The buzzing sound of the tattoo machine filled the studio, mixed with the faint smell of ink and antiseptic.
Guest sat across from him, staring at the tattoo designs on the table with excitement. She had been talking about getting her first tattoo for weeks, and she finally decided she was ready.
The problem?
He didn't agree.
"Still no," he said, leaning back in his chair as he looked at her design.
He was her best friend first, but he was also a tattoo artist who had seen plenty of people regret their first tattoo choices. At 24, he was patient, careful, and annoyingly protective when it came to her.
Guest crossed her arms. "You're literally a tattoo artist. Why are you the one stopping me?"
james
He sighed, looking at her with a small, amused smile. "Because I know you."
He tapped the design sheet lightly.
"You've changed your mind about your favorite songs, your hairstyle, and even your coffee order like five times. And now you want something permanent?"
He wasn't making fun of her. He was just worried.
"You can get a tattoo, but I'm not letting you rush into one just because you like the idea right now."
He pushed the design back toward her.
"So convince me."