"I want to get a tattoo now."

The sudden announcement has Jaemin almost dropping his camera, luckily clutching it against his chest before any accidents could have happen.

He snaps his head to Jeno's way, "baby, what?" He's confused and shocked, not really expecting for Jeno to plan on doing this any time soon.

Of course Jeno has his own choices (Jaemin jokes that his mindset is obviously better than his), but hearing these kinds of choices in real life rather than in his thoughts catches him off guard.

It just feels weird, in a good way. Like a fresh start for Jeno, and seeing him more at ease makes Jaemin happy too.

Sometimes he worries if Jeno crosses the line or decides to do something too much, it will be his fault.

But recently, that isn't the case. Thanks to Jeno who always reassures him, he wouldn't do something that could harm other people or himself.

Jeno is like an animal in a cage, but now he has the freedom to do anything he wants to an extent thanks to Jaemin who opened up the cage and threw the lock away.

He has the choices to go back and hide in his cage or go out there to explore the world any time he wants to.

And currently, Jeno wants to explore.

"I wanna get a tattoo." Jeno repeats himself for Jaemin, peering up through his lashes. "It will be a small one, not too extra."

"Why?" Jaemin asks, setting his camera down and sits beside his boyfriend who instinctively clings to his side in a second. "Like... What made you want to get one now?"

Drawling a soft hum, Jeno purses his lips. "I've been thinking about it actually, but obviously there's some stuff we needed to go through..."

"And since my grandparents are leaving soon, remember what I said when I dyed my hair?" Jeno brings up with a tiny smile adorning his face.

"What's there to hide?"

Jaemin remembers it well, of course he does. Jeno was so happy and proud of himself, he– along with the others and especially Jaemin, couldn't stop gushing about his new hair.

Although it was a low-key and simple or basic color, their support was endless. This was one of Jeno's choices, and every firsts he will go through, they will support him.

Donghyuck and Yangyang joked he should dye his hair again or add a few more highlights. Mark also joined along and said he could surprise Jaemin once again or something.

"What's your plan then?" Jaemin asks, draping an arm around his shoulders.

Jeno chuckles, "I was wondering if you could do it."

Jaemin pauses, "sorry, I think I heard that wrong."

"Horny." Jeno scoffs jokingly.

The tattoo artist clicks his tongue. "'m not." Jeno pinches his cheek to tease him even more. "I'm just confused on what you meant."

"Jaem?" The said boy hums attentively, tilting his head down to meet Jeno's crinkling eyes as he smiles at him. "Can I schedule an appointment with you?"

𑁍

"Are you really sure– like a hundred percent sure you wanna do this?" Jaemin asks for the third time today.

Jeno chuckles at him in pure amusement. "Jaem..." Drawling out his name softly.

"I'm just asking and making sure you're not like– pressured on doing this. I want you to get your first tattoo willingly, like it's special." Jaemin rambles in response.

They are already in place, Jaemin's equipment are all set and Jeno's oddly comfortable on the chair. They ignore Johnny watching them nearby, quietly teasing them as Jaehyun scolds him for not sweeping the floor.

"Like, we can literally cancel if you want–"

"Jaemin." Jeno stops him by taking his hand in his and kissing his knuckles. "I'm a hundred percent sure, babe."

Taking a deep breath, Jaemin gulps. "I'm just worried for you.... But okay..."

He interlocks their fingers, squeezing Jeno's hand gently. "It's going to hurt."

"I'm aware." Jeno snorts. For goodness sake, his entire friend group is literally a bunch of people around his age with tattoos, piercings, or anything his grandparents wouldn't approve of.

And now he's about to do the same. Because as Jeno would really like to say one day: Fuck it.

"It's a slow and painful process."

"I know that too even though this is my first time."

"It's still stingy afterwards."

"Mhmm..."

"The area you've chosen is one of the most painful ones–"

"Are you trying to make me back out?" Jeno glares at him.

Johnny laughs at that, almost choking on his lunch. Jaemin discreetly flips him off, free hand twisted around to his back.

Jaemin sheepishly smiles, "sorry." He mumbles, lips pressed on the inside of his wrist. Where Jeno's tattoo will be placed.

"Can I see the design again?"

"You've seen it since this morning." Jeno raises a brow at him. "And I already told you the meaning of it."

"I know, I just like seeing it." Jaemin grins triumphantly to which Jeno rolls his eyes at.

"Cocky." Jeno mutters, Jaemin giggles in return as the brunet boy sighs. "Regardless, you'll see it again and again afterwards, Jaem."

"Fine..." Jaemin fakes his defeat as he softens up. "Tell me if it hurts, alright? I can pause any time..."

"True, it's not even his shift." Johnny comments out of the blue.

Jeno pokes his tongue against his inner cheek, "Jaem."

"Hm?"

"Just fuck it."

"Holy shit." Johnny and Jaemin coincidentally said in sync, eliciting a snicker from Jeno.

𑁍

The process was obviously slow and painful, like Jaemin had said. But in the end, Jeno knows it was worth it.

"It's going to hurt for a while." Jaemin reminds him after they're done. Eyes not leaving Jeno's wrist since then.

Jeno smirks, leaning in to kiss his jaw. "I know," fingers then brushing against Jaemin's arm. "Thank you again by the way."

"You're welcome, it's my job so it was pretty easy." Jaemin says, arm slithering around his waist to pull him close. "But you're a special customer. Took extra care of you."

"Kinky." Johnny coughs as he passes by them with a broom in hand. Jeno cackles as Jaemin grumbles at the elder man.

"Can't wait to show this off." They share a knowing smirk before Jaemin offers to take him out for dinner, Jeno messaging his mom to let her know.

𑁍

Thoughts???

Tattoo will be revealed next chapter ❤️

It's almost pride month!!! 🤩🤲