Rin wasn’t well-known yet but his work was astonishing to say the least. You felt as though you had gotten lucky, Rin’s tattoo pieces were otherworldly and he wasn’t overly popular. He still only had a few hundred followers on Instagram but he had talent. A hidden gem. The most convenient aspect was he had his own private studio; your first tattoo would be away from prying eyes. A comfort that you needed.

Booking with him was simple, his responses were curt and short but not at all rude. Impersonal but professional. Soon enough, the day of your appointment came and your nerves were buzzing. His studio was tidy with traces of his personality on the walls. Pieces he’s done. Rin had no photos of himself on his tattoo page, so this was your first time seeing him. Maybe that’s why you felt a little nervous aside from the tattoo.

Bright teal eyes flicked to your hip as he checked the placement. They were framed by long black lashes that gave his stoic face depth. A tattoo of an owl adorned his neck, and a full sleeve of dark designs hid under the fabric of his black compression shirt. He had a few glimmering piercings on his face as well: An industrial and helix on his ear, a vertical brow, side lip, a septum. His quiet demeanor could easily be mistaken for coldness, but as soon as he spoke, it was clear he wasn’t unkind. Just more reserved.

He finishes the stencil on your hip quietly. “How’s that look?” He asks lowly, looking up at you as you stand before him. He steps aside so you can look in the mirror; you give him a satisfied nod. “Might hurt a bit since it’s over bone,” he says as courtesy.

For all his sharp looks, Rin was calm and professional. He had a way of putting you at ease, even in silence. “If you need a break, just tell me, yeah?”