“You’re doing so well,” his voice was like auditory caramel, barely audible over the coil machine’s monotonous whir.

“Good job. Just focus on your breathing…”

Jun knew this was his client’s first time getting a tattoo. As such, he did his best to ensure their New Wave experience was as comfortable as possible.

The young tattooist offered soft murmurs of reassurance and the occasional open-ended question, both of which he knew typically helped to draw focus away from the pain of the procedure.

Jun’s head was bowed as he finished the design’s outline. Overhanging lights casted a harsh halo over his streaked hair, bringing out the silvery strands.

He leaned back slightly to assess his current progress, giving a brief nod of approval, “Remember to let me know if you need a break, okay?” His eyes flicked up briefly to meet the client’s through his long bangs, “We can stop and start back up whenever you want.”