INK AND SHADOWS [???]

Hara stood in front of her wardrobe, tugging at her hair in frustration.

Her clothes screamed rebellion—leather jackets, ripped jeans, crop tops, and black dresses.

Everything reflected her punk, grunge aesthetic, and nothing remotely looked like what someone might wear on a romantic date.

She sighed deeply, muttering to herself,

"If Jay really likes me, he'll have to deal with this side of me too."

Her thoughts wandered back to the night before, the kiss she hadn't expected, and how he had discovered her secret life.

Just thinking about it made her cheeks flush. Shaking her head to clear her mind, she grabbed a simple black dress and her favorite leather jacket, deciding she wouldn't overthink it.

When she finally stepped out of her room, Jungkook and Jay both did a double take.

Jungkook was the first to break the silence.

"That's what you're wearing?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Don't you have anything... cute? A dress or something?"

Hara glared at him. "Seriously? This is your fault! You raised me in this punk world of yours. Don't expect me to have pink, frilly dresses lying around."

Jungkook chuckled but gave Jay a pointed look.

"Whatever, just remember, kid. No funny business or weird stuff, got it?"

Hara groaned. "I'm leaving!" she snapped, storming out the door, clearly annoyed.

Jay followed her, catching up as they reached the sidewalk.

He glanced at her outfit and smirked. "Did you wear that to annoy me? Are you trying to make me hate you?"

Hara crossed her arms defensively. "No, I just don't own anything cute. It's not my thing."

Jay stopped walking, his smirk turning into a warm smile.

"Alright then. Let's fix that."

Before she could respond, he led her to his car.

Hara froze in shock.

"You brought a car instead of your bike?"

Jay opened the passenger door for her, his grin growing wider.

"I wanted to make today memorable. A bike ride doesn't scream 'first date,' does it?"

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, and she silently climbed into the car.

As she settled in, Jay leaned over to buckle her seatbelt.

Their faces were so close she could feel his breath, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

Hara's heart raced, but before she could say anything, Jay pulled back and started the car.

They arrived at the shopping mall, and Hara followed Jay, still unsure of what he had planned.

"What's your go-to store?" he asked casually.

She hesitated. "I usually shop at Dongdaemun market. It's affordable."

Jay chuckled, shaking his head. "Not today."

He guided her to the Miu Miu store.

Hara's jaw dropped. "Are you insane? This place is ridiculously expensive!"

Jay looked at her calmly. "I don't care about the price. I'll happily spend money on someone I love."

Her face turned crimson at his straightforwardness.

As she tried on several dresses, Jay patiently waited, occasionally suggesting outfits.

Finally, he picked out a simple yet elegant pink dress and handed it to her.

"This one," he said confidently.

"It suits you."

Reluctantly, Hara put it on, and when she stepped out, Jay's eyes widened.

"You look... perfect," he murmured, unable to hide his admiration.

As if that weren't enough, he took her to his favorite salon next.

Hara gawked at the luxurious interior.

"This place is for idols and celebrities!" she exclaimed.

"I made a reservation," Jay said casually.

"You deserve the best."

The stylists worked their magic, giving her soft makeup, swapping her glasses for contact lenses, and styling her hair with a large ribbon.

When they were finished, Hara hardly recognized herself in the mirror.

She looked... delicate, almost like a doll.

When Jay saw her, his breath hitched. He couldn't stop staring.

"You're beautiful," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.

"Thank you"

Blushing furiously, Hara followed him to his car, and they drove to a fancy restaurant.

Jay had reserved a private room and ordered the restaurant's most recommended dishes.

As they ate, Hara couldn't help but ask, "Are you really okay spending so much money on me? I could've paid for my own food."

Jay shook his head. "I'm the one who asked you out. It's my responsibility. This is just the bare minimum."

Her heart fluttered at his words, and she focused on her meal, smiling despite herself.

Jay watched her with a soft expression, whispering under his breath, "I'm glad I ordered that."

The night grew late, and Jay drove her home. But before they reached her house, Hara suddenly asked,

"Can we make a quick stop?"

Jay glanced at her curiously. "Where to?"

"The tattoo shop," she said.

Confused but intrigued, Jay parked outside the shop.

Hara unlocked the door and led him inside. She flipped on the lights, revealing a space filled with designs, tattoo machines, and artwork.

"If you really love me," she began nervously, "there's one more secret you need to know."

Jay tilted his head, watching her carefully. "I won't judge. Go ahead."

Taking a deep breath, Hara walked to a tapestry covering the wall behind the counter.

She pulled it aside, revealing a collection of photos—pictures of her with her clients, proudly showcasing their tattoos.

"I'm also a tattoo artist," she confessed, turning to face him.

"This is who I am. Are you sure you still want me? Do you still like me?"

Jay stepped closer, his intense gaze locking with hers.

He caged her against the wall with his arms, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"100% sure," he whispered.

"I love you so much."

Before she could respond, he kissed her, deep and passionate, as if nothing else in the world mattered but them.