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It's your birthday

It's your birthday

It's your birthday

It's your birthday, now make a wish   

It was a peaceful Thursday afternoon in the city of Seoul. It was the perfect day to laze around your home and just bask in the glorious wonders of life. A tall, built male in his late 20s with brown hair, tanned skin and the sweetest dimples you’d ever seen, had just walked into the kitchen to get some snacks and a glass of water to enjoy his nature series with. Sadly, the once peaceful atmosphere suddenly changed when he heard the front door slam shut.

“UGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!” he heard echoing from the entrance hall. The man halted his movements, hung his head and sighed.

“Here were go again...” he muttered. Just then, loud footsteps can be heard slapping against the floor as they headed towards him. Namjoon decided to continue his little quest and rummaged through the cupboards looking for snacks.

“Namjoon Hyung!!” the owner of the voice bellowed as he entered the kitchen.

“Yes, Jungkook?” Namjoon asked feigning obliviousness.

“I’m fed up and I’m NOT doing this anymore.” Jungkook rasped as he plopped onto a bar stool.

“And what are you “not doing” anymore?” Namjoon asked when he turned around to face the raven-haired man whose face was red with anger and disappointment. Jungkook rolled his eyes, hating that he has to talk about this...again.

“You know I had a tattoo appointment today, right?”

“Yes...today was your 6th appointment in what? Two months?”

“Since when you kept count?” Jungkook asked with a raised eyebrow. 

“Since the first day you got a tattoo and came home disappointed...” Namjoon stated while eating his chips. Jungkook blinked at his hyung, and Namjoon counted the seconds before Jungkook would go on his rant again.

“Hyung, why is it so hard to find a competent tattooist? Like what's so hard about...” And that was the last thing Namjoon heard before he tuned out Jungkook's voice and allowed himself to venture back to the very first tattoo that Jungkook ever got.

Two months ago, they had just gotten the apartment together after long and careful thought about wanting to have their own place before Christmas. Jungkook was an artist through and through. He never focused on a sole spectrum of art. He dabbled in all kinds whether it was painting with acrylic, water or oil paints. He would sometimes draw still life objects with his art pencils, illusions, landscapes, portraits and even 3-Dimensional images. Jungkook even owned a professional camera and at times, he would ask Namjoon to pose for him as he takes his photos. Or he would venture to the great outdoors and capture picturesque sceneries one would only dream of seeing with their own eyes.

Jungkook even ventured into the wonders of sculpting. He loved getting his hands fully involved in moulding clay into beautiful intricate designs that only he could do. Whatever it was, if it was art...Jungkook was there. He was always passionate and always gave it his all. It could be something that he never tried before, and it would always turn out perfect! Jungkook was just that child...that person that would excel at whatever they did. He even had a pitch perfect voice. His voice could go higher than the sky and lower than the Earth. And because of that, Jungkook decided to create an Instagram page where he could share his arts with fellow enthusiasts alike.

So, it really didn't come as a surprise to Namjoon when Jungkook said he wanted to get tattoos. It was expected that Jungkook would want works of art on his body to show who he is. Soon after they moved in, Jungkook began looking for a nearby tattoo parlor where he could get his first tattoo.

Namjoon remembered seeing the image of the tattoo that Jungkook wanted: it was a simple paint palette with two paint brushes and different shades of blue paint. Jungkook was excited and that tattoo looked like it'd be a great fit for Jungkook. That same day, Jungkook scheduled an appointment with a nearby tattoo studio called ‘Ink It’ for the following week. It was still the holidays and Jungkook believed he was lucky to catch the tattoo specials that would end by the end of February.

The week went by slowly...well for Jungkook that is. He was truly excited and could not wait until he would finally get his first tattoo. Even his canine companion Bam barked and wagged his tail happily due to Jungkook's bursting and contagious enthusiasm. Day after day he would examine different parts of his body, trying to figure out where the best placement would be. He eventually decided on the forearm of his left arm.

Soon Wednesday came...the day of his tattoo appointment and Jungkook was as excited as a child on Christmas morning waiting to receive their gifts. Namjoon remembers bidding Jungkook goodbye as the younger left their shared apartment in the early afternoon. The elder was eagerly awaiting Jungkook's return so he could see the tattoo.

Three hours later, both Namjoon and Bam were startled when they heard the front door slam shut. The two were in the Tv room enjoying a show about domestic animals when Jungkook suddenly ran into the room with a disappointed and angry expression on his face.

"HYUUUUUNNNGGGGGG!!" he whined and stomped his foot cutely.

"What's the matter Kook?" Namjoon asked. Even Bam's attention was on Jungkook, obviously wondering the same thing.

"Tell me...what the hell is this?!" Jungkook said just as he showed his left forearm where there was a clear square patch covering Jungkook's tattoo. Namjoon leaned forward and held his hand in his and inspected the tattoo.

After a while, he spoke..."Is this... The tattoo you showed me last week?"

"No! This is the tattoo I showed you last week," Jungkook said while showing Namjoon the picture on his phone. He held it next his forearm for Namjoon to compare notes.

"Does that look like this?!" He asked, obviously annoyed that his first tattoo was a disaster. And no, neither of the two looked alike in any form. The palette or rather...what was supposed to be the palette was a cross between an oval, circle and a tear drop that was sitting diagonally on Jungkook's arm with the tear drop point, pointing downward towards his wrist. There was another line that was inked just below the original line to give it that 3D look.

As for the paints...they were just small ovals with different shades of blue. There was no evidence of texture or body to show the thickness of paint that was squeezed onto the palette...it was just there. There was also no hole to show where the thumb would be. And speaking of holes...the brushes were a single black line with a small circle and triangle atop the "stick" to represent the bristles of the brush.

Namjoon may not be the best artist there is, neither is he nearly as good as Jungkook. But he is very intelligent...wise beyond his years and knows a thing or two about logic...and what he saw before him was not adding up.

"No...how is that even possible??"

"How should I know??! Like...how was he even certified??"

"Jungkook did you check his social media or anything before you booked him?"

"I did...even read the comments and there were no bad comments so, I'm highly confused and equally pissed off about how shit like this is frickin possible."

Namjoon thought for a moment...sure there isn't anything he could do about the tattoo or perhaps make Jungkook feel a little better. Then it hit him.

"Did you see the owner or main artist on the social media pages?"

"I uh...hold on..." Jungkook said when he sat beside Namjoon and pulled up the tattoo page on Instagram. He scrolled for what seemed like hours before he said,

"No, there aren't any pictures here of what the artist looks like."

"Hmm then there's a possibility that the guy who did your tattoo is not an artist at all or he's just beginning. Was there anyone else in the studio while you were there?"

"No...just him...some scrawny dude who was overly excited that I showed up."

"Well, there you have it. You've been scammed Kook."

"Wow, my first scam and tattoo...Go me!!" Jungkook said with fake enthusiasm. 

Namjoon chuckled and ruffled Jungkook's wavy hair. "Well, you can always go back to find out who the real artist is and file a complaint...or you could look for another studio." Namjoon offered advice as he can see that Jungkook was at a loss of what to do.

"And it's a good thing that it's on your inner arm and it's not a large tattoo so you won't have issues concealing if need be."

"Hmm, I guess you're right hyung. I'll get to the bottom of this. And just so you know...I didn't pay."

"Good. You shouldn't pay for something that you weren't satisfied with." Namjoon said and Bam barked twice and wagged his tail as if he understood the entire conversation. The men laughed and spent the rest of the afternoon cuddling the baby Doberman while watching tv.

The following week, Jungkook returned to Ink It tattoo studio and this time he was sure to seek out the owner of the business who should also be the main tattoo artist. After sorting that out, Jungkook was given the opportunity to get another tattoo at half price.

He agreed and opted to go for a slightly larger tattoo than the first one. The young man chose a camera tattoo this time. Just like the first, the design wasn't too intricate. It was just faint outlines of a camera with the word "smile" written in cursive font. By the end of the tattoo...Jungkook wasn’t entirely impressed but it did look somewhat like the reference photo he showed the owner.

Jungkook returned home and complained to Namjoon about not being totally satisfied. Namjoon too shared the younger’s sentiments. It wasn’t 100% like the photo but at least this artist was better than the last. And so, this was the beginning of Jungkook’s quest to find a tattooist who could satisfy his thirst for inked art.

A photo of his beloved dog Bam was the next tattoo Jungkook desired. He loved him so much that it was only natural to have the dog’s face on his body. Jungkook took several photos of Bam after which he searched for another tattoo studio that’d be perfect for the job. After going to ‘We got the INK’ and leaving horrified at the poor attempt at recreating Bam’s face, the Kaleidoscope from ‘Inks R Us’ which turned out to be just a bunch of colours that seemed to have no sense of direction or creativity under Bam’s tattoo... The “Living without passion is like being dead” quote that Jungkook always lived by was done by ‘Inks n Needles’ and the man was surprisingly extremely pleased with that one.

Four out of five tattoos Jungkook has gotten before today, he was utterly displeased with, and Namjoon found it difficult to believe that Jungkook could find all the worst tattoo studios in Seoul to go to. And now today, there seemed to be yet another issue with his appointment at ‘Inked n Proud’. Namjoon can only assume that his microphone tattoo probably didn’t look like a mic at all and that was confirmed when he caught a glimpse of it nestled between the other disappointments on Jungkook’s left arm.

“Hyung are you even listening to me?!” Jungkook asked, easily bringing Namjoon from memory lane. The elder shook his head and grabbed his bowl of snacks.

“Honestly, Jungkook. I don’t know why you continue to torture yourself like this. Every time you go out and come back disappointed. Like...why don’t you just learn how to tattoo and tatt yourself?” Namjoon suggested with a huff. He was frustrated and grew tired of Jungkook’s complaints every single time he got a tattoo that he was displeased with.

“The point of going to a tattoo parlour is to experience being pampered. There is an unspeakable joy of going to a tattooist and seeing your visions beautifully captivated and inked on your skin. I want to experience that. Yes, I may be good at everything but even experts want to relax and just have someone take care of them...you know?” Jungkook sounded defeated towards the end and Namjoon felt a pang of guilt for snapping at the younger.

Though, Jungkook had a point. Sometimes it’s good to experience these things but unfortunately for Jungkook...his experiences weren’t at all joyous.

“I’m sorry Kook. Maybe someday you’ll find the perfect place for you. But for now...just give it a rest, hmm? Just take time to heavily weigh your options before you run off and make an appointment.”

“Alright hyung. I’ll take it easy...no more tattoos for the rest of the month.” The raven-haired joked. Namjoon laughed and motioned for Jungkook to join him in the living room to continue watching his show.

“By the way, when are you going to get Bam from your parents?”

“Whenever they are ready to send him back. Mom’s very attached to him and Bam loves it there too. So, who am I to complain?” Jungkook responded with a shrug.

💉🩸

“Remember to use this soap and balm twice daily. Do not pick the crust on your tattoo, allow it to naturally fall off and, no direct sunlight. Alright?” said a tall, broad-shouldered man with a blinding smile. He wore a black printed T-shirt and a pair of black jeans and sneakers.

“Yes, thank you.”

“No problem. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“I won’t!” said the last client of the day before he left the building.

The tall man’s smile dropped the second the door was closed. Then he quickly walked over to the door and flipped the sign to indicate they were closed.

“Is he gone?” asked another man who was peeking out from the backroom.

“Yes, he literally just left.”

“Oh, thank goodness. I thought he would never leave!” the man said with a sigh of relief before he fully stepped out of the room. He wore a black beanie over his brown hair. His features were smooth yet sharp and they hid something otherworldly within them. He was dressed in a white T-shirt and a pair of black jeans and slides. His ears were pierced in the lobe and cartilage and a series of tattoos littered both his arms, disappearing under his sleeves.

“It’s amusing to see you hiding from clients that have the hots for you.” The elder said with a laugh.

“Jin hyung, I don’t mind that they think I’m attractive. It just weirds me out when they keep getting me to touch them in places where they aren’t being pierced or tatted. And I’m not even attracted to them either...they’re not my type.” Jimin, who was now seated on a couch said while slouching.

Seokjin walked over and sat beside him. Both men felt the strain in their bodies after working tirelessly the entire day. They were currently at Jimin’s tattoo studio called EXOTIC INK. Jimin does all kinds of tattoos and piercings ever since he surfaced in Seoul and decided to open a tattoo studio back in 2020. Seokjin came a year later and Jimin allowed him to work with him and granted him the co-owner title.

Seokjin started out as a piercer before he eventually added tattooing to his list of talents. He often took some of Jimin’s appointments when the man wasn’t feeling well or he somehow messed up his appointments and had more than one client showing up at once. So, in short, Seokjin was very helpful to Jimin’s business.

“You haven’t been attracted to anyone since we left, and I find that unusual.” Seokjin commented while resting his head on the back of the couch.

“I know. I haven’t felt anything for anyone that I’ve met since we came here. No one calls to me, you know?”

“No, I don’t know. You and I may be similar in some ways, but we still have our differences. For instance, I don’t have a need for a companion...you on the other hand...it’s like mandatory for your situation.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me. I’ve been restless all these years. Sometimes I just wish someone would walk into the shop and tickle my fancy. Is that too much to ask, hyung?”

“No, I guess it isn’t...” Seokjin huffed and Jimin noted how his voice trailed off. He looked at him with a raised eyebrow,

“What’s the matter, hyung?”

“It’s been four years since you’ve left...”

“Yeah...so?”

“So, you know you have to go back...soon.”

“Jin hyung...”

“Jimin, you know as well as I do that you can’t run away forever. Soon you’d have to tend to your duties even if it’s for a little while. It’s your birthright and you can only run away from it for so long.”

Jimin sighed and dragged his beanie off his head to ruffle his hair. He was feeling burdened again and that was one of the reasons why he left to find a new place to live. Somewhere he would be able to live freely and without worry of ancestral traditions. Jimin just wanted an eternal escape and sadly, as Jin speaks to him, he knows that escape is nothing but a dream.

“I know hyung. But I still can’t go back without a companion. I’d rather choose one for myself that I have a connection with, rather than having one chosen for me.”

“Well, you have until the end of next year to find one. If you don’t, they’ll come for you, and you won’t be able to fight them...not even me.”

“That’s a chance I’ll have to take. But I won’t go without a fight either way.” Jimin said with a scowl and immediately the atmosphere around them darkened as he grew irritated.

“Whatever happens, I’m here for you Ji.” Seokjin said with a reassuring smile and opened his arms for Jimin to seek comfort in his embrace.

“Thank you, Jin hyung.” Jimin said when he scooted over to snuggle in Seokjin’s arms.

“Hey, what are besties for, hmm?” he asked with a chuckle when he wrapped his arms around the younger.

“Hmm, by the way...what’s our schedule like for tomorrow?”

“Um, what’s his name is coming for a touch up at 11...then...”

“Wait, do you mean Viktor?” Jimin asked, cutting Seokjin off.

“Ah yes. He has a big piece on his back, and I think he wants more effects added to it like colour and shadings.”

“Uggggghhhhhhhhh, not another one!”

“Haha! I’m telling you, he’s gonna want you to tatt his ass next, just so he can get your hands all over him!” Jin finished with a pitched laugh.

“Can’t you do him?” Jimin asked with a whine.

“Uh, I’m pretty sure that he wants you to do him, Jimin.”

“That’s not even funny.” Jimin replied with a growl.

“I don’t see what the problem is. He’s got a nice body, well built, nice complexion, smooth skin, he’s a decent height, he loves tattoos and he’s good looking.”

“But I’m not attracted to him. He just tries to show off his assets. You know I don’t like people like that. Looks aren’t everything you know.”

“That’s true. So, is there anyone special that you’re looking for?”

“I’m not sure but I want them to have a certain drive, passion and fire towards something they truly love. I want someone that loves themselves, that way, they’d be able to love me.”

“I hope you find that someone, you deserve it.”

“Thanks, hyung. Now, let’s go eat...I’m starving.” Jimin said with a smirk after he sat up and looked at Seokjin. The elder looked at him and mirrored his expression and just like that, they were out through the door.

💉🩸

Ever since his last tattoo by Inked n Proud, Jungkook has been searching the internet for the best tattoo studios in South Korea. It’s been three weeks, and he still hasn’t found one yet! Even Namjoon pitched in to help him find the perfect place. They lazed on the couch and in their rooms for days with no luck. There were studios that looked promising, but Jungkook was skeptical. He wanted to add to his sleeve and wanted to cover up those atrocities.

But who could he trust to give him what he wanted?

It’s Sunday afternoon and Jungkook was laying in his bed with Bam watching movies on his laptop. He soon got bored with the show and decided to scroll through his social media. He unlocked his Instagram page and noted that he hadn’t made any posts in a while. He was so caught up in his tattoo quest that he forgot about his bi-weekly posts to keep his followers engaged.

Jungkook made a mental note to return to his unfinished works of art so he could post on his page. He scrolled through his feed absentmindedly liking photos and reels when he came across an ad for a tattoo page. It was being sponsored by btsnumbofficial. Curiosity flooded him which led him to click the ad that took him to the page of exoticink_studiosk. Once there, he saw a decently laid out profile.

The details in the bio were concise. This showed that the artist was all about business and it truly looked professional, unlike the other pages that Jungkook visited in the past. They had four highlights entitled, ‘Policies’, ‘Certified’, ‘Booking’ and ‘The Artist’. Jungkook watched the first three highlights before opting to scroll through the thousands of posts.

Jungkook scrolled and admired the various tattoos and piercings that littered the profile. Some artworks were extremely detailed, and he knew they must’ve taken longer than four hours...maybe even up to three days. As Jungkook continued to scroll, he ended up in posts that were dated early in 2021. Then one post caught his attention, and he accidentally liked it.

“FUCK!” he exclaimed with wide eyes and mouth, startling Bam who was snuggled beside him. Jungkook stared at the image that was liked by over 100k people. The caption read ‘The Artist’ and Jungkook believes it should be ‘The God’ instead because how can a human look so mesmerizing?!

“Who are you and why have I never met you before?” Jungkook said as he took in the man’s appearance. He had light brown hair, a smooth face with striking features, both his ears were pierced on the lobe and cartilage. Tattoos of different designs and style littered his entire torso and arms. Around his neck were chunky chains with pendants that dangled from them. Around his wrists were multiple bracelets of the same fashion as well as rings.

Jungkook felt himself twitching in his pants. Bam who was also looking at the photo, tilted his head to look at Jungkook, obviously questioning what’s so special about this guy. Jungkook entertained the unsaid thoughts,

“Bam, do you think this guy can give me what I need?” he asked while lowering the phone a little to show the Doberman. Bam looked at the photo then focused lower on Jungkook’s body before he slowly tilted his head up again to look at Jungkook. He blinked and panted lightly. Jungkook who seemingly understood what Bam was insinuating, looked at him in shock and shook his head.

“Not that kind of need, you little freak.” Bam then turned his body to face Jungkook completely and tilted his head again as if to say, “Really?”

“Okay, I admit that he’s hot and maybe I’d want to spend a night with him. BUT! I was referring to the tattoos. His designs are nice and from what I read in the captions and comments, they were all designed by him. This guy has thousands of followers and good feedback. He’s also been in the business for about four years.” Jungkook said, easily talking to Bam knowing that there’s a 50% chance that he actually understands what’s being said.

Bam growled lightly and Jungkook scratched his ears.

“Maybe this is the one...do you think so?” Jungkook asked, sounding uncertain as he’s been to five other tattooists before and left disappointed. He now has a sleeve of junk on his left arm that he wants fixed. Bam didn’t give Jungkook an answer as he was focused on the tender love and care his owner was giving him.

“Tell you what, I’ll go and look around later this week and see if I can get some answers. If there’s great vibes, I’ll get tatted...if not, then I’ll take Namjoon hyung’s suggestion and learn how to tattoo myself. Deal?” Bam barked in agreement and Jungkook smiled.

💉🩸

It was Thursday afternoon when Jungkook finally mustered up the courage to seek out EXOTIC INK TATTOO STUDIO and finally get his desired treatment. The location was far from Jungkook’s apartment, but he didn’t mind. He believed it was the perfect time to get in his car and drive through the bustling city of Seoul in search for what he hoped would be the answer to his problems.

Jungkook was home alone when he locked up the apartment to head to the studio. It was around 2pm, Namjoon had already left since morning to meet up with some old work friends and he took Bam with him since they were meeting at a park. Jungkook didn’t tell Namjoon about his findings, not wanting to jinx it. So, in no time he was in his car and cruising down the highways and byways in search for the popular tattoo studio. Two hours later, Jungkook turned onto a somewhat deserted street.

It was a little dark due to the many buildings and trees in the area that are blocking the sun light. He drove slowly, looking for a sign but didn’t see any on that street. He drove to the end of the street and took the left to go onto the other street. That street was a dead-end and looked darker than the previous street. There were little red lights that were placed in the streetlamps, giving the area an eerie look.

As Jungkook drove to the end of the road, he noticed a red neon sign on the wall of a black brick building. “Could that be it?” he wondered as he drove closer to the building. The sign became easier to read when he was just a few feet from the building. “EXOTIC INK TATTOO STUDIO” was written in red neon graffiti font and it was encased by similar coloured lights.

“Ahh, here it is. But why does it look so spooky?” Jungkook questioned then spotted a small parking lot at the left of the building where three other cars were parked. Jungkook decided to park as well since he wanted to see what the studio looked like. He pulled into a lot and put the shift in ‘park’ then he looked at the time and saw it was just after 4.

“Why is it so dark here?” Jungkook breathed before stepping out of his car and locking it. He looked towards the large black brick building where that taunting neon sign was. He walked closer to the building and saw a single deep red door with ‘open’ dangling from the other side. With another deep breath, he pushed the door and entered.

“Good evening, welcome to Exotic Ink! Do you have an appointment?” a warm voice greeted him the instant he stepped inside. Jungkook looked at the man who stood behind a small reception’s desk, wearing a wine-coloured sweater and matching pants from what Jungkook could see. Unfortunately, he could not respond as he was deeply enthralled by the interior.

It was a mixture of reds, purples and black. Photos of intricate designs littered the walls along with small rectangular plaques with ‘EXOTIC’ in some languages that Jungkook couldn’t understand. Red neon lights...the entire interior gave it an otherworldly atmosphere. Jungkook can guess why it is called ‘EXOTIC INK’, when one enters this studio, it appears as though one was teleported to another dimension. As Jungkook looked further into the room, he saw a few black hydraulic lift reclining chairs where he assumes some piercings are done.

“It’s different, isn’t it?” the voice of the man from earlier said, startling Jungkook as he appeared right next to him.

“Y-yes, it is. Never saw anything like it...it’s-”

“Exotic.” The man said with an eerie wave of his hands after which he laughed.

“Well, yeah...I’m sorry...” Jungkook tried apologizing for not answering the question that was directed to him earlier.

“Oh, that’s no problem at all. It happens all the time. So, do you have an appointment?”

“No, I don’t. I was in the neighbourhood and decided to see what it was like. Is that okay?”

“Sure, it is! We don’t turn curious people away. My name’s Kim Seokjin, I’m the co-owner of this establishment.” Seokjin said while offering his hand to Jungkook who smiled and accepted it in a firm handshake.

“Jeon Jungkook. Nice to meet you and love the aesthetic.”

“Likewise. I can’t take all the credit as it was the owner’s design. He started this business back in 2020, but I only joined him the following year. It was like this when I got here.” Seokjin said while gesturing to the room they stood in.

“It’s very...dark. Not that anything’s wrong with that of course. It’s just not what one would expect for a tattoo studio.” Jungkook said while trying to choose his words carefully as he didn’t want to offend anyone. Seokjin laughed and rubbed Jungkook’s shoulder in a soothing manner.

“I know what you mean. Those were my same thoughts when I walked in the first day. He said it was to remind him of home...”

“...does he live in hell or something?” Jungkook blurted his thoughts aloud and immediately began to apologize profusely.

“I-I...that’s not what I mea-”

“Wow, your sense of humour is off the charts!” Seokjin cackled and smacked Jungkook’s shoulder he was just rubbing a few seconds ago. The way the man laughed left Jungkook to wonder if he was right in the head.

“Hmm, ‘hell’, that’s one way to put it Jungkook.” Seokjin said with a serious expression and Jungkook couldn’t help but feel the slight change in the air...he was beginning to feel a little cold.

“Anyway...Jimin is currently with a client, and he should be finished within half an hour or so. You’re welcomed to wait for him if you want to meet him. Or are you in a hurry?”

“Oh no, that’s fine. I can wait for him.”

“Great! We have a portfolio here that you can busy yourself with.” Seokjin said while handing Jungkook a thick black portfolio. “And who knows, you may find something in there that you like.”

“Thank you, who knows indeed.”

“You can make yourself comfortable in any of the couches over there and I’ll let him know that you’re here to meet him. Cool?”

“Cool.”

“Awesome! I’ll be back.” Seokjin said before he scurried off to the backroom. When he left, Jungkook flipped open the portfolio and marveled at the different tattoos on people’s bodies. Some of them he saw on the profile and others were probably recent ones that Jimin didn’t get to post yet.

“Hmm, Jimin.” Jungkook said to himself, as if testing the name on his tongue. He smiled when he remembered the photo of him. The name somewhat suits him. At that thought, Jungkook audibly gulped at the prospect of meeting Jimin. The Artist...the Jimin that looked like that under his clothes. Jungkook’s mind conjured images of him and Jimin in some shamefully lewd manners. The raven-haired shook his head at his sinful thoughts. He was here with the intention of getting tatted by the man someday....

Meanwhile, in the backroom, Seokjin knocked on the door that led to the room Jimin was in. He entered when he heard Jimin give him a sound of approval. Once there, he saw a woman lying on her back scrolling through her phone as Jimin worked on the wrap-around trellis tattoo on her thigh. Jimin was wearing a mask and a headlamp with a magnifying glass to ink small details to make her tattoo look realistic.

“Almost done?”

“Of course not. I still have another hour here. Why?”

“We have a walk-in...or rather... a potential client.”

“Oh? So why aren’t you out there consulting with them?”

“Because he wants to meet with you and is willing to wait until you’re done.” Seokjin stepped closer to Jimin, leaned down and whispered in his ear.

“I think he could be the one...”

Jimin stopped momentarily and looked at Seokjin who winked with a smirk.

“Make that 45 minutes.” Jimin said before he quickly and carefully continued his work. He was eager to see who this guy was that the elder seemed to have high hopes for. Seokjin smiled and quietly left the room. He knew that originally the tattoo would take another hour but knowing Jimin, his curiosity was piqued and now he would do anything to see the guy that’s waiting for him. When he returned to the waiting room, he threw a glance Jungkook’s way, but the man was busy looking through the portfolio.

“I really hope you’re the one...” he muttered to himself before sitting behind the reception’s desk.

💉🩸

45 minutes later, the woman who was getting her tattoo done, emerged from the backroom and walked towards Seokjin. Jungkook’s attention was still focused on the portfolio, but he heard the conversation that the two were having.

“Did Jimin explain the care routine to you?”

“Yes, he did. I even wrote it down so I wouldn’t forget.”

“Wonderful. What flavour soap and balm would you like?”

“Lavender soap and Bubble-gum balm please.”

“Here you go, that’ll be ₩800...” Jungkook tuned out the rest of their conversation when he saw a photo caught his attention. It was a woman who was stark naked, her entire body covered in tattoos. Tattoos of colour, grey wash, blacks and such. Jungkook zeroed in on the photo, wondering how long it took and most importantly...the cost.

“Hmm, that photo brings back memories.” A voice suddenly said which caused Jungkook to whip his head up to face the source. His heart skipped a beat when he saw who it was.

“Hi, I’m Park Jimin, owner and main tattooist of Exotic Ink. I’ve been told you were waiting to see me.” Jimin said with a smile and a hand outstretched for Jungkook to shake. Somehow, Jungkook managed to get his body working again and quickly stood to shake Jimin’s hand.

The male was dressed in all black just like Jungkook, though instead of wearing slides, Jimin wore sneakers. Jungkook also noted how the male stood a little shorter than him, but his presence was strong and domineering. There was no denying the power this man holds and Jungkook suddenly felt intimidated by his intense stare.

“Oh, hi, yes! I’m Jeon Jungkook.”

“Nice to meet you, Jungkook. So, can I do you?” Jimin asked while looking Jungkook up and down slowly. They heard Seokjin snort in the background and Jungkook wasn’t sure he heard that right.

“I...p-pardon?”

“What can I do for you?” Jimin switched his words and now sported an innocent smile. Seokjin’s snorts continued but they ignored him.

“Could you tell me the story behind this? It’s beautiful and I’m interested in knowing the process.” Jungkook said while showing Jimin the photo of the woman he was looking at, all while ignoring the rush in his chest at Jimin’s words and actions.

“That was two years ago. I remember when this lady came for a consultation and asked me if I would do her body suit.”

“Was that the first time you did something like that?”

“It was but I didn’t turn her down. That day we talked over an hour. I had to be sure that she was sure about wanting her entire body inked. I wouldn’t have agreed if she wasn’t. She told me how she thought about it for years but was skeptical about going to the ‘wrong’ tattooist who wouldn’t and couldn’t understand her vision and appreciation for art.”

“And that’s when she found you?”

“Yes, she told me she was in love with my portrayal of art and believed that I would be the best person to bring her vision to life. That day she came prepared: she had all the designs she wanted already sketched. She colored the ones she wanted colored and shaded the areas she preferred. She even knew where she wanted all of them and how she wanted them to be intertwined with each other.”

“Wow, she meant when she said she gave it a lot of thought. So, do you remember how long it took?”

“I do and I swore to never forget. It took about 200 hours...so that was about 22 sessions that spanned a little more than 7 months. And she did it without any numbing cream or anesthesia.”

“WHAT?!”

“You heard me.”

“Seven months...is crazy and without numbing cream?”

“Without numbing cream. She was one of a few clients I had that had a very high pain tolerance.”

“Hats off to her. I like how she kept her face bare. She’s gorgeous and her tattoos don’t hide her natural beauty. They enhance it.”

“You speak as though you have an appreciation for art.”

“I do. I’m an artist.”

“Oh, no wonder you looked so immersed in that portfolio.”

“Yes, I love everything I see here. No wonder that lady chose you. You’re a beast!”

Jimin chuckled and threw a glance towards Seokjin who had been listening and watching the interaction between the two. “You have no idea...” he said in a low voice as he slowly turned his attention back to Jungkook. Jungkook felt that sudden chill in the air that he did before. He also didn’t miss the glances the other men exchanged with each other. Jungkook believed he was missing something, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

“So, Jungkook. Are you thinking about getting a body suit as well?”

“No, that’s not for me. I guess you can say that I’m like that lady...I’m on the hunt for a tattooist that can bring my visions to life. I’ve been to five others and well...look.” Jungkook said then he raised the sleeve of his left arm and showed Jimin some of the tattoos he had gotten the past two months.

Jimin’s eyes widened comically, and he grabbed Jungkook’s arm to get a closer look at what are supposed to be tattoos.

“The hell is this?!” Jimin exclaimed and Seokjin couldn’t help his curiosity and scurried over to the duo. He gasped and shook his head,

“That’s just unacceptable.” He said and Jungkook huffed.

“That was supposed to be a paint palette and a camera.”

“This certainly won’t do. Come, let’s talk in my office.” Jimin said in a voice that left no room for questioning. Jungkook nodded and followed the man into the backroom and eventually through a door that led to an office. The room shared a similar aesthetic as the waiting room. However, it was mostly red and black with no signs of purple. The room made Jungkook shudder, there were lots of skull pictures hanging on the walls and there were writings of a foreign tongue as well. Jungkook believed that Jimin seemed to be into dark and wild goth aesthetics.

“Here, have a seat.” Jimin said when he gestured to the desk in front of him that had two chairs. On the desk was a large drawing pad and a variety of pencils, pens and markers. Jungkook sat and waited for Jimin to begin the conversation.

“Would you care to tell me the story behind those tattoos?” Jimin asked when he took a pencil in his hand and skillfully flicked it through his fingers.

“Well...as I told you, I’m an artist and I dabble in different forms. I paint, I draw, I take photos and so on. I wanted my first tattoo to represent one of my passions and that's when I decided a paint palette would be interesting.”

“I see. Do you have the original photo? I’d like to compare notes, though I can tell that this is not at all what it was supposed to look like.”

“Yes, here. I didn’t want my first tattoos to be too big, so I started small but...yeah.” Jungkook said as he showed the photos to Jimin on his phone. Jimin studied the photos and shook his head with a tut.

“Unbelievable. No wonder you came to see me.” Jimin said and handed back Jungkook’s phone.

“I saw your profile on Instagram and immediately fell in love with all I saw. But I didn’t want to make the same mistake I did with the rest, so I decided to come here and see what it’s like for myself.”

“I can understand that. Tell you what...I can fix those for you, if you’d like?”

“What do you mean?”

“A cover up tattoo. I can recreate a better design to the ones you have there and tatt it over them. It’ll be better than doing a laser removal since you’d have to wait between six weeks to six months before you can get tatted again.”

“Oh, I haven’t thought about that. So, does that mean I need to make an appointment?”

“No, not unless you don’t want it done today.”

“You mean you’d do it...right now?” Jungkook asked with wide eyes.

“Sure! That lady that left a while ago was my last client for the day. So, I’m free right now.”

“Really? Thank you! I’d like that, honestly.”

“Good. After seeing that sorry of an excuse piece of art on your arm, I couldn’t possibly let you walk out of here looking like that.” Jimin shook his head and grabbed his drawing pad before looking at Jungkook again. He flicked the pad open to a new page.

“Art is your passion, right?”

“Right.”

“Then would you say that it’s your heartstring?”

“I guess so.”

“Hmm. Okay. I have a design in mind.” Jimin said before he began to sketch the general shape of a heart, being sure to draw the chutes where the blood vessels would feed blood to and from the heart. Once that was finished, Jungkook watched as Jimin quickly made some changes to the bottom of the heart to give it a paint palette effect.

He drew five small circles where the paint would go and cut a slit just a few inches from the bottom where he drew a small paintbrush with a little paint on it. Then he drew half a pencil with the point sticking through one of the chutes and two larger paintbrushes in two other chutes. For the finishing touch, he drew a light stream of water flowing from another chute down the left side of the heart. When he was done, he took a photo of it on a tablet that Jungkook didn’t notice before, tapped on the screen a few times then showed Jungkook the final product.

“Would this do?” Jimin asked with a small smile.

“That’s beautiful. Not even I would think about combining the two like that. I love it!” Jungkook said sincerely as he flicked his eyes between Jimin and the tablet.

“I’m glad you like it. Now, let’s tackle that camera...”

Just as before, Jungkook watched as Jimin sketched his ideas onto the sheet of paper in deep concentration. This time, the drawing was a little more complex than the first. He began by drawing a simple 2-dimentinal camera, then he added a strip of film swirling under the camera, some plants at the top of the camera with a few leaves falling to the right and two ticket stamps. He turned the pad to Jungkook and waited patiently.

“Did you intend to make it look vintage?” Jungkook asked with a small nod.

“Nope, it did that on its own.” Jimin joked and caused the raven-haired to chuckle.

“It’s great! Let’s not do color on this one.”

“Agreed. Since your previous tattoos are close to each other, I thought about overlaying the camera tattoo and the heart palette. So that it looks like...” Jimin quickly snapped a photo of the camera with his tablet and Jungkook assumed he made some adjustments to the image.

“...this.” Jimin finished then showed the picture to Jungkook.

“Vintage meets retro?” Jungkook asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Sure, let’s go with that!” Jimin said and Jungkook snorted.

“You don’t know what it is, do you?”

“Nope, not a clue. But it’s your tattoo so it’s whatever you want it to mean for you.” Jimin reasoned.

“That’s a fair point. So far this shows that art is my core...no matter what it is.”

“There we go. So, are you ready?”

“Of course I am!”

“Then let’s go to the tattoo room.” Jimin said. He stood, grabbed his tablet and guided Jungkook through a door that connected his office to his tattoo room. Once there, Jungkook wasn’t at all surprised by the red and black gothic aesthetic.

“Okay, is your favorite color red?” he asked.

“No, it’s actually blue.” Jimin replied seriously. Jungkook blinked at him and looked around the room. The only thing blue in that room would have to be the tattoo ink...and he can’t even see that.

“Ya don’t say.”

“What? Don’t like my design?” Jimin asked with a raised eyebrow.

“No, was just trying to understand the whole concept.”

“Oh. All of this is intentional for my business.”

“How so?”

“Did you find me easily?”

“No, I was following my GPS but still felt lost and unsure about where I was going.”

“Good. So, picture this. You’re on a quest to find the one who can give you great tattoos right?”

“Right.”

“Good things are hard to come by and if you want something, you usually need to go after it. So, you’re driving along a dark, red lit street on the prowl. Then when you finally find it, you enter another realm, a place so different and unbelievable to the eyes. A place that is quite...”

“...Exotic?”

“Yes! See, you’re getting it.”

“So, the weird location, the red lit street and this whole spooky, gothic interior is all part of the experience?”

“Correct. I’m providing a service for people, and I want them to feel pampered and have the best experience of their lives. When they leave here, they are always elated and filled with a sense of adventure. They love to tell stories of how they’ve travelled far and wide just to find the hidden gem that is Exotic Ink Tattoos.”

“Wow. And each room they enter takes them deeper into the ‘realm’ of exoticness?”

“Precisely.”

“Interesting.” Jungkook said while looking at the tattoo chair that was taunting him from the center of the room. 

“Go on, have a seat while I set up.” Jimin said with a smile before he walked over to his station to choose his inks, needles, gloves and a mask. When he was finished, he connected his tablet to a small inkjet printer to print the design. Then he took the printed design and placed it in another printer that's used to print tattoo stencils. This made it easier to transfer the design to the skin. 

Jimin then took a small chair and pushed it towards the chair Jungkook was patiently seated on. 

“Did you eat?” Jimin asks as he wore his gloves. Jungkook shook his head.

“No, not since this morning.”

“You need to eat when getting tattooed.”

“I know that, but I didn’t exactly plan on getting tatted today.” Jungkook pointed out.

“Fair point. I'll ask Jin hyung to get us something.” Jimin didn’t wait for Jungkook's response as he texted the elder through his tablet. 

“Alright, I need you to relax. But if at any time you need a break, just let me know, okay?” Jimin said while looking at Jungkook and Jungkook nodded, understanding that the procedure could cause some pain. Jungkook trusts Jimin more than the others and is anxious to see the final product. He rolled his sleeve up to his elbow and placed his arm on the arm rest of the chair. 

Jimin took a razor and gently shaved the area on Jungkook's forearm where he would place the tattoo. After that he lightly wiped the area then placed the stencil directly over the old tattoos so they would be completely covered by the end of the session. Jimin wore his mask, removed the stencil and grabbed his tattoo gun.

Soon a light buzzing was heard and Jungkook felt the needles quickly piercing his skin as Jimin followed the line of the sketch. Jungkook decided that he wouldn’t look at the tattoo until it was finished. So, he fished his phone from his pocket, being sure to keep his other arm steady as he does.

“Nervous?” Jimin suddenly asked.

“Nope. Just want to be surprised in the end.”

“Oh, you'll be more than surprised when I through with you.” Jimin said with confidence and somehow his words seemed to carry a different meaning…Jungkook could've sworn he saw Jimin smirk under his mask.

💉🩸

Four hours later, Jimin turned off his tattoo gun and set it aside. He squeezed some green soap onto a napkin that he used to wipe Jungkook's tattoo clean. Jimin looked up and saw Jungkook with his eyes closed.

“Jungkook?” he called softly but received no response. Believing he was asleep, Jimin took a white sheet and slipped it under Jungkook's arm. He then grabbed his tablet and snapped a few photos and videos. When he was finished, he cut some waterproof tape and covered the tattoo before he tidied his station and sanitized the area. 

Jimin removed his mask then hovered over Jungkook. He silently mapped Jungkook's features with his eyes until he focused on his lips that were slightly parted. 

“Who would've thought that a cute little thing like you would make me feel so…complete?” Jimin lowered his face until his lips lightly brushed against Jungkook's. He closed his eyes and hummed.

“Mmm…I could just kiss you like this and you wouldn’t even know it.” He opened his eyes, an unusual glow in them. 

“But where's the fun in that?” he added and growled lowly. At that sound, Jungkook stirred. 

“Jungkook?” Jimin called again. The raven-haired slowly opened his eyes and was startled to see Jimin so close to him. His droopy eyes flicked to Jimin's lips. They were so plump and the thought of kissing him crossed his mind. When Jimin caught his gaze, he slowly licked his lips, teasing Jungkook who had just thought about feeling them against his own. Jungkook gulped and quickly met Jimin's unwavering gaze. 

“Hi there.” Jimin said with a smile.

“H-hi. How long was I asleep?” Jungkook managed to ask despite his groggy state.

“About two hours. I guess you fell asleep soon after eating. You can look at your arm now.” Jimin said then pulled away from the man. Jungkook looked at his arm and was speechless. He couldn’t believe how perfect the tattoo looked. Sure, he'd seen the digital sketch but seeing it on his arm made a huge difference. There were no signs of the tattoos that were there…are there. Jungkook was highly impressed and knew this was only the beginning.

“It looks even cooler on my arm. I don’t even know what to say.” Jimin chuckled.

“Say you'll let me do all your tattoos from now on.”

“I'd be a fool to go somewhere else.” Jungkook said while sitting up and standing slowly to allow the feeling back into his legs. 

“Good, come on, let's head out front.” Jimin said while holding the door open for Jungkook. Jungkook exited with Jimin following suit as they walked back to the main room. Seokjin was scrolling through his phone when they entered. 

“Jin hyung, could you give Jungkook a cinna-spice soap and balm, please?” Jimin requested and Seokjin shot him a look Jungkook couldn’t decipher. Without a response, Seokjin took a key and unlocked a small cabinet behind him. Then he took out a small black box with smaller writing as some of the plaques on the wall.

He used a smaller key to unlock it then pulled out a small black suede bag with a small bar of soap and a little container of balm. He turned around while placing the contents in the bag and looked at Jimin who had a serious expression on his face.

With a smile, he handed Jungkook the care package. “So, do you like your new tattoo?” Jungkook's brain was working overtime as he was trying to decipher the exchange between the two men. He answered nonetheless, 

“I love it. My expectations were exceeded beyond my imagination.”

“Great! You came to the right place. I trust we'll be seeing you again soon?”

“Of course he'll be back. He has other tattoos to cover up.”

“Right. Could I schedule an appointment now?” Jungkook asked with hope.

“Sure, when will you like to come back?” Jimin asked while flipping through a black appointment book.

“Is next week too soon?”

“Not soon enough.” Jimin replied with a smile. “I can put you down for Thursday…4pm?”

“That works!”

“Wonderful! And don't worry about paying for today's tattoos. It wasn't an official appointment, so I won't charge you for that.” Jungkook blinked at what was said. 

“Huh?”

“So, starting tomorrow, apply those products to your tattoo twice daily until the soap is gone. Don’t scratch or pick you tattoo if there's any crust that may form on it. And no direct sunlight. Okay?” Jimin responded by giving the aftercare instructions.

“Wow, okay. I wasn’t told any of this when I got my other tattoos.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Seokjin lamented with a tut.

“Well, goodnight and thank you! You both really made my day.” Jungkook said with a smile.

“The pleasure was all ours. Drive safely and see you next week.” Jimin said and walked towards the door with Jungkook. 

“See you later, Jimin.” Jungkook left through the deep red door and walked onto the dark and lonely street. The red lights from earlier were more prominent as it was now after 9 in the night. Jungkook walked to his car with quick calculated steps. He unlocked it and entered, immediately turning the key to start the engine. Tonight was a night he surely wouldn’t forget, and he couldn’t wait to tell Namjoon. With a last glance at the tattoo studio, Jungkook drove off into the red-lit night and set a course for home.

💉🩸

Meanwhile, Jimin had been standing at the door until Jungkook drove away. He flipped the sign and locked the door before he turned around to face Seokjin. 

“Why did you ask me to give him those products?” the elder asked with his arms folded across his chest.

“How else am I to lay my claim on him?” Jimin responded with a question and lazily walked towards a couch where he sat. Seokjin quickly joined him and kept his eyes on him.

“Are you saying that he's the one?”

“Mmhmm…I felt it the second our hands touched when we shook them.”

“It's finally happening after all these years!”

“Yes, it is.”

“So, why didn’t you mark him?” Jimin looked at him and smiled a little before he spoke. 

“Jin hyung, I can’t just mark the guy. It's different with humans so he must show deep interest in me otherwise it won't work.”

“But you gave him the special blend…”

“Yes, that's all I can do for now. It was the safest option. The only way I could claim him without actually claiming him yet.”

“You lost me…”

“Jungkook may be the one for me but since he's human, I can’t act upon it just yet. Not until he's admitted to either me or himself that he feels strongly for me. But I can give him a taste of me every so often.”

“Your blood that's mixed in the products.”

“Correct. My blood will imprint on him without him knowing it. He'll begin to crave that scent of cinnamon and spice…that feeling he will only get when he gets tattooed by me. For humans my blood will work as an aphrodisiac and soon all he'll want is me to satisfy the itch he cannot scratch.”

“Jimin, you are a beast!”

“That, I am.”

“Do you think it will work?”

“Of course it will. He's already enamored by me, so I don’t need to work too hard. But he does...and with just a little push, he'll show me that he wants me…only then will I take him.” Jimin said and chuckled darkly with Seokjin joining him. 

💉🩸

Jungkook made it back home a little after 11 and the apartment was in total darkness. It seemed to him that Namjoon had already went to bed and that was confirmed when he checked his room. Bam was also curled up on the foot of the bed. Jungkook smiled and went to his room to wash away the dirt and grime he accumulated during the day. As he washed himself, he thought back to Jimin's proximity to his face. Jungkook blushed at the thought of kissing him. He hated to admit that Bam was right about him wanting that kind of need from a man whom he had just met.

Jimin was so close to him that if he raised his head a little, their lips would've touched. Shivers and goosebumps covered his body despite the heat from his warm shower. The thought of their lips slotting together so perfectly made Jungkook's nether regions spring to life. The man groaned and closed his eyes, trying to will away the dirty thoughts of the naughty things Jimin could do to him.

💉🩸

When morning came, Jungkook grew excited again because he could finally show his roommate his new tattoo that he was very contented with. So, with that thought and as the feeling of accomplishment continued to wash over him, Jungkook pushed himself from his bed, grabbed his little care package and headed to the bathroom where he brushed his teeth. The raven-haired then grabbed the soap and entered his shower. He peeled the waterproof covering off and applied the soap directly onto the tattoo and worked it into a lather. 

The soap was a small rectangular deep red bar that smelled of cinnamon and spice the second it was soaked with water. The soap oozed a thick red liquid and Jungkook related it to the sight of blood. On that note it appeared as if his arm was bleeding as he washed his tattoo carefully. It stung a little and Jungkook supposes it’s due to his skin being a little sore and the healing that would have begun the second the needle pierced his skin. When he was finished with his shower, he dried his skin and applied the crimson butter-like balm to his tattoo.

Jungkook clenched his fist and groaned in pain when he felt a sharp stinging from the balm. “The hell?” he asked, confused as to why he would feel such a pain. The pain subsided just as soon as it began and Jungkook didn’t know what to make of it. With a shrug, he continued his morning routine after which he wore a vest and a pair of sweats before he walked towards the kitchen where he saw Namjoon fixing breakfast.

“Well look who decided to grace us with his presence.” Namjoon said while folding his arms.

“What? Am I not allowed to go out?” Jungkook countered with a raised eyebrow.

“Of course, you are but you aren’t allowed stay out late at night without telling me. Yes, you’re an adult but we live together and I’m older than you which makes me somewhat responsible for you.” Namjoon reasoned.

“Sorry, you’re right hyung but it wasn’t intentional.”

“Just don’t let it happen again. So, where did you go?”

Jungkook didn’t respond but instead he showed his tatted forearm to Namjoon who regarded it with wide eyes. “Where did you get that?”

“A tattoo studio. AND I got it for FREE!”

“What?! How? Where?”

“Alright, let me start from the beginning. Sunday I was scrolling through Insta when I saw an ad for a tattoo studio. I clicked on it and viewed the profile. It was very professional with concise information. I scrolled through the many posts and reels and was very impressed with what I saw.”

“Hmm. What’s the name?”

“Exotic Ink…here.” Jungkook said when he handed him his phone with the profile. “He's been in the business for four years and has received lots of good feedback, recommendations and comments in general.” Jungkook added and Namjoon nodded along as if to confirm what was said.

“The designs are stunning in their own right and they seem to compliment the body of the person even though we can’t see what they truly look like.”

“Exactly and that’s why I decided to seek out this place yesterday. It took me two hours to find it and it was hidden in a spooky street. But, once you’ve gone inside, it’s like you’ve been teleported to another dimension.”

“What do you mean?”

“The entire aesthetic is a gothic mixture of red and black with a hint of purple. There were skull-like plaques that were hung on the wall and weird spellings of ‘Exotic' that I’ve never seen before. Then there’s this eerie chill in the air that gave it that overall otherworldly ambience.” Jungkook tried his best to relay his experience to Namjoon, but he could see that the man didn’t believe most of what he was saying since Jungkook tends to over-exaggerate.

“I see. So, what’s this about a free tattoo?”

“Oh, right. Sooooo, I met the co-owner first…nice guy, tall, dark and just the right amount of weird and humor that you like, hyung.” Jungkook said and teasingly wiggled his eyebrows. Namjoon’s eyes widened momentarily at Jungkook’s comment and cleared his throat.

“I’m not interested…”

“That’s because you haven't met him.” Jungkook taunted.

“Nevermind that, Kook. I wanna know about the free tattoo.”

“Alright, alright. So, I met the owner and showed him the tattoos I got, and he dragged me to his office. He asked me the vision I had because he knew I wouldn’t willingly get a tattoo that looked like that.”

“Then what?”

“Then he offered to give me a cover up and I accepted. He quickly sketched the palette in the form of a heart first then he did the camera.”

“And he gave you that for free?”

“Yes, because it wasn't an ‘official appointment'”.

“So, what’s the catch?” Namjoon asked after looking at Jungkook and his tattoo skeptically.

“There’s no catch.”

“Sure, there is. There's always a catch Jungkook. No one would willingly give someone not one but two tattoos just like that.” Namjoon tried reasoning with the younger, but Jungkook just wasn't sharing the same views.

“I still don’t see what the problem is. It's not like I begged him for a free tattoo. He offered and I accepted…that's all.  And I'm also seeing him next week for another cover up.” Jungkook said and suddenly blushed at the thought of seeing Jimin again soon. 

“Did I mention how hot he is?”

“What?”

“I accidentally liked his photo when I was checking his profile. He has tattoos starting from his neck and finishing at his torso from what I could see. Such a shame I didn’t get to see them yesterday.” Jungkook said dreamily and left the kitchen. Namjoon was left alone and couldn’t help but think about a possible hidden meaning behind Jungkook's “free” tattoos. 

“What has he gotten himself into now?”

💉🩸

Thursday couldn’t come soon enough for Jungkook as the man eagerly awaited his official tattoo appointment at Exotic Ink Studio. His next cover up would be the tattoo of Bam and the Kaleidoscope. Jungkook didn’t have an idea as to how he wanted the design to be, but he was confident that Jimin would work his magic and create the perfect tattoo for him. 

It was now 1 in the afternoon and Jungkook started to get ready since he has a two-hour drive to get to his appointment and he wanted to be early. Since the tattoo would be on his upper arm, Jungkook decided to wear a sleeveless shirt for quick and easy access. With quick work, Jungkook wore his clothes, grabbed his keys and bade Namjoon and Bam goodbye.

Two hours later, Jungkook took the familiar path down the red-lit road and soon saw his destination in his sight. Once again, Jungkook saw three cars parked and assumed that two of those cars must belong to Seokjin and Jimin while the other one must be a client. Jungkook was nearly an hour early for his appointment, but he didn’t mind. He used that time to eat the take-out he bought along the way. 

When he was finished, he exited his car and locked it, then walked towards the single deep red door as he did last time. Jungkook pushed the door and entered and was immediately greeted by Seokjin. 

“Jungkook! Welcome back!”

“Hi, it feels great to be back!”

“I bet it does. So what service are you getting today?”

“Perhaps another cover up for this…” Jungkook showed the elder his shoulder tattoos of Bam and a kaleidoscope. 

“My goodness…what is that supposed to be?”

“My pet dog…”

“You have a dog?” Seokjin asked with wide eyes. 

“Yeah. His name's Bam and I love him so much. He's like my little protector.” Jungkook gushed about his dog, not noticing the troubled look on the elder's face. 

“Well, isn't that great?” he responded and if Jungkook had paid more attention to his tone, he would have noted that it was very sarcastic and lacked his enthusiasm. Jungkook smiled and took a seat on the couch as he waited for his turn. 

30 minutes later, a young couple exited the backroom holding hands and Jungkook noticed matching tattoos on their forearms. They left soon after that and Jimin came out wearing a pair of black jeans and sneakers along with a buttoned-down shirt with his sleeves rolled to his elbows, showing his tattoo covered forearms.

Jungkook gulped at the sight of Jimin, suddenly feeling a sense of warmth washing over him. Jimin hadn't noticed him until Seokjin pointed in his direction. The second their eyes met, Jungkook felt a slight sting in his chest, but it wasn’t painful. Therefore, no cause for concern…right?

“Hey Jungkook! I wasn't expecting you so early.” Jimin said while walking over to him. 

“I didn’t want to be late and it's a two-hour drive to get here.”

“Two hours?” Jimin echoed with wide eyes.

“Yep, but I don’t mind. I get to see parts of Seoul I've never seen before.”

“I see. Well at least your long journey is not in vain. Are you ready or would you like to wait until four?”

“I’m ready when you are.”

“Let’s go then.” 

Just as before, Jungkook followed Jimin to his office and sat in the chair provided clients.

“So, what am I fixing today?” Jimin asked, already with a pencil in hand. 

“My pet dog…”

“You have a dog?” Jimin asked, mimicking Seokjin's outburst. Jungkook frowned, 

“Yes. Is that so hard to believe?”

“No, non. Just got a little excited.” Jimin said but his tone wasn’t even close to sounding excited.  

“Oh, do you love dogs?”

“I do! I love them a lot…” Jimin said, trying his utmost best to convince Jungkook of his bursting love for the animal. Jungkook nodded in understanding but chose not to continue that conversation.

“So do you think you can make this look worthwhile?”

“Of course I can.” Jimin responded confidently.

Within twenty minutes, Jimin had sketched a large mandala kaleidoscope and transferred it to his tablet. 

“Watch and be amazed.” He said while standing and gesturing to the tattoo room. Jungkook followed him in anticipation. Just as before, Jimin printed the design, chose his inks and needles before prepping Jungkook's skin. Soon Jimin began his work and this time, he deemed it as good a time as any to learn more about Jungkook. 

Hours passed and Jimin grew to know Jungkook's sexuality and date of birth. Those were two vital pieces of information that Jimin needed. The clock ticked the hours away until six hours had passed, sealing the end of Jungkook's tattoo session as Jimin wiped it clean before snapping a photo and video after which he covered it with waterproof tape. Jimin watched as Jungkook slept while he cleaned and sanitized his stations. 

Jimin traced his features with his eyes and smirked. He leaned closer to Jungkook and sniffed his neck, humming in satisfaction. 

“Glad to see my care package is working well. No one will dare to touch you now.” Jimin said as he hovered over Jungkook. 

“Jungkook,” he called in his ear.

“Wake up, my precious.” Jimin added and Jungkook began to stir. Jimin leaned back to not startle the human again. 

“What time is it?” Jungkook asked before he opened his eyes.

“It's almost 10pm. You're all done. Would you like to see it?”

“Yes…please…” Jimin groaned softly, the word clearly sending other messages to his brain. He shook those thoughts away and grabbed his tablet. When Jungkook saw it, he was speechless yet again. The mandala Kaleidoscope Jimin drew was placed directly over the original tattoos. The lines were inked in black with beautiful blends of blues, greens, yellows and purples around the expanse of the tattoo. There were strategically shaded rectangles and ovals in brown ink that took the form of Bam. 

Bam was ‘hidden’ within the kaleidoscope and Jungkook couldn’t believe how Jimin captured Bam's features.

“Do you not like it?” Jimin asked and Jungkook realized that he was quiet the entire time. 

“Jimin, I…how do you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Create masterpieces then ask whether I like it or not.”

“I may be confident in my designs, but my clients have the final say.” Jimin said and Jungkook swore he's never heard a humbler response. 

“I love it. Bam brought so much joy to my life when I got him and seeing him like this brings me more joy. Thank you.” Jungkook said sincerely and Jimin smiled bitterly, though this went unnoticed by Jungkook.

“The pleasure's all mine, Jungkook. Come, let's get you all set so you can show Bam your new tattoo.” The two walked to the entrance where Seokjin was awaiting with Jungkook's care package.

“I have one more cover up I'd like done. Are there any available slots next week?” Jungkook asks after settling his bill. 

“Sure! I can always fit you in. Would you like Thursday again? Same time?” Jimin asks and Jungkook confirmed with a nod.

“Drive carefully Jungkook. If you feel tired, you can always pull over and take a power nap.” Jimin advised and Jungkook laughed at Jimin naturally looking out for him as the elder of the two. 

“Yes, I will. Goodnight and see you next week.” Jungkook waved and walked to his car. He quickly got in and drove away. 

“He’s got a dog.” Seokjin who had been mute, finally said. 

“I know.” Jimin replied plainly.

“You don’t like dogs…or rather…they don’t like you.” Seokjin felt the need to point out the obvious. 

“I know.”

“Are you going to get rid of it?”

“I can't. He's too attached to that damn mutt.” Jimin said with a huff. 

“Then what will you do?”

“I’ll show him who's the top dog and we'll all get along just fine.”

“Hmm. Is the care package working?”

“Like a charm.” Jimin said with a smirk.

💉🩸

The following morning began to feel like the start of a routine for Jungkook with the only difference being Namjoon's absence. His tattoo burned and stung just as it did last week, and the artist made a mental note to ask Jimin why that is. At the thought of Jimin, Jungkook's cheeks grew red when he remembered how charming Jimin is. 

Last night as Jungkook was waking up, he was sure that he felt a presence above him like last week. Jungkook blushed at the thought of Jimin watching him closely as he sleeps. He also remembered how Jimin licked his lips when he caught his gaze on them. ‘Does he like me?’ Jungkook wondered but of course, this question was left unanswered.

💉🩸

Jungkook looked at the failed attempt of a microphone on his arm and sighed. He should've known that those holiday deals were too good to be true. Now he has a bunch of ink on his hand that Jimin will somehow manage to turn into a masterpiece. 

Jimin…there was something about him that intrigued Jungkook, and it was weird how he felt drawn to man whenever he sees him. His presence makes him feel protected and comforted despite his unusual décor choice. Jungkook has had his fair share of crushes over the years, but this one seems much different…foreign. When Jungkook arrived at EXOTIC INK, he only saw two cars and figured that Jimin had no clients this time. The man thought nothing more of it and parked before he headed towards the studio where he was greeted by Jimin.

“Well, if it isn't my favorite client.” Jimin's voice greeted. This week, Jimin wore a sleeveless shirt and now his arms were exposed. Jungkook's jaw slackened as he shamelessly drooled at Jimin's muscular tattooed arms.

“Do you like what you see?” Jimin teased with a wry grin. 

“In more ways than one.” Jungkook's subconscious answered for him and the man prayed Jimin hadn't heard him. Jimin took slow, taunting steps towards Jungkook who was glued to his spot. 

“If you’re a good boy today…” he began then leaned forward to whisper the rest in Jungkook's ear, “I’ll let you look up close.” Jimin pulled away with a devious expression on his face, before walking away and leaving his words to hang heavy in the air.

“Aren’t you coming pretty boy?” Jimin teased from the backroom's entrance, wearing the same expression. As Jungkook walked towards him, he couldn’t help but wonder what had gotten into him. After sitting through the designing process of his new microphone tattoo, Jungkook was now sat in the tattoo chair he grew used to over the past two weeks. As he watched Jimin set up, he remembered he had a question.

“Jimin?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you supposed to feel a sharp pain and stinging when using the soap and balm?” Jimin stopped momentarily and frowned, though deep down he knew why that was happening.

“No. Has that been happening since your first tattoo?” he asked like any concerned tattooist would.

“Yes, and I meant to ask before, but I forgot.”

“Hmm…are you allergic to beeswax, glycerin, cinnamon…?”

“No, not that I'm aware of.”

“Hmm, I have a milder mix that you can try from today.” Jimin said to which Jungkook nodded. Jungkook watched as Jimin turned his tattoo gun on and began his work.

Within the first 30 minutes of his tattoo, Jungkook couldn't keep his eyes off Jimin's arms. He watched as his biceps flexed as he moved his arms back and forth to etch the design into his skin. Jimin often glanced up and caught his gaze on his arms but kept quiet as he smirked to himself.

The buzzing of the gun filled the air as silence stretched between them. Jimin wasn't bothered by it, but he grew desperate of finding ways to get Jungkook to admit his obvious attraction towards him. It needed to be said aloud but Jimin couldn't find the right means to get the man to utter those words. 

Exposing his arms and flirting with the human only did so much and he was grateful for the hours they spend together while he tatts Jungkook's skin. They had hours together and as much as Jimin loved having Jungkook's attention on him, he also wanted to hear his sweet voice.

"Something on your mind, pretty boy?" he asked after he took one last glance at Jungkook who didn't seem to be blinking.

"Your arms..."

"What about them?"

"Your tattoos...do they have a meaning?"

Jimin paused momentarily, trying to quickly think of a way to explain why he has some of those tattoos. 

"Yes and no..."

"What do you mean? Was it an impulsive decision?" Jungkook asked, his eyes flicking from Jimin's face to his arms as if trying to find the answers there. 

"Yes and no, again. All of them weren't impulsive. Some of them I had no choice in getting and others I got as a form of rebellion."

"You speak as if you were a part of a tribe." Jungkook joked and Jimin smiled at him, mentally shaking his head at Jungkook not knowing how right he was.

"I was actually."

"Really? As far as I know, there aren't any tribes in Korea."

"I'm not originally from Korea, Jungkook. Yes, I'm Korean and have Korean roots but I was born far away from here, a place that not many people know about. There, our people get certain markings or tattoos on our skin when we reach a certain age." Jimin began to tell Jungkook a little more about himself since the man seemed truly curious.

"Why did you leave?" Jungkook asked, seeming to fill in the blanks on his own.

"The same reason why most people would leave their families. I wanted a change of atmosphere. I wanted to be free to do my own thing without having to be tied down by strict laws and regulations. It's been four years, and I've never felt better!"

Jungkook regarded him and couldn't help but feel there was more to what Jimin said. Jimin sensed Jungkook's eyes on him and looked up. Their eyes met and Jimin felt his heart tugging at the look of care Jungkook held in his eyes and wondered if Jungkook felt it too. 

"Why do I feel like there's something else...?" Jungkook asked softly and Jimin blinked, turning off the gun for a moment.

"All good things must come to an end, they say. And I may have to go back for a visit next year, as much as I'm against it..."

"Is that another regulation?"

"Kind of."

"It seems to me that you have everything you could possibly want here, but you're missing something..."

"What?"

"Happiness. You don't look or sound happy to me, Jimin." Jimin's expression mirrored that of a deer caught in headlights. He had only told Jungkook a mere fraction about his life and yet it appeared that Jungkook also has a talent for mind reading or for reading people in general. Jungkook waited to hear Jimin's reply as the man suddenly grew silent. 

"Well, if I must admit...I'm a little lonely." he finally said and Jungkook saw how his eyes flicked down to his lips before he turned on the gun again and continued what he had set out to do. Jungkook hummed, taking that as a sign to end the conversation...for now. 

For the next three hours, the pair hadn't talked much and surprisingly, Jungkook didn't fall asleep. The conversation from earlier kept replaying in his mind. He was trying to figure out who Jimin really was and why he seemed so distant when it came to his origin. He noted how Jimin looked relaxed up until he asked him about his tattoos. Jungkook can understand that they may be tribal markings but why wasn't he proud of it? 

Then Seokjin mentioned the interior of the studio was said to remind Jimin of home. So, if this was a man who claimed he wanted to get away from it all, why would he decorate his workspace with something that'll constantly remind him of what he doesn't want to be a part of? And why does he have to go back?

Hearing that soured Jungkook's mood more than he would like to admit. He immediately thought about not being able to see Jimin again and he didn't like that. Yes, they've recently met but somehow Jungkook has gotten attached to him in such a short time, and he wondered if he just wanted Jimin's company or something else, something more intimate. 

Jimin on the other hand was glad for the silence considering how he was the one who wanted a conversation in the first place. He just wasn't prepared to talk about his home with Jungkook, but the human made it so easy to want to open up and confide in him. Though Jimin knew he couldn't do that. He couldn't do anything to potentially mess up his plans. 

💉🩸

When Jimin was finished, he asked Jungkook if he could take a short video of his entire sleeve that was redone by him, to which Jungkook agreed. He quickly and skillfully created a video of a before and after with his logo in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. Jungkook didn't remember Jimin taking a video of his old sleeve before, but he loved the video and knew it will be posted on Jimin's profile.

Before they left the room, Jimin gave Jungkook a "milder" concoction of the cinna-spice soap and balm and told him to inform him if he experiences the same burning. Then they were back out front where Jungkook paid and left without saying much more than a thank you for all they've done for him. 

"You two were quite." Seokjin said when they were left alone. When Jungkook arrived, he had been in the piercing room with four clients who wanted to get matching intimate piercings. 

"That's probably my fault."

"What did you do?"

"I sort of started talking about my family but it's like Jungkook saw right through me. I was taken off guard today, I didn't expect him to ask me what my tattoos meant!"

"And you told him?!"

"Not exactly. But I told him enough for him to gather that I'm not happy being here and I may have hinted that I was lonely."

"Jimin..."

"Ugghh!! I can't be the one to admit what I feel first, hyung. I just can't!" Jimin exclaimed and walked into the backroom, leaving Seokjin to shake his head with a sigh.

"Why must your life be difficult?"

💉🩸

The next morning Jungkook didn't feel as energetic as he usually did whenever he got a tattoo. His mind was filled with Jimin's words from the day before. And why did Jimin look at his lips when he said he was lonely? What was Jungkook to make of that? Should he have acted on it and kissed Jimin? Would that have solved everything? Jimin's loneliness and his sudden interest in the male that seems to be getting deeper each time they met?

It was time to care for his fresh tattoo, but Jungkook wasn't looking forward to the stinging and burning though Jimin implied that it shouldn't happen. He took a breath and rubbed the familiar deep red soap over his microphone tattoo, waiting to feel the familiar sting but nothing happened then or when he used the balm.

Jungkook noticed the tattoo seemed to glow a light red and the scent of cinna-spice was a lot stronger than before. Strange. Jungkook didn't know what happened, but the next thing he knew, he was laying naked on his bed with his hands roaming his body, imagining it was a certain tattooed man with plump lips touching him like that.

"Jimin..."

💉🩸

Two weeks later, Jungkook was returning from visiting his parents when he thought about getting another tattoo. Well, he thought about seeing Jimin and how he surprisingly missed the gorgeously talented man. So, when he reached his apartment, he began whining to Namjoon.

“Hyunnnggggg!!”

“What is it this time?” Namjoon said, not looking up from the book he was reading. Jungkook sat in the couch next to him and pouted.

“I think I want another tattoo.”

“Aren’t your cover ups finished?”

“Yes, but I mean a new tattoo...a normal one, not a cover up.”

“Okay. So, why are you telling me? I can’t do tattoos.” Namjoon said plainly.

“I know, but I’m asking if it’s a good idea.”

“Since when do you ask me for my opinion when your mind is set on something?”

“Since I have to drive two hours to get a tattoo...”

“Wait a minute...this isn’t about a tattoo...is it?” Namjoon asked when he finally decided to mark his page and put his book aside to give the younger his full attention.

“Y-yes, it is.”

“You just want to see Jimin again but don’t know if you should just show up without getting a tattoo, right?” Jungkook blinked his wide eyes at his hyung. Was he always such an open book? How did Namjoon know that was the reason?

“Well...”

“Don’t deny it Jungkook. I get you’re attracted to the guy but are you sure you want another tattoo just so you can see him again?”

“Hyung, it’s not like I can just show up while he’s at work for no reason.”

“And why not?”

“I haven’t exactly been showing that I’m interested in him like that. And he seems naturally flirty, so I don’t know if he’s kidding when he says what he says or does what he does.”

“Then why not ask him and be honest?”

“HUH?! And risk being embarrassed by the rejection?! No way hyung.”

“Who says he’ll reject you? You’re a good-looking guy that’s also very interested in art just like he is. And from what you’ve been telling me, Jimin seems to be rather interested in you so...just give it a shot. Don’t do something stupid like getting a tattoo you don’t want just to meet your crush. You’re better than that.”

“Am I, though?” Jungkook asked in a pitched tone.

“JEON JUNGKOOK!” Namjoon exclaimed in disbelief.

“I actually do want another tattoo hyung, I haven’t gotten anything to represent my zodiac.”

“You’re gonna ask Jimin to create a zodiac tattoo for you, aren’t you?” Namjoon asked, disappointed.

“I am.”

“Well, you never listen to me either way. Go ahead.” Namjoon said and took up his book again. Jungkook smiled because it was the truth. His mind was already made up, he just wanted Namjoon’s opinion. So, Jungkook took out his phone and searched for Exotic Ink’s Instagram profile and clicked the message button. He took a breath and typed his first message.

💉🩸

It was a beautiful Saturday morning in the month of April and Jungkook’s stomach was filled with butterflies. A few days ago, he mustered up the courage to message Jimin to set up a tattoo appointment. He missed Jimin and hoped that there was a possibility that Jimin missed him too. He did call him his favorite client the last time he was there, so that must mean something.

Jungkook thought to work on his appearance a little today. Instead of just throwing on the first thing he sees, he decided to take his time and choose his outfit. He wanted to impress Jimin today with his style. So, after taking his shower, he sieved through his wardrobe and pulled out a black Calvin Klein T-shirt, a pair of black jeans also by Calvin Klein and grabbed his black combat boots.

He also decided to change his hair and thought that a mixture of wet and fluffy would be perfect for this look. Jungkook grabbed some oils and a little moisturizer and applied it to his hair. He ruffled his long curls and scrunched them to evenly distribute the product. After that, he shook his head and watched as the curls laid themselves perfectly against his head. With a smile, he checked the time and saw that it was after 11am.

Time flies when you’re trying to impress your crush, huh?

Jungkook walked back to his bedroom and wore his clothes. He tucked his shirt into his jeans, foregoing a belt and turned up his shirt sleeves to show his toned arms and tattoos that covered his left arm. He wore his boots and used his Calvin Klein ‘Eternity Intense’ cologne for men and sprayed his neck, behind his ears and his wrists. He ruffled his hair once more, being contented with the messy yet neat style he was going for. Jungkook took up his wallet, keys, phone, cherry lip balm and sunglasses before he left the room.

Bam looked him up and down then walked all around him before he barked twice, catching Namjoon’s attention from the living room.

“Woah, where are you going?” Namjoon asked and Bam barked again as if he was wondering the same thing. It wasn’t often that Jungkook put effort into what he wears but today...he was definitely trying to make a statement.

“To get my tattoo...” Jungkook responded. Bam scrutinized him again and growled lowly.

“Dressed like that?” Namjoon voiced for the dog who couldn’t speak human.

“I’m hoping to spark some interest.”

“You’re practically asking for it. You haven’t been wearing your fancy clothes to the tattoo studio and now you’re suddenly dressed up? Jimin’s going to know something’s up.”

“Good. And maybe I am asking for it. Later hyung! Don’t wait up.” Jungkook said and scratched Bam’s ears before he walked out of the apartment. Jungkook got into his car and took the familiar roads to reach his destination. When he arrived, there was only one car in the parking lot, and he assumed it was Jimin’s car. When he pushed the door, he expected the man to greet him again but to his dismay...it was Seokjin.

“Hey Jungkook! Good to see you-oh WOW. You look amazing!” Seokjin said and immediately came closer to Jungkook, walking around him, assessing him just as Bam did. “AND you SMELL great TOO!” he said when he faced Jungkook again. Jungkook smiled shyly, he wasn’t expecting such an enthusiastic comment.

“Thank you.” He said and broke eye contact.

“Jimin isn’t here yet. He texted me and said he’ll be later than usual.” Seokjin said and saw how Jungkook’s expression saddened a bit.

“But! That gives us time to talk and bond a little.” Seokjin tried to make Jungkook see the brighter side of things. He gently held Jungkook’s hand and guided him to the couch where they sat facing each other. Silence stretched between them for a while then Seokjin spoke.

“You like Jimin, don’t you?” he asked, deciding not to beat around the bush. Jungkook's cheeks suddenly turned red at the on-point assumption, and he couldn’t find words to defend himself and possibly deny the claim.

“I-i...how...?”

“I’ve seen the way you look at him, Jungkook. There’s no denying that you have a crush on him.”

“I...is it really that noticeable?”

“To me...yes. I can tell you how you can get Jimin’s attention, if you’d like?”

“How?”

“Well, for starters, I think Jimin would go crazy when he sees you in this outfit. And I know just the thing that would send him off the edge.”

“What’s that?” Jungkook asked, curious and Seokjin regarded him for a while.

“You have nice lips. Have you ever thought of getting a lip piercing?”

“I haven’t.”

“I think it’ll look great on you especially in this outfit. Think about it. Imagine Jimin kissing you softly and uses his tongue to play with your lip ring. How hot would that be?!” Seokjin smirked, wiggling his eyebrows to emphasize his point.

“Oh, gosh why are you like this?”

“It’s in my nature to be like this. So, what do you think?”

“I always wanted to change up my style for a while now...so why not?”

“Great! Let’s get it done before he comes. Oh, I can’t wait to see his face!” Seokjin quickly stood up and pulled Jungkook to sit on one of the chairs there. He grabbed a small book with a list of different piercings and photos for Jungkook to choose which type he’d like.

“Here, you can look through these and see which you’d like but I think a left labret would be perfect for you.” Seokjin said and showed Jungkook the photo that represented what that kind of piercing looked like. Jungkook looked at the photo and nodded his head, liking that it’ll be on the same side as his tattoo sleeve.

“Let’s go with that one. How much is that going to hurt?”

“It all depends on your pain tolerance level. But beauty is pain, my darling." Seokjin said with a sigh before he reassured Jungkook, "I’ll try my best to be gentle.”

Jungkook nodded his head, trusting Seokjin with this as he trusts Jimin with his tattoos. Seokjin sanitized his hands then wore a pair of gloves.

“Would you like a stud or hoop ring?”

“Hoop, please.”

After Seokjin selected the ring for Jungkook, he took up his surgical clamp to hold Jungkook’s lip with. He quickly wiped the space between the clamp with surgical alcohol then grabbed a hollow needle.

“Are you ready?”

Jungkook hummed in confirmation and Seokjin smiled. “Relax, breathe normally. Don’t tense too much.” He said while simultaneously passing the hollow needled through the clamp and quickly replaced it with the ring he selected for Jungkook.

“And we’re done!” Seokjin said happily while he removed his gloves. Jungkook couldn’t believe how fast that was. By the time he could process the elder’s words about relaxing, the piercing was done. It wasn’t painless, Jungkook felt the needle piercing his lip.

“Here’s a little care package for your piercing. It has everything you need as well as instructions. Your piercing will take at least two or three months to properly heal.”

“Thank you. How do I look?” Jungkook asked as he placed the little bag into his pocket while looking at Seokjin.

“Like sin on legs. I can’t wait for Jimin to get here!” Seokjin exclaimed causing Jungkook to laugh. Just then, Seokjin’s phone pinged, and he checked it. His eyes lit up and he looked at Jungkook.

“Your boyfriend’s here.” He teased and Jungkook’s heart skipped a beat at calling Jimin his boyfriend. What an honor that’ll be.

“Quick, get on your knees and pretend you’re looking for something under the table here.”

“What?” Jungkook asked, confused. 

“Quick! Do it and face your ass to the door!” Seokjin urged and Jungkook found himself being shoved on his knees in the harshest way ever and bended over to look for something he supposedly dropped. Why is he doing this? Because he’s on a mission at winning Jimin’s interest and heart by extension. So, Jungkook plays along and stretches his arm under the table for good measure. He hears footsteps quickly moving away from him and a door being opened.

“Oh great! You’re here. That means I can leave. Goodbye!” Seokjin said in a rush and Jungkook resisted the urge to laugh.

“Wait, why are you in such a hurry hyung? You didn’t tell me you had plans otherwise I would’ve tried to be here sooner.” He heard Jimin saying and there’s a shuffling of feet that sound the furthest away from him.

“Yeah, well something just came up so...later!” Seokjin said before Jungkook heard the door closing. Now he was alone with Jimin.

Now he was ALONE with JIMIN.

The sudden realization settled on him when he heard slow footsteps heading towards him. It felt taunting. And as they grew closer to him, Jungkook felt heat building in the pit of his stomach then it dropped when he heard a low drawn-out whistle, the footsteps coming to a halt right behind him.

“To whom do I owe the pleasure?” Jimin asked and Jungkook could hear the smirk in his voice. He knew he’d have to show his face now since the gigs up. Just as he was about to pull his arm out, he spotted a small box of earrings that Seokjin must’ve dropped. So, he grabbed them and slowly pulled his arm out.

“Got it!” he said with a huff when he settled on his knees.

“No, but you could get it.” Jimin said then stepped to Jungkook’s side. Jungkook looked at Jimin’s well-polished Chelsea boots, his fitted black jeans and white printed Dior T-shirt with his sleeves turned up to expose most of his tattoos, a pair of sunglasses nestled on the top of his head.

“Pardon?” Jungkook asked when he registered what Jimin said to him. Jimin smiled and gestured to the table.

“What were you doing under there?”

“Seokjin asked me to look for a box of earrings he couldn’t find.” Jungkook replied, easily lying through his teeth.

“So that’s why you were in such a compromising position. And here I thought you were putting on a show for me.” Jimin replied, his eyes traveling the expanse of Jungkook’s body. Jungkook suddenly felt brave,

“Would you like a show?” he asked with an innocent expression. Jimin’s eyes darkened and he fought the urge to growl at Jungkook’s words. Instead, he chuckled and said,

“Don’t tempt me sweet cheeks.” before walking away, leaving Jungkook to gather his thoughts and his whole being. He just flirted with Jimin.

And boy did it feel good!

Jungkook stood to his feet, placed the box of earrings on the table and turned around to see Jimin staring at him intensely as he leaned back on the reception’s table. Jungkook shivered, he always did whenever Jimin looked at him but this time, he was checking him out.

“My, don’t you look like my wet dream.” Jimin voiced shamelessly and the saliva caught in Jungkook’s throat. Another sense of bravery flooded him as he took short steps to Jimin.

“Is that a good look?” he asked when he was just a few steps away from Jimin.

“Wouldn’t you like to find out?” Jimin asked, tilting his head up a bit since Jungkook was standing directly in front of him now. His expression unmoving as he challenged Jungkook. Jungkook looked at Jimin and saw so many unsaid things flowing through his eyes, his aura. It was almost suffocating to him.

The way Jimin spoke to him and looked at him, especially right now...was all the confirmation Jungkook needed to know that Jimin wanted him. The man was clearly fighting the sexual urge to pounce on Jungkook and the raven-haired grew smug at that. He made Jimin like this and that in and of itself was a major accomplishment for Jungkook.

As the two stood in front of each other, fighting against the obvious sexual tension that was now made apparent between them, Jimin zeroed in on Jungkook’s lips and saw a silver hoop. He lightly held Jungkook’s chin in his hand, feeling the goosebumps covering his skin at the sudden touch.

“When did you get this?”

“Just now.”

“Hmm...Jin hyung?”

“Yup. Do you like it?”

“Liking it is an understatement, pretty boy.” Jimin said while eyeing Jungkook’s lips. Jungkook unconsciously licked his lips since they were beginning to feel dry. Jimin tilted his head and lightly bit his own, his hold on Jungkook gradually tightening.

“Are you trying to kill me?” he asked, his voice sounding strained. Jungkook smiled as best as he could,

“That’s funny. I ask myself that about you whenever I come here.” Jimin looked Jungkook in his eyes and Jungkook noticed a glint in them, he wondered if there was one in his own eyes. Their eyes spoke a thousand words, but their mouths remained closed as they continued to stare into each other’s soul.

“Are...you ready for your tattoo?” Jimin asked, pulling away slightly and loosening the grip on Jungkook’s face. Fighting hard to keep his emotions at bay...he mustn't be the first to utter those words. 

“I’m always ready...”

“Hmm...are you?” Jimin teased again, easily interpreting Jungkook’s words to mean something else. Jungkook smirked and licked his lips again, Jimin’s eyes following the movement.

“Wouldn’t you like to find out?” he echoed Jimin’s words from earlier causing him to snort and lower his hand.

“Maybe.” He said and slipped past Jungkook, heading towards the backroom. Jungkook exhaled a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He turned around and followed the tell-tale sound of Jimin’s boots clicking against the tiles.

💉🩸

Today with Park Jimin felt different to Jungkook. He already had three sessions with the man but today felt different. The sexual tension from earlier was still very much there, no matter how hard they tried to ignore it with their casual talks about life and other interests.

Jungkook caught Jimin staring at his lips an awful lot as he did his tattoo. His eyes seemed to dilate whenever he licked his lips and teased his new lip ring. He would also see Jimin licking his own since he didn’t wear a mask today.

Jimin designed two small tattoos for Jungkook. One was his birth flower, a tiger lily. The other was his interpretation of a Virgo symbol...a snake that was designed to read ‘Me’ when viewed from an angle. At first, Jimin asked if he’d like those two tattoos entwined but Jungkook declined. He wanted them to shine on their own but didn’t oppose to them being placed close together since they represented his birth.

“Jungkook?”

“Yeah?”

“Your birthday is in five months, right?” Jimin asked as he continued to add color to the tiger lily tattoo.

“Yes, it is. Why?”

“Have you thought about how you’d like to celebrate it? This year you got tattoos as another form of art and self-expression. But did you give any thought on how you’d like to celebrate your birthday?”

“No, I haven’t. I was never one to do much for my birthday.”

“Then perhaps you should do something special this year for a change.”

“Maybe I could but I don’t know what.”

“Well, if there’s something that you’d like that you never got or never thought you could attain...why not make a wish?”

“Huh? Isn’t that a bit childish?” the raven-haired asked, skeptical. 

“Yeah, but we’re all children at heart, aren’t we?”

“Hmm...I guess we are.”

“Then you should give it a try if you find yourself at a loss. Who knows...maybe it will come true.”

“How do I even make a wish? I haven’t done that since I was five!”

“Someone told me it’s best when you do it at the start of your birthday. You know, 00:00. They said on that night the stars shine brightest and the possibility of seeing a shooting star is high if you’re right on time.”

“Really?”

“Mmmhmm. Say your wish as soon as you see the star and let the universe do the rest.”

“You’re making this seem like a fairy tale.”

“Well, life could be a fairy tale if that means we could get whatever we want...don’t you think?” Jimin replied and looked at Jungkook, his eyes once again holding something strong within them. Jungkook smiled and thought about Jimin’s words and their interaction earlier.

‘Maybe there is something I can wish for...or someone.’

💉🩸

It was 5pm and Jungkook was on his way back home. After his tattoo, Jimin ordered a meal for them, and they ate together while continuing their casual talks. Jungkook felt as if he accomplished his mission today. His goal was to see whether Jimin was interested in him or not and well...he was not disappointed.

There were times that he caught Jimin practically stripping him with his eyes. And when his back was turned, he felt Jimin’s eyes on him...or rather his ass. There was no secret that Jimin loved what he saw when Jungkook was on all fours, the obvious flirting was more than enough confirmation.

But why doesn’t Jimin make a move? What is he waiting for? Jungkook was there and they could’ve done something since Seokjin was kind enough to leave them alone. But no, all they did was flirt like two highschoolers and did nothing. To say Jungkook was a bit disappointed in that regard would be an understatement. Though, he did enjoy being alone with Jimin. It gave him an insight on how they could be if they stopped playing around.

Jungkook wasn’t sure if either of them would want a relationship, but he was certain that they wanted to satisfy their lust for each other. And Jungkook wasn’t going to deny that he didn’t want at least one night with Jimin between the sheets. And he’d take him however he could get him...top or bottom or both, it didn’t matter.

But what did matter was the execution. How could he possibly get Jimin into bed with him when the man’s self-restraint was off the charts? There was no easy way to get to Park Jimin, but Jungkook didn’t mind. He loved challenges and if Jimin wanted to play.

Then game on.

“Hyung, I’m home! Bamie!” Jungkook called when he entered the apartment. He heard a bark followed by the sound of claws tapping against the tiles. Soon a brown Doberman was seen sprinting towards Jungkook.

“Hey buddy!” Jungkook said when he petted the excited puppy.

“Where’s hyung?” he asked Bam, and the dog pointed with his snout towards the kitchen. Jungkook walked to the kitchen with Bam hot on his heels.

“Hey, hyung.” Jungkook greeted when he saw Namjoon making rice in the rice cooker.

“Oh great, you’re back. You can do the meat. Wait...is that a lip ring?”

“You bet it is.”

“Why do you have a lip ring?” Namjoon asked with a raised eyebrow.

“The better question is, how did Jimin react when he saw me?”

“Oh...well yes, priorities first. So, go on...tell me”

“He would’ve fucked me if he hadn’t held himself back.” Jungkook said honestly with a smug grin. Namjoon dropped the spoon he was holding and looked at Jungkook in disbelief.

“He what?”

“And I would’ve let him.” Jungkook added and bit his lip.

“Jungkook, you aren’t making any sense.” Namjoon said, feeling quite done with Jungkook and everything relating to Exotic Ink.

“Jimin flirted with me from the moment he arrived until I left, and I saw how much he wanted me. It was all in his eyes and his body language. He kept checking me out.” Bam barked at the mention of Jimin watching his owner. When Jungkook looked down at him, he saw the same expression Bam had when he first saw Jimin’s photo.

“Yes Bam. We’re talking about that need.” Jungkook said while wiggling his eyebrows. The bark that Bam let out was crossed with a whimper as he seemed to be taken aback that they were finally talking about that need.

“It looks like you’ll get your man after all.” Namjoon said after he got over the initial shock that Jungkook somewhat took his advice to find out whether Jimin was interested in him or not.

“Bet on it. I’ll get him, one way or another.” Jungkook said before he turned around and headed to his bedroom. When he left, Bam and Namjoon looked at each other and blinked.

💉🩸

As the last week of April was upon them, Jimin was scowling at Seokjin in his apartment. The elder came by for a visit and refused to stop talking about Jungkook’s lip piercing and Calvin Klein ensemble. Jimin rolled his eyes and groaned and was this close to shoving his hyung off the nearest cliff.

“Jimin, you’ve got to admit that he looked hot.”

“Hyung...shut up.” Jimin responded sounding quite drained. Seokjin laughed his obnoxious laugh and Jimin just looked at him with a bored expression.

“You know I can kill you, right?”

“I know but you won’t. I’m the only friend you have here...the only one that’s keeping you sane.”

“I beg to differ. You’re making me lose my mind.”

“Nah, I think Jungkook is. You were drooling, weren’t you?”

Jimin groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. “How could I not? He was practically begging me to fuck him, and you had to go and add your two cents.”

“I told him that you’d go wild over that piercing. The guy wants you, Jimin. Why are you making him wait...making yourself wait? You’re only torturing yourself.”

“As much as I want him, Jungkook still hasn’t admitted to wanting me. I tried to coerce him into doing it by making wish for it on his birthday.”

“Do you think he will?”

“If he’s desperate enough...yes. If not, then I’ll try a different method.”

“Remember you only have until the middle of next year to succeed.”

“I know. I’ll have him long before then.” Jimin said and his mind drifted back to the day when he caught Jungkook on all fours. His perfect ass was waving from side to side as he reached far under the table, which in turned caused his back to arch perfectly...practically pushing his ass towards Jimin. He was there within his grasp, but he held back.

It wasn’t easy but he did.

And boy was it difficult when Jungkook flirted back. Jungkook had never responded to his slick remarks or flirtatious looks before and that proved that Jimin had imprinted on him. His goal was to get Jungkook to show him that he wanted him. But he had to admit that he wasn’t ready for when that time came.

And he smelled so good! Jimin could practically smell his own cinna-spice blend oozing off Jungkook along with the strong cologne he was wearing. The human smelled utterly divine and Jimin almost lost himself and took what is his.

All Jimin could think about was how his thinner lips would feel against his thicker ones, how his larger, muscular body would feel and look writhing under him as he guided him through the throes of pleasure.

Jungkook was a big boy and Jimin loved big boys.

People always made fun of him for his small stature, but Jimin was always sure to show them up with his impeccable strength and dominance that made them sink to their knees before him. It’s why he’s highly respected in his world.

Jimin loved big boys.

And Jungkook was a big boy that checked all his preferences. Tall, muscular, broad shoulders, narrow waist, thick thighs and a juicy ass. Then he had to go and add tattoos...tattoos that were done by Jimin himself and that blasted lip ring just added to his sexual appeal. He was an overall pretty boy.

His pretty boy that he’ll be claiming soon.

“Jimin.”

“Hmm?”

“You’re hard again.” Seokjin pointed out and Jimin groaned for the umpteenth time that afternoon.

“Why don’t you design a tattoo for him and use that as an excuse to see him again? It’s been two weeks and who knows if he’d be back otherwise?” Seokjin suggested and Jimin thought for a moment.

“I know just the thing.” He said with a smile.

It took Jimin a little over an hour to finish the tattoo he designed for Jungkook. When he was finished, he quickly searched for Jungkook’s chat and hoped the man would accept this other part of him in the form of a tattoo.

💉🩸

Jimin intends to make a special effort to arrive at the studio before Jungkook did. He knew the human tended to be at least an hour early since he’s travelling from quite the distance. He also wanted to be there in case Seokjin had any more ideas of Jungkook seducing him again. The lip piercing was a sexy look, but Jimin didn’t like the fact that Seokjin coerced Jungkook to get it just because he knew Jimin would like it.

Jimin noted how Jungkook put effort into his outfit the last time he saw him and figured he could do the same. He dug through his closet and found an oversized, knitted, cream sweater and paired it with black leather pants and his Chelsea boots. He wore his chunky chains and rings on both his hands, applied a little lip balm and sprayed some Chanel Allure behind his ears and his wrists.

He glanced at the clock and saw it was a little after 11. He quickly grabbed his keys, wallet and sunglasses before he left the apartment. Jimin lived half an hour away, so he was sure he'd reach before Jungkook did. When he arrived, Seokjin was already there since he lived closer. Jimin parked in his spot, locked his car and walked towards his building. He used his keys to unlock the door, knowing that Seokjin would have it locked.

"Well look who decided to dress up." Seokjin greeted with a smirk.

"Do I look okay?"

"Do you look okay? Jimin, you look like you're ready to give Jungkook whatever he wants."

"Maybe I am." Jimin replied smugly.

"So, what's the plan?"

"The same as it always was." Jimin said before he winked and headed to the backroom to prepare for Jungkook's arrival.

30 minutes later, the front door opened and in walked Jungkook dressed in a baggy jeans that hung on his hips, a white vest and white buttoned-down shirt that he left opened to wear as a cardigan. His hair was styled the same as it was last time, he wore small silver hoop earrings in the lobes of his ears, his lip ring stood prominent on his lip along with a thin chain that hung from his neck. He tied his look together with black boots.

"Just the man I wanted to see!" Seokjin chimed when he saw Jungkook. Jungkook looked at him in confusion.

"Oh? Why's that?"

"Just wanted to congratulate you for making Jimin a wreck."

"Me?"

"Yes! I told you that he'd go crazy over your lip ring...and he couldn't stop thinking about you." Seokjin smirked and winked at Jungkook who blushed and scratched the back of his neck shyly.

"Kim Seokjin, I'd appreciate if you'd stop pestering my client." Jimin said leaning against the doorway with his arms folded across his chest and his feet crossed at the ankles. The neck of his sweater slid down to expose his collar bones and tattoos around his neck. Jungkook drooled at the sight of Jimin's exposed neck. Little by little he was getting to see Jimin's torso, but he wished he could see all of it instead of the slithers he was fortunate to see.

"Hi Jimin." Jungkook said with a smile. Jimin smiled and took in Jungkook's apparel, his smile slowly morphing into a smirk.

"Hey pretty boy." He responded in a low voice he knew would make Jungkook squirm in his boots.

"Come here. Stay away from Jin hyung, he's a dangerous man."

"Jimin's a lot more dangerous than me, Jungkook. So, you're safer with me." Seokjin responded quickly and stood in front of Jungkook to block him from Jimin. Jimin scoffed and rolled his eyes while Jungkook laughed.

"Actually, I like a little danger." Jungkook said when he stepped around Seokjin and walked towards Jimin. Seokjin stood gaping like a fish while Jimin smirked victoriously and stepped aside for Jungkook to slip past him and head to the tattoo room. When he did, Jimin watched him from behind and whistled causing Jungkook to look over his shoulder and smack his ass before disappearing into the room.

Jimin's eyes widened, and he quickly looked at Seokjin who mirrored his expression, his mouth still opened from before. "Cover your ears." Jimin teased with a wink before he quickly disappeared from view.

"I suddenly feel very single and violated." Seokjin muttered to himself with a tut.

💉🩸

When Jimin got to the tattoo room, Jungkook was sat in the chair with his arms behind the headrest with his head titled back a little.

"Took you long enough..." Jungkook said with a pout.

"Impatient, aren't we?" replied Jimin as he slowly walked towards Jungkook, taking him in as he always does. Jungkook sighed and adjusted himself without moving his arms.

"Just a little."

"Hmm, where do you want it?" Jimin asked, now standing directly in front of Jungkook. His fingers toying with the hem of Jungkook's vest.

"Anywhere, don't care as long as I'm with you." Jungkook replied, easily twisting the words as Jimin would to mean something completely different. Jimin smiled and played along. 

"Oh, I want you to be comfortable, pretty boy." Jimin said and slowly slid his hands under the vest, teasing Jungkook's toned abs and sides. Jungkook tensed at the feeling of Jimin's hands touching him so freely.

"Who says I'm not comfortable here?" he replied, his voice a little strained as he tried not to focus on Jimin's hands. Jimin looked at him and leaned in closer to Jungkook, their faces only inches apart. 

"Do you think you can take it?" the brown-haired questioned as his hands continued to slide upwards under Jungkook's vest. His hands moved up and over his pecs, giving them a gentle squeeze. 

"I know I can." Jungkook said confidently while raising his right leg and hooking it around Jimin's wait, tugging him closer. The action caused Jimin's forehead to collide with Jungkook's. They winced at the impact but paid it no mind. 

"Is that so?" Jimin asked and dragged his sharp nails over Jungkook's pert nipples, being sure to apply pressure as he does. Jungkook flinched, his body arching towards Jimin as he chases the feeling of his nipples being teased. Before he knew it, a soft moan escaped him.

"Y-yes." Jimin smiled and repeated the action, loving how Jungkook's body reacts to his touch.

"Knew you'd sound pretty for me." Jimin teased, his lips brushing against Jungkook's repeatedly but neither of them bothered to connect them. Both equally loving the thrill of having what they want so close to them, but still out of their reach.

"Jimin..." Jungkook pleaded with his eyes and his body, hoping Jimin would take the hint and do something!

"Mmm, that's it. Let's do it right here." the man's signature smirk found home on his face again as he slid his hands down Jungkook's stomach before his left hand tightly held his small waist and squeezed.

"Here?" Jungkook voiced to be sure that he heard correctly. His heartrate and breathing picked up at the prospect of having some freaky time with his crush.

"Mmhmm, it's better to put it on your right side since your left side already has a lot going on."

"Wait, what? What are you talking about?" Jungkook asked, confused. Were they talking about the same thing?

"Your tattoo, Jungkook. What did you think I was talking about, hmm?" Jimin said with a chuckle and slowly pulled away from Jungkook who was rendered speechless.

Jungkook blinked in utter disbelief at how quickly Jimin's demeanor could change. A minute ago, Jimin was about to kiss him and the next he's talking about a tattoo. The man groaned and rolled his tongue in his cheek, narrowing his eyes at Jimin who was now selecting his supplies for Jungkook's tattoo. 

"Seokjin was right, you are dangerous." he said lowly. 

"Aww, are you upset, pretty boy?" Jimin mocked while wearing his gloves.

"Upset? No, not at all. Just intrigued and encouraged." 

"Encouraged for what?"

"To not give up." Jungkook replied plainly and fluttered his eyelashes at Jimin who looked at him with a faint smile. 

"I'm not the only dangerous one in this room, Jungkook." he said and came over to Jungkook's right side where he raised his vest again and cleaned the area.

"Oh? That's good to know." Jungkook responded and fixed his posture again, knowing that he wouldn't be able to move much once Jimin starts tattooing. 

Jimin adjusted the chair so that Jungkook wasn't sitting upright. He wanted him to be at an angle, that way both of them would be comfortable throughout the process and the tattoo wouldn't look too cramped in the area. 

"I can't wait to see how this looks on your body." Jimin voiced and turned on his gun.

💉🩸

"Phew! Done." Jimin said and immediately stood to stretch his body after eight hours of tattooing. Granted it wasn't eight hours straight since they took breaks to eat, use the bathroom and just to stretch their bodies to keep the blood flowing. 

"Ugh, I can't feel my ass." Jungkook groaned and Jimin snorted.

"We can't have that now, can we?" He asked after he took his much-needed videos and photos of his dragon tattoo design. He was really proud of how the colors turned out. Sure, it took a lot of mixing and shading but it was worth it. He loved seeing a part of him physically engraved on Jungkook's body. The human never looked sexier.

"Here, let me help you." Jimin offered and adjusted the chair back to its original position then held his hand out for Jungkook to take as he slowly pulled him to his feet. Jungkook groaned and wobbled as soon as he went to take a step. With wide eyes, he felt himself falling forward but Jimin was quick to hold him by his waist to steady him. Jungkook immediately held onto Jimin's shoulders, the two face to face again. 

"Are you sure it's your ass you can't feel or your legs?" Jimin asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Maybe it's both?" Jungkook replied, slightly embarrassed. 

"Ya don't say."

"Yeah well, thanks for catching me." Jungkook said softly, looking at Jimin with a small smile.

"As if I'd let a pretty thing like you, fall. Feel free to fall into my arms anytime." Jimin joked with a smile.

"Oh, well in that case..." Jungkook teased and placed all his weight on Jimin suddenly who wasn't prepared or grounded to hold him.

"No-WAIT!" Jimin yelled with wide eyes as he felt himself falling backwards. Jungkook's eyes widened again as he saw the floor quickly coming towards him and he couldn't even do anything to break both of their falls.

Jimin groaned when his back collided hard with the floor, winding him a little. Though he was thankful that he didn't hit his head. Jungkook's weight on top of him felt comforting and it was definitely something he could get used to. 

Jungkook propped himself on his forearms and looked down at Jimin who was already looking at him with a slightly pained expression.

"Tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk. You let me fall, Jimin." Jungkook feigned disappointment and shook his head repeatedly. 

"Who knew you'd be so eager to get on top of me?" Jimin quipped. Jungkook smiled and shifted so his legs were at either side of Jimin's body, hovering over the smaller male.

"Is it a good look?" Jungkook asked, his eyes challenging Jimin.

"Hmm, I dunno...something's missing..." Jimin said in a contemplative tone. Jungkook hummed and lowered his hips until he was seated in Jimin's lap.

"What about now?" he asked with a head tilt. Jimin internally smirked at the feel of Jungkook's ass on his crotch and he was curious to know just how far the human would go. So, he said, 

"Not quite there yet." Jungkook licked his lips and smirked. Not long after, Jimin felt Jungkook grinding on him, being sure to put pressure directly on his crotch. Jimin bit his lip and held Jungkook's hips. 

"There we go." Jimin said and looked down at their lower bodies the best he could. Jungkook sat up and slid his hand under Jimin's knitted sweater, teasing his defined abs as he continues to roll his hips sensually, while biting his lip.

"Pretty boy if you keep this up, I won't let you leave in one piece." Jimin said when he felt himself slowly hardening. Jungkook tilted his head and smiled, then lowered his body flush against Jimin's, his hips still moving.

"Who said I wanted to leave in one piece?" the raven-haired replied, his lips brushing against Jimin's. Jimin huffed and teased Jungkook's exposed waist with his nails. 

"What's the matter, Jimin? Can't you handle me?" Jungkook taunted when he lowered his head to Jimin's neck. 

"Jungkook..." Jimin warned but was interrupted by the door opening. 

"Jim-OHHHHHH MY GOD MY INNOCENT VIRGIN EYES!" Seokjin screamed when he entered the room without knocking like he usually does. Jungkook stopped and looked up with a cheeky smile.

"Oh, hey there!"

"Hi, hyung!" Jimin replied and waved in Seokjin's direction.

"WHAT are you two doin-in fact...don't answer that, I don't wanna know. I'll see you out front when you're done." Seokjin left just as soon as he came and the pair on the floor took that time to catch themselves. Jimin was mentally willing away his semi-hard on and knew that Jungkook must've felt it since he was wearing tight leather pants. 

At the thought of Jungkook feeling what he could potentially get made Jimin feel smug. Jungkook on the other hand didn't know what came over him. He had somehow gotten used to challenging Jimin that he was willing to go all the way just now. Both of them looked at each other and chuckled at the situation they found themselves in. 

Jungkook sat up again and this time he got off Jimin completely. He held his hand out for Jimin to take, which the man happily accepted and allowed himself to be pulled to his feet. After a while, Jungkook spoke,

"Are you alright, though?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I've taken worse falls than that." Jimin reassured, believing he was referring to the fall and not the dry-humping session. Jungkook nodded and walked towards the door.

"Shall we?"

When they made it out front, Seokjin regarded them suspiciously.

"Did you two have fun?"

"What's fun about falling on top of someone?"

"What's fun about falling to the floor?" Jungkook and Jimin responded simultaneously to which Seokjin nodded slowly. Jungkook received his care package and paid half price since it was a "gift" from Jimin. The raven-haired looked at Jimin and smiled before he turned around and left the studio.

"Okay, what the hell happened?!" Seokjin asked as if he couldn't wait for Jungkook to leave. Jimin sighed and walked to the couch where he laid. 

"I don't even know. I had just finished his tattoo, and he was falling, and I caught him then he put all his weight on me, and we fell. Then the next thing I know he was grinding on me." Jimin summarized the entire scene. 

"Jungkook's matching your energy. Since you are imprinting on him often, that must be the cause." Seokjin reasoned.

"I don't know how much longer I can keep this up."

"Then don't! Grab him and give him what he's obviously craving!" Seokjin said, feeling quite done with Jimin. Jimin shook his head and sighed. It was easy for Seokjin to say that because he was not on Jimin's level.

His problems are different from Jimin's and the elder was right when he said they have their own differences...this is one of them and if Jimin wanted to be successful in making Jungkook his life-long companion, then he needed to be patient and do it right. 

💉🩸

"I heard you the first, second, third, fiftieth, one hundredth and one thousandth time Jungkook!" Namjoon said while pinching the bridge of his nose.

"But hyuuuunnngggggg!!!!"

"NO! NO BUTS! I don't want to hear about your dry-humping session with your tattoo artist. That is NOT a visual that I want to have."

"No one said you had to visualize it! I'm just asking what you think it means?"

"Jungkook...you both are clearly sexually attracted to each other so it's quite obvious that your hormones will drive you to scratch the itch!"

"Yes, I'm sexually attracted to him, but I want to know why the urge gets stronger each time I see him." Jungkook said while scratching his head. He still wasn't sure what had come over him that made him act like that, but he was sure it wasn't just his physical attraction for Jimin. 

"That happens when you're sexually attracted to someone, Jungkook." Namjoon said with an eye roll. 

"No hyung, it felt like I wasn't entirely myself...like, like...I don't know how to explain it."

"Then don't explain it. I don't want to know. If you two finally decide to be tussling in the bedroom...spare me all details. Please and thank you."

"Why are you being so hostile towards me?" Jungkook asked, a tinge of frustration lacing his voice. 

"I'm not being hostile. I'm just a little tired of hearing you talking about Jimin without doing something about it. It's just like when you kept coming home disappointed about the tattoos you first got."

"Well, who else am I to talk to about this? You're the only one I have living in this part of Seoul. All my other friends are back home in Busan!" Jungkook replied then left the living room. Namjoon sighed when he heard Jungkook's bedroom door slam shut. Perhaps he was being too hard on the younger but, he's entitled to a break...isn't he?

Jungkook laid in his bed and stared at the ceiling, deep in thought. The reason why he often relayed all his interactions with Jimin to Namjoon was due to the elder's ability to analyze behaviors and decipher what they meant. Jungkook wasn't the best at that, and his past relationships were an example of that. But since he seemed to be bothering the elder with his personal problems, Jungkook decided to try on his own.

There was no doubt that Jimin was interested in him, but why was he holding back? That's the mystery that Jungkook needs solved. Jimin flirts with him, checks him out, touches him somewhat intimately...so why isn't Jimin more forward?

"What am I missing?"

💉🩸

Over the next three weeks, Jungkook returned to his arts and had been posting on his social media again. Tonight, he was sitting at his desk in his room near the balcony with his drawing pad and colored pencils. Jungkook didn't have anything in mind to draw and just allowed the shape to take its form as he glides the pencil across the page. 

Soon gold, silver, grey and black were perfectly blended together to create a unique creature that represents Jungkook. When Jungkook looked at what he created, he was utterly impressed with his mind and artistic capabilities. Now all he needed to do was share this with the one who had been plaguing his mind nearly a month ago. So, without a second thought, Jungkook picked up his phone and immediately searched for Exotic Ink's profile and messaged Jimin with a smile on his face.

💉🩸

It's 7am on a beautiful Sunday morning and Jungkook stood in front of his closet, heavily debating what he should wear. He was getting a back tattoo, and he wasn't so sure that he wanted to wear a tight shirt, and he was attending a function with his parents before he headed off to his appointment, which was why he asked for an extra thirty minutes.

He soon decided on an oversized black button-down shirt and paired it with a pair of dark blue jeans and black suede boots. He styled his hair neatly and wore a simple chain around his neck while silver hoop earrings adorned his ears with his signature lip piercing. With a couple turns in the mirror and a few splashes of his preferred cologne, Jungkook left his bedroom and headed to his kitchen to make breakfast.

Namjoon was already there with both his and Jungkook's cup of coffee sitting on the island. 

"Good morning, hyung!" Jungkook greeted happily. 

"Good morning, slept well?" Namjoon asked while buttering his toast.

"Well enough, I guess. I'm highly anticipating this tattoo."

"It's a great piece and I'm sure Jimin can really bring it to life." Namjoon said, remembering when Jungkook showed him the drawing of the bull. Jungkook smiled, being thankful that he could talk about Jimin again with his hyung. The two had sorted their little dispute two days after it happened and now, they were better than ever. 

"What time should I expect you back?" 

"Maybe tonight. I don't know how long this tattoo will take."

"And this is your last tattoo?"

"I believe it is...for a while anyway." Jungkook replied while taking a sip of his coffee.

"And what about Jimin? Are you planning on pursuing anything with him or will it all end with this tattoo?" Namjoon asked and Jungkook thought for a moment. 

"I don't want it to end..."

"Then don't let it." Namjoon said and looked at the clock. "You'd better get going, otherwise you'd be late." Jungkook packed the rest of his breakfast to go and was quickly through the door. 

💉🩸

"What's the plan for today, Jimin?" Seokjin asked while sipping on his coffee. 

"Coerce him to make that damn wish. I get the feeling that today may be my last chance to do that." Jimin responded while rolling up his sleeves to his elbows. He was wearing a white buttoned-down shirt with the top three buttons undone to show his tattooed chest. He wore layered necklaces along with his signature rings and earrings. Black slacks and well-polished dress shoes adorned his lower half as he also had a function to attend at the nearby children's home where he donates funds to every year. 

"I still don't understand why you can't just tell him instead of beating around the bush. His birthday is four months away and you still haven't managed to convince him to make a wish. How does that wish even work?"

"The wish is just a front. It's something that most humans believe in so that's why I'm trying to get him to wish for something he wants. It works closely with my blood; my blood imprints on him and heightens his attraction towards me like an aphrodisiac. Each time he uses the cinna-spice blend and thinks about me, his body will start longing for my touch." Jimin began to explain while walking around his apartment, gathering last minute items. 

"Uh huh...and...?" Seokjin prodded.

"So, the wish is more like admitting to the universe that he has fallen for me and is 'accepting' my imprint on him. Once that happens, I'll be able to claim him completely...mind, body and soul. We'll both be connected then."

"I see. I think." Seokjin said with furrowed eyebrows.

"Okay, think of my imprinting on him as an invitation to mate. During that process, I try to show him what a good mate I would be for him whether by sexual means or other means. If he makes the wish, it's like verbally accepting my mating proposal and gives me the green light to make him mine." Jimin said after racking his brain trying to find a simpler way to explain the situation.

"Ohhhhhhhhh!!! Now I understand. So, if he doesn't within a certain time frame...that time frame being from now until the middle of next year...it's considered a rejection?"

"Yes! Finally, you understand."

"Phew! Glad I don't have your problems. This would've been so much easier if we were back home."

"I know. I didn't expect a human would've been my companion but, Jungkook...he's worth all the torture." Jimin said and ran his fingers through his hair. He quickly glanced at the time and with wide eyes, he ran to the door. 

"Well, hyung, I'm off!"

"Do you have my gifts as well?!"

"Yes, I do!"

"Good, then I'll see you at the studio!"

💉🩸

Jungkook made it to his appointment with ten minutes to spare. It would be the first time in all his appointments that he arrived "late". 

"Oh great, you made it! And here I thought you'd be late." Seokjin said, emerging from the backroom. He walked closer to Jungkook and took in his outfit. 

"Hmm...simple yet elegant. I like it, what's the occasion?"

"My parents invited me to an anniversary function. I actually thought I wouldn't make it on time." Jungkook said while walking to a couch, running a hand through his hair.

"Well, you're in luck. Jimin isn't-"

"-I'm here!!!" Jimin yelled as he ran through the door, sliding across the floor and halted in front of Seokjin.

"Well, well, well, 10:30 on the dot! You two have impeccable timing!" Seokjin joked.

"You know how the kids are, every year they latch onto me wanting to play games." 

"Kids?" Jungkook asked, curious.

"Oh, I went to a children's home. I donate funds and supplies to them every year and well, they've grown attached to me."

"Awww, cute. Could it be that they're always mesmerized by your tattoos?" Jungkook asked while eyeing Jimin's semi-exposed chest, internally licking his lips. 

"Hmm, possibly. Anyways, ready when you are, Jungkook." Jimin said with a wink then walked towards the backroom to prepare his station. Jungkook watched as he walked away, admiring how Jimin's toned legs are visible through his slacks. He was used to seeing the male is skin-tight pants but today was a different look. Jimin looked like he belonged in an office cubicle considering how formal he was dressed. But with the tattoos, the dress shoes, unbuttoned shirt and that annoyingly appealing smirk?

Jungkook thought he never looked sexier.

When Jungkook entered the tattoo room, Jimin had already printed a stencil of Jungkook's drawing. His inks, gloves, soap and other equipment was also placed on a little table that was pushed close to the chair. The chair was maneuvered 180 degrees to resemble a table and Jimin even fitted a face-down pillow for Jungkook to rest comfortably. 

"Love what you've done to the place." Jungkook joked while slowly entering the room, looking around as if he's never seen the room before.

"Is it to your liking, Sir?" Jimin responded, his arms placed behind his back.

"It is...am I being pampered today?"

"Would you have it any other way?"

"Now that would be telling." Jungkook joked and started unbuttoning his shirt, keeping eye contact with Jimin. Suddenly the temperature in the room rose to the max when Jungkook undid the last button.

"May I take your shirt?" Jimin quickly offered when Jungkook raised his hands to remove his shirt.

"Sure." he smiled and turned around, backing Jimin. Jimin swiftly reached for the shoulders of the shirt and slowly slid it off the man's shoulders and guided it off his arms. He took the shirt and hung it on a hanger before placing it in a little hook behind the door. 

When Jungkook turned around, Jimin found it hard to keep his eyes off the human. Jungkook was well toned and ripped with muscles that just seemed to compliment his frame well. Jungkook was simply a work of art. A work of art that is covered in artworks done by none other than Jimin himself.

"Do you like what you see?" Jungkook asked and Jimin could hear the smirk in his voice.

"What's there not to like, pretty boy?" Jimin quipped and guided Jungkook to lay comfortably on the tattoo table. Just as Jungkook got settled into his spot, he felt a weight on his lower back, then hands sliding along his back, leaving no inch of skin untouched. Jungkook whipped his head around as best he could, but Jimin shook his head.

"Aht, aht...you have to stay still pretty boy. Just lay down and relax, hmm? I'll take care of you." Jimin said into Jungkook's ear which he bit lightly afterwards. Jungkook exhaled sharply and obeyed the artist. He settled into his spot again and willed himself to calm down after Jimin's actions. Not long after, the tell-tale sound of the tattoo gun filled the air and Jungkook felt the needle piercing his skin in rapid vibrations.

💉🩸

Ten hours later, Jungkook was brought back to the land of the living by the continuous stroking of his hair. It was so soothing that Jungkook didn't even want to move but he was certain it was Jimin trying to gently wake him up, which means his tattoo is most likely finished. 

So, with careful movements, Jungkook raised his head. 

"Ah, pretty boy's awake at last." Jimin said softly, his hand still stroking Jungkook's long locs. Jungkook blinked, and looked towards Jimin, his sight blurry due to eyes being closed for so long.

"It's almost impossible to wake you up when you fall into a deep sleep." Jimin remarked with a chuckle. Jungkook groaned and maneuvered his body to a seating position. Jimin watched him with a smile on his face, seemingly endeared by Jungkook's sleepy state. 

"What time is it?" Jungkook asked after a yawn.

"About 8:30. Your drawing took ten hours to complete. Would you like to see it?" Jungkook nodded and Jimin pulled up the photos on his tablet. When Jungkook saw it, all evidence of sleep disappeared as he looked at the tablet with wide eyes and mouth. 

"Woah, that's bigger than I thought it would be, but I don't hate it. I don't hate it at all. This is exactly like my drawing! Down to the last detail."

"I tried my best to make it at least 90 percent like the reference photo. My back is killing me, but it was worth it. Told you it'd look great on your back."

"Yeah, you really have an eye for detail. I can't find a single fault. The lines and colors are so crisp, and it just brings the whole piece together. Thank you, Jimin. Really, I'm extremely impressed with your talent."

"You flatter me Jungkook. I'm just glad that I can make you smile in joy when you see your visions brought to life. Seeing you happy, makes me happy." Jimin said sincerely and Jungkook blushed while looking at him. 

"Have you thought about what I said?" Jimin asked after a heartbeat.

"About what?"

"About what you should do for your birthday."

"You mean about making a wish?" Jimin nodded. "No, not really."

"Would you consider it, though? I'd hate to know that you're sad on a day like your birthday."

"But would making a wish make it any better?"

"You never know. It's the thought and maybe by taking a risk or a leap of faith, it could be worthwhile." Jimin answered with a shrug, mentally pleading that Jungkook would take his advice. 

"I'll give it some thought then." Jungkook said, sincerely. If it mattered so deeply to Jimin, then he could at least make the attempt...right?

Jungkook wore his shirt and left the building fifteen minutes later when he was fully awake and capable of driving. Seokjin and Jimin were scratching their heads, trying to think of other means to seal the bond with Jungkook.

"I don't think he's going to do it, hyung." Jimin lamented. 

"What happened to your confidence?"

"It died when he left. He probably still thinks it's dumb and childish."

"Well, there's still some time left before that day comes so, let's just give him some time."

"Hmm, time. It's amazing how we always have to give what we have little to none of." Jimin said with a scoff and plopped onto the couch causing Seokjin to sigh at his words. 

Jungkook barely made it in and out of the shower before fatigue took over him once again. As he laid on his stomach, his mind conjured images of Jimin from earlier as the man sat on top of him while doing his tattoo. He loved the feeling of Jimin's hands on his body and his weight on top of him. That feeling will surely develop into a craving as time continues to go by. 

💉🩸

The month of June was right around the corner and Jungkook felt restless. He had gotten his final tattoo just last week, but he felt...empty. There was something missing, a hole that needed to be filled and now the poor artist didn't know what to do. He simply didn't feel like drawing or doing any form of art for that matter. 

He was just there.

Lost.

Couldn't even twiddle his thumbs without feeling bored. Neither Bam nor Namjoon was around so he couldn't spend his time with them to distract him from the void within him. So, Jungkook was alone in his shared apartment and bored out of his mind. 

The young man eventually decided to watch television in the living room. He went to the kitchen to grab himself a couple of snacks and sodas before making his way towards the living room. He jumped on the couch and switched the TV on. Within a matter of seconds, an erotic scene appeared on the screen with a woman tied to a chair as a man sensually touched her. 

Jungkook quickly switched the channel but couldn't help but to be reminded of when he got his dragon tattoo. The way Jimin's hands traced his torso under his vest and when he teased his nipples with his nails. The slight shock and pain excited Jungkook and it made him think about all possibilities. 

"Hmm...I wonder..." Jungkook ran to his bedroom, the Tv, snacks and pop long forgotten, and took off his shirt. He took up two small, hooped earrings and some tape then stood in front of his mirror. He taped the earrings onto his nipples and regarded himself closely. He looked at the tattoo on his right ribcage, his left sleeve, his lip ring and his overall physique and nodded his head approvingly. That was all it took for Jungkook to set a course to Exotic Ink, one last time.

When Jungkook arrived at the tattoo studio, he saw only one car parked in the parking lot and knew it was Seokjin's car. He parked in the space alongside him and walked towards the building, willing away the disappointment of not being able to see Jimin that day. 

"Jungkook! Hi!" Seokjin greeted in his usual welcoming tone. 

"Hi! And before you ask, no, I don't have an appointment. I just came by to say hi." 

"Oh, well isn't that a shame. Jimin won't be in until later this afternoon. I'm only here because I had piercing appointments." 

"That's alright. I uh, kinda wanted to talk to you about another piercing." Jungkook said shyly and Seokjin's eyes lit up.

"Ohhhhh! Well, let's talk in the office." The elder replied and quickly led Jungkook to the familiar office. As Jungkook sat down, a weird sense of longing filled him, and Seokjin noticed.

"How do you feel?"

"About?"

"In general, you seem lost and alone."

"I am."

"Do you know why?"

"I think it's because of Jimin. I don't know how to explain it but...I feel attached to him? Like when we are apart, I just feel this longing and slight need to have him close."

"How long has this been happening?"

"Ever since my first tattoo. For the last few sessions, the feeling grew stronger, and it mostly hits me at night or when I'm alone."

"Are you sure it's not just sexual frustration? I mean you two have been flirting a lot over the past months so, have you taken that into consideration?" Seokjin questioned, though he knew the reason why Jungkook was feeling that way. 

"I have. That may be part of it but it's not the entire feeling that I'm getting. It feels deeper than just a mere attraction to him. I like his company, and I feel like I crave it more and more as the days go by."

"I see. Well, have you told Jimin about this?"

"No. I don't know how to have that conversation with him. I get nervous just by the thought of it."

"You can't keep living your life like that, Jungkook. This push and pull thing you two have going on between you, is going on long enough, in my honest opinion. So, one of you need to take the initiative and do something about it."

"How, though?"

"Did Jimin say anything to you that might hint at the prospect of you two being together?" Seokjin asked and waited as Jungkook sat quietly, obviously thinking back to the conversations he would've had with Jimin. 

"There's this thing that he seemed adamant about. But it seems childish to me."

"What is it?"

"Something about making a wish if there's something I want or would like to have but believe I wouldn't be able to attain...? Something like that."

"And what have you decided?"

"I haven't made a decision yet."

"Why not? Aren't you getting tired of drafting scenarios in your mind about what could be? Aren't you tired of only talking to Jimin to set up tattoo appointments? Aren't you tired of longing for a man that you know wants you? Aren't you tired of your attempts failing? Aren't you desperate, Jungkook?"

Seokjin knew he had to convince Jungkook since there's only three months left until his birthday and Seokjin would die if he and Jimin didn't get together by then. It's been too many years for Jimin to be searching for a companion and it's been too long that the men have been beating around the bush instead of being honest with each other about what they want.

Jungkook listened intently as the elder spoke and though his questions may be rhetorical, he had an answer for them. 

YES!

Yes, he was getting tired of the scenarios that plagued his mind night and day.

Yes, he's tired of only talking to Jimin about business related matters. 

Yes, he's tired of longing and pining over a man that he's 100 percent sure wants him. 

Yes, he's tired of his attempts not going completely according to his plans and most of all...

Yes, Jungkook is beginning to feel desperate, more so than ever.

"Jungkook?" Seokjin called, and it was then that the younger realized he was quiet longer than intended.

"It looks like I'll be making a wish for my birthday." Jungkook said with a smile and Seokjin almost leapt from his seat.

"WONDERFUL!!!!!! Now that we have that out of the way, I can finally breathe. Let's get down to business." 

💉🩸

When Jungkook told Seokjin that he wanted nipple piercings, Seokjin immediately dug through a drawer in search of jewelry. He came back with five pairs of barbells that were black and had interesting words on them that caused Jungkook to laugh and blush at the same time. 

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do." Seokjin said with a wink. Jungkook hummed and chose two pairs, after that he opted to get one of each which Seokjin thought was genius! Then Seokjin showed him "normal" rings that he can wear every day once his piercings were fully healed. 

Jungkook will not lie and say that the piercings didn't hurt. He would never tell such lies. But in his mind, it was worth all the pain as he looked at himself in front of the mirror. His nipples were swollen and there were little droplets of blood the trickled from the wound but despite that, Jungkook loved his new piercings. Not only did they add to his artistic expression, but they also showed another side to him that only one person would get to see.

"I can't say this enough, but you look GORGEOUS!!" Seokjin screeched while clapping his hands. Jungkook laughed, flicked his hair sassily and winked at himself in the mirror. 

"Oh yes, before I forget...here is your care package and it's important that you follow these guidelines. Your piercings will take about 9 to 12 months to heal but that can vary based on your body and how well you take care of your piercings." Seokjin informed, serious.

"Understood." Jungkook nodded and accepted the little package.

"There's a list of do's and don'ts included but be sure to wear loose cotton clothing for the first few months, soak the piercing in sea salt soak at least twice daily. Do not touch the piercing with your hands whether you've washed them or not and most importantly, do not fidget or mess with the jewelry while it's healing."

"Got it! Thank you..."

"Hyung." Seokjin said with a grin.

"Huh?" Jungkook asked, shocked and confused.

"You may call me Hyung, Jungkook."

"Thank you, hyung!" Jungkook teased with a wide smile and Seokjin couldn't resist the temptation, so he gently and carefully brought him into a warm hug.

💉🩸

Soon after Jungkook left, Jimin arrived to prepare for his first client of the day. 

"I've got GREAT news for you, Jimin." Seokjin said as soon as Jimin entered the studio. The male paused and looked at his hyung with intrigued yet suspicious eyes. 

"What is it?"

"I believe I've managed to convince Jungkook to make a wish for his birthday." Seokjin replied confidently.

"Really? How can you be so sure?"

"Well unlike you, I'm a bit more empathetic and most humans tend to use one's emotions against them whether for good or for bad."

"What did you...wait...Jungkook was here?" Jimin asked as if he just realized how Seokjin could've spoken to Jungkook.

"Yes, he was. He left 20 minutes before you arrived."

"And you couldn't even tell me?!"

"I'm telling you now, aren't I?"

"Ughh, hyung. Don't start with me."

"Anyways. I did that to him. I sort of played on his emotions to make him realize how tiring it is to play the game that you two seem to have. So, he told me that he'll be making a wish on his birthday." Seokjin chose to summarize the entire conversation. The most important part for Jimin was hearing that he'll soon have Jungkook as his companion. 

Jimin smiled and ran to his hyung, bringing him into a tight hug.

"What would I do without you, hyung?" he said sincerely. He's been trying to convince Jungkook but that didn't seem to be working in his favor and now, his future with the human is looking bright.

💉🩸

It's Saturday, August 31st and the time reads 08:00pm. Namjoon had invited Jungkook out to get his pre-birthday celebration started but Jungkook declined saying he'd rather just stay home and relax. Namjoon didn't think much of it since Jungkook wasn't really one to have a grand birthday celebration, so he shrugged his shoulders, grabbed his keys and left the apartment after ruffling Jungkook's hair. 

Jungkook felt loneliness beginning to creep inside of him then he heard a bark, followed by Bam jumping on top of him to lie down. Jungkook chuckled and scratched his puppy's ears. In times like these, Jungkook was glad to have Bam, and he appreciated him very much. Bam truly was his best friend, and he wouldn't trade him for the world. 

When Bam was satisfied with the treatment, he lifted his head and locked eyes with Jungkook. 

"What is it, pup?"

Bam responded by licking the tattoos on Jungkook's left arm, then he looked at him again with a head tilt. It was endearing how the puppy adopted some of Jungkook's character traits; this made Jungkook smile.

"What about my tattoos?" Jungkook asked but then Bam licked a small tattoo that was nestled between the microphone and snake tattoo. EXOTIC INK was inked in graffiti font to mimic the sign of the business. Jungkook's eyes widened when he saw what Bam was trying to communicate to him.

"Jimin?" he asked to be certain and received a bark in return.

"You're really a smart puppy...are you even a puppy? Or are you a shapeshifter?" Jungkook joked and Bam whined lowly as if to groan in annoyance. 

"Yes...whatever it is you want to ask about him is yes. I miss him...so much. More than words can explain." Jungkook sighed and rubbed Bam's back. The Doberman watched him closely, as if trying to understand what it means to miss someone. Jungkook, the dog whisperer answered the puppy's curiosity.

"It's like when I was away searching for an apartment like this with hyung and I left you home with my parents." Bam whined and rubbed his snout in Jungkook's chest. 

"Exactly, Bamie. You didn't like being away from me for so long and ever since then, you hardly ever let me out of your sight." Jungkook said softly, while comforting the pained puppy.

"It's similar with Jimin. I begin to miss him at the thought of being apart from him and I don't know how I ended up like this. So attached to a man that's still technically a stranger to me. Yet he makes me feel things that I can't even explain. He's special and I get sad when I'm not near him."

Jungkook wanted to distract himself from the pain in his chest and the emotional state he was currently in, so he turned the Tv on to watch one of his favorite series. Two hours later, Jungkook decided to take a shower after which he wore his long, green, see through pajamas and sat in one of his balcony chairs as he gazed into the night sky.

The night sky is magnificent to view. As the day progresses and the sun sets, a new beauty emerges from the bright night sky, which many people overlook. The constellations create pictures in the dark ceiling above us, as if they were visible from Earth.

Stargazing at night is a terrific way to reflect on life's issues, including existence, love, and more. A clean sky at night is breathtaking, with a gently sparkling blanket of stars and a great, brilliant moon rising through the darkness.

It's a relaxed time of day, free of plans and deadlines. It may be a peaceful time to study or simply a nice moment to reflect on life while admiring the beauty of a starry night sky, which everyone should enjoy every now and then.

Jungkook remembered watching the starry night sky when he was a little boy. He remembered how it brought him peace and comfort and how the little specks of glitter seemed to have all the answers within them. He also remembered making wishes when he was lucky to see a falling star every once in a while, and somehow...as a little boy, all his wishes had come true. 

So, Jungkook sits silently watching the beautiful night sky as he allowed his mind to roam and his heart to open. Tonight, with just a few hours left until his birthday, Jungkook knew he should be honest with the universe and himself. 

Jungkook didn't know how long he spent on the balcony but when he saw the stars twinkling brighter than they did before, he stood and held onto the rail, his eyes still focused on the sky. It was then that desperation start to fill him, his longing for a certain tattooed man had returned tenfold and Jungkook could barely stand on his own, opting to use the railing for support. 

A loud beeping echoed through his room and Jungkook swallowed. It was now 00:00, his birthday had officially started and Jungkook knew what he must do. Just then, a large blueish-white glow zoomed like quicksilver as it shot through the sea of twinkling stars in the once black sky. It was truly a beautiful sight and Jungkook was glad he didn't blink, otherwise he would miss it.

"Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight..." Jungkook began his wish just as he did when he was a child. 

"For so long I've wondered what it would be like to find someone that completes me. It started with wanting a tattoo that led to an admiration which bloomed into an attraction that somehow fermented into the uncontrollable want and lust and longing that I can't seem to put a stop to. It happens when I least expect it, yet it is not unwelcomed. His touch, his attention, his love is what I crave, and I cannot lie to others anymore. I cannot lie to myself anymore." Jungkook took a breath and allowed the words to flow from his heart.

"So, I Jeon Jungkook accept my blooming feelings for Park Jimin, the man I believe completes me as an individual and a life partner by extension. Though, if that may not be the will of the universe, I ask...no I wish to have Park Jimin in my life for at least one night." Jungkook said, the desperation lacing his voice as he kept his head towards the sky, his eyes scanning through the sea of stars, in search of something unknown.

"Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight." When Jungkook finished his wish, the sky glowed a deep crimson that almost appeared black though, Jungkook didn't pay attention to that. He was just waiting for a sign that the universe heard him, one he could see or feel to know that his wish had been granted. But after a minute of waiting, he sighed and hung his head. 

The belief and hope he had in the possibility of his wish coming true, dwindled as the clock continued to tick. Then he realized he only decided to give it a try since he was desperate and because Jimin told him to with such confidence. Even Seokjin encouraged him and Jungkook felt determined and found a new sense of hope that maybe just maybe it would work.

Now, Jungkook started to feel like an idiot...a hopeless romantic. Seriously, what was he thinking? Jimin wasn't going to appear just because he wished him to...that only works in movies...in fairy tales and this was reality.

A harsh one that Jungkook had to face.

With one last look at the starry sky, Jungkook stood straight and slowly turned around to head back into his room. However, the second he turned around he visibly jumped when he saw Jimin standing right in front of him. The man stood gaping at Jimin's sudden presence while Jimin sported a taunting smirk. It wasn't just Jimin's presence that had Jungkook gasping for air...it was his deportment.

Jimin wore only a pair of baggy sweats that hung dangerously low on his hips with his hands shoved into its pockets, exposing his Adonis belt. His entire tattooed torso was bare and Jungkook knew he was salivating. He's been wanting to see Jimin shirtless in person ever since he saw his photo on Instagram. But then, he remembered how to partially use his words and croaked,

“H-How?”

But all Jimin said was,

“Wish granted, Baby.” before he grabbed Jungkook’s hips and kissed him without allowing him to say another word. Jungkook’s brain worked his muscle memory as he kissed Jimin with the same intensity, care and passion as the latter did. Jimin’s lips were soft and indeed much thicker than Jungkook’s own, but they slotted against his perfectly.

Jungkook instantly melted into the kiss at that thought and wrapped his arms around Jimin’s neck while pulling him closer to his body. He felt as Jimin smirked while deepening the kiss. Then he felt Jimin’s hands inching lower until they reached the back of his thighs. And just like that, Jungkook was lifted effortlessly off the ground and secured in Jimin’s arms.

Their kiss broke momentarily as Jungkook was caught off guard by Jimin’s strength. Considering that Jimin’s frame was noticeably smaller than Jungkook’s and he probably weighed less than him as well, it was surprising that Jimin could pick him up so easily. Then, he thought back to when he got his dragon tattoo. The day he put all his weight onto the man and ended up grinding on him on the floor. 

Was Jimin playing with him and fell purposely just so he could get Jungkook on top of him? Or was he really taken off guard and lost his balance? Either way, as Jungkook remained airborne in Jimin's arms, he noted how Jimin wasn't struggling to hold him. Jimin stood perfectly still and kept his hands tight against Jungkook's thighs as he held him comfortably. Woah.

New kink unlocked!

When their kiss broke, the two took that time to catch their breaths. Jungkook stared down at Jimin, his mind still unable to make him aware of the reality. He made a wish and Jimin was here...in an instant. This couldn't be real...could it?

“Do you want this?” Jimin asked, breaking Jungkook from his stupor in that sexy low voice and Busan satoori that tickles Jungkook in the best ways ever. 

“Yes.” Jungkook answered confidently. Of course he wants this. He's been wanting Jimin ever since saw his photo, as bad as that sounds. It also warmed Jungkook’s heart that Jimin asked him instead of just having his way with him.

Consent is hot.

Jungkook’s firm answer was all the confirmation Jimin needed before he walked them over to Jungkook’s bed, where he laid him down gently before settling between his legs to resume their kiss, his tongue toying with his lip ring just like Seokjin said he would. Throughout the night, Jungkook wasn’t sure how long he was conscious during their love making.

He knows he was present when Jimin stripped him of his pajamas, kissed his neck and torso. He was present when Jimin cursed,

"What the fuck?" when he saw his pierced nipples. And when Jimin chuckled at his nipple rings: the right read "Suck It" and the left one said, "Bite Me". Jungkook had chosen those rings the day he decided to get his nipples pierced, unbeknownst to Jimin. Nevertheless, Jimin followed the clear-as-day instructions and lightly bit and sucked on the nipples that weren't completely healed yet.

Jungkook was also conscious when Jimin prepared him to take his length while giving him the best blow job he'd ever gotten. It was when Jimin slid into him that Jungkook’s consciousness took the back burner. His body worked on its own as Jimin worked inside him.

Jungkook’s body writhed in pleasure, clutching onto Jimin's body as he wanted them to be closer than close. He wanted their bodies to be pressed firmly against each other to become one.

His moans and whines were addictive to Jimin’s ears and that only spurred him on to make Jungkook see the stars that made this night possible. Jimin wanted this to be a night that Jungkook will never forget. The night when for the first time in his adult life, his wish came true.

The men rocked sensually against the impure sheets, sharing nothing but kisses, sweet nothings and the budding love that will surely bloom between them after tonight. As they continued to succumb to their lustful desires, they soon reached their climax and held tightly onto the other while they came down from their highs.

After a while, Jimin pulled out and rolled onto his back, lying next to Jungkook who was once again regaining control over himself.

“Are you alright?” Jimin asked softly. Jungkook looked at him and smiled then rolled onto his side to face Jimin.

“I am...” he replied and Jimin smiled knowing that Jungkook was going to ask questions.

“Jimin?”

“Hmm?”

“I have questions...”

“I'm listening.”

“How did you find my apartment? Where did you even come from and how did you get inside without me hearing you?”

Jimin mimicked Jungkook and faced him. He took his hand in his and spoke,

“I was home in my room watching the stars just as you were. I too made a wish when I saw the shooting star then suddenly a huge twinkling star appeared in front of me and well...I followed it. It led me to this building and to your door. It was unlocked and I just walked in.” Jimin looked Jungkook dead in his eyes when he relayed his ‘story’ about how he got there.

Jungkook looked at him and blinked...there was something odd about the whole situation that Jungkook couldn’t put his finger on. Jimin said he made a wish “too” ...how did he know that Jungkook made a wish when Jungkook wasn't even sure he'd make the wish? Jungkook and Jimin lived over two hours apart so how could Jimin possibly hear what Jungkook wished for?

“I wished to be with you tonight, Jungkook-ah. I know I wasn't exactly vocal about my interest in you, but I wanted you the moment we met. It was hard for me not to pounce on you whenever you had an appointment. Which was why I told you to make a wish for your birthday, hoping that by some weird luck that you and I would be together tonight.”

It was then that Jungkook smiled and shifted closer to Jimin to kiss him. Jimin deepened their kiss just as before, easily infiltrating Jungkook’s senses. They pulled away and smiled at each other.

“What happens now?” Jungkook asked, unsure yet hoping.

“Whatever you want to happen. But I want you to know that you are mine no matter what.” Jimin said and Jungkook bit his lip before climbing on top of Jimin and resting his head on his chest. Jimin quickly wrapped his arms around the larger male and whispered,

“Happy Birthday, Baby.” after which he placed a soft kiss on Jungkook's crown. Jungkook uttered a “Thank you” before he closed his eyes and allowed fatigue to take over him.

With Jungkook lying on top of Jimin fast asleep, he didn’t know that the man had a sinister smirk on his face. Jimin knew Jungkook didn’t believe him in the least, but Jimin didn’t care. Jimin meant it when he said Jungkook was his and he was ever since he laid eyes on him.

Jimin didn't lie to Jungkook when he said he came from another world and unbeknownst to Jungkook, he became the unsuspecting stranger to walk into a world that he and others were completely unaware of. His thirst and passion for art sealed his deal with Jimin the second the needle touched his skin. And now, he couldn’t get rid of Jimin even if he wanted to.

Jimin played with the curls by Jungkook's neck when he heard the bedroom door push open. Soon, the scent of a dog filled his nose and Jimin ran his tongue across his teeth. A growl was then heard close to the head of the bed and Jimin slowly turned his head to face Bam who was baring his teeth at him, snarling. 

Bam greeted Jimin when he entered the apartment and with a snap of his fingers, the poor puppy passed out and now Jimin was once again reminded that Jungkook had a dog. Just then, Bam lunged forward to attack Jimin, but the man was quick to lightly grab him by his throat. The sudden pressure and look from Jimin made the dog whimper.

"Aht aht aht...sit." Jimin commanded but Bam refused, there was no way that he'd surrender, submit to the likes of Jimin.

"If you value your life, you'd do as I say. I won't repeat myself." Jimin spoke in a low monstrous voice, maintaining eye contact with Bam. The look in Bam's eyes were almost hilarious to Jimin but he patiently waited as the dog looked at his owner who was deep asleep in the arms of the one who threatened him. As if weighing his options, Bam slowly knelt to the ground and made movements to lower his head. 

Jimin smiled and released the dog from his grasp. He petted him gently, a stark contrast to his earlier actions. "There we go. You're such a good boy, so obedient. No wonder Jungkook loves you." The man spoke in his normal voice; Bam kept his head down, internally shaking at the situation he's unwillingly gotten himself into.

"You should learn to grow use to my presence from now on, puppy. After all, we're family now." 

At that fact, Jimin’s smirk grew, and a low rumble erupted in his throat while his eyes glowed a dangerous crimson as he stared into a nearby mirror.