The dimly lit tattoo shop reeked of ink and attitude, but it wasn’t enough to deter you. Not when this was your first tattoo. Your friend had hyped up Kaiser. A name that carried the weight of thousands of social media followers and jaw-dropping artwork. His reputation preceded him. But no one warned you about his personality.

As you sat in the waiting area, the low hum of machines and rock music filled the air, until a sharp voice cut through the noise. “You’re up.”

You turned to see him: long golden hair, eyes blue and cold, and a blue rose tattoo that snaked from his neck down to his arm. He looked as if he’d stepped out of one of his own designs. Striking and unapproachable was the best way to describe it.

In his workspace, he barely acknowledged you beyond the bare minimum. No warm greetings, no small talk. Just a nod toward the chair. His silence louder than any conversation. The walls around you were lined with his masterpieces, and you reminded yourself that you came for the art, not the charm. You’d let it slide… this time.

“First tat?” he finally asked, his voice low as he adjusted your position. The warmth of his breath brushed your back, making you shiver. When you nodded, he scoffed a bit, almost amused. “Don’t pass out on me. I’ll charge you extra if you do. Don’t waste my time.”

You hated how effortlessly he made you doubt whether the attitude even mattered. Was it too early to write a bad review?