowly consumes him whenever Sunghoon speaks or looks at him. He was overcome by an unfathomable sensation when he touched Sunghoon's delicate and slender fingertips.
He sighed deeply and puffed his cigarette before shutting the flame and followed Sunghoon inside.
Sunghoon finished gathering and double-checking the tattoo materials he'll be utilizing for the session. Jake, however, took off his shirt as he was having his first tattoo inked to his back. Sunghoon was oblivious to the fact that he was staring at the latter. He shook his head and shifted his gaze away from Jake.
“Do you wanna sit or lay on your back?”
Jake pulled a chair from the room's far corner and sat down in it. When he was done settling into his seat, he took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Of course he was excited, but he couldn't help but be nervous.
“Does it hurt?” Jake asked out of his nervousness.
“Depending on how much pain you can take. The pain is bearable, so don't be scared.” Sunghoon spoke up as he put on his gloves.
Jake's nerves were heightened by Sunghoon's statements. He was quite apprehensive about having a tiny, thin needle pierce through his skin, but Sunghoon told him that it wouldn't hurt as much, so he may have used that as a way to relax.
“Okay, I trust you.” Jake said with a trembling voice.
Jake's response made Sunghoon chuckle silently. He pushed the monoblock chair in front of Jake's bare back. He noticed that Jake’s chair was a bit higher than him, so he went in front of him to adjust the lever. He returned to his seat when he was finally pleased with the chair's height.
“I’ll take care of you.” Sunghoon remarked.
Jake felt shivers down his spine after Sunghoon stated those words. He felt secure, but it also made him feel hot. He was flustered for reasons he didn't understand. Jake felt Sunghoon's touch on his back and straightened up a little. The sensation of Sunghoon's hands on his back made him extra hot.
Sunghoon was well-aware of what he was doing. He could see Jake's reactions in the mirror in front of them. It revved up his adrenaline, and he was euphoric for no apparent reason. He pressed the needles against Jake's exposed skin after transferring the stencil to his skin. Jake jolted, but he was fine; it wasn't really painful.
Sunghoon completed Jake's new tattoo. Jake had slept off due to the long night they had spent together. The tattoo session lasted about 4 hours, including Sunghoon's smoking breaks. Meanwhile, Jake was already sleeping during the first hour of the session.
Sunghoon's gaze was drawn to Jake's back rather than his completed artwork. He can't believe he's the first to tattoo Jake's delicate skin. He was ecstatic. He removed his gloves and leaned out to touch Jake's skin. It was incredibly gentle. He caressed his fingers over the latter's exposed skin while admiring Jake's sleeping face in the mirror.
He removed his hands from Jake and shook his head. He was sleeping soundly. Sunghoon is at a loss about what to do and whether or not to wake him up. It's already after 12:00 midnight. He figured that he would simply wait for him to wake up. Jake awoke shortly after and was taken aback by the fact that the session had already ended. Sunghoon immediately handed him his shirt so he could put it on.
“Shit. Have I slept too much?” Jake asked with a sleepy voice.
“No, don’t worry about that. As I said, I’ll take care of you.” Sunghoon simply replied.
Jake felt shivers all throughout his body as he pondered this. He actually dozed off during their tattoo session since he was so at ease with Sunghoon. He kept blaming it on how worn out he was at work these days, but he was really only trying to deny that it was merely Sunghoon's gentle hands that were to blame.
“Hey, it's late. How are you getting home?”
Why is he acting this way?
“I can give you a ride.”
Fuck. If Jake wasn't of sound mind, he must have lost it all.
“I'm good. I can jog home. I merely reside nearby.” Jake exclaimed. “It’s all fine, I can manage. Thank you for this night, Sunghoon.” He continued.
He walked out of the shop, tapping Sunghoon on the shoulder. He was also baffled why Sunghoon kept asking questions like that. He knows he’s vulnerable. He may regret this night of not accepting Sunghoon’s offer but he thought that he’s just giving easy access to people that might break his being again.