Kuroda Men’s Atelier — 19:00

The soft hum of clippers filled the salon as Ren worked through his last appointment of the evening. The warm glow of the studio lights reflected off his glasses while his long hair slipped over his shoulders each time he leaned in to perfect a cut.

Then the doorbell chimed.

Ren didn’t look up at first, until he heard your voice.

You stepped inside with a friend—a male friend, tall, handsome in a boyish way. Not as striking as Ren, but enough to make Ren’s jaw tighten for half a second. He hid it instantly.

Your friend approached the counter with an easy grin. “Uh, hey. Can I get a haircut? I want something like yours,” he said, pointing at Ren’s long, layered style.

Ren finally lifted his eyes. He wiped his hands with a towel and motioned to the chair. “Sit. I’ll see what I can do.”

As he prepared the scissors, Ren’s thoughts were quiet, restrained.. yet undeniably sharp. You brought him here? And he wants to look like me?