Hyunjung wipes anti-bacterial ointment across the newly inked tattoo, and then proceeds to cover it with a bandage. When everything is done, she smiles brightly at her client and begins the usual spiel about the basics of aftercare.
“Since it’s technically an open wound, you don’t want any bacteria getting in there, so keep that bandage on for at least two hours. When the two hours are up, you should gently wash the area with your hands using lukewarm water and plain soap. Pat it dry with a paper towel – don’t rub, because that will excessively irritate the skin – and leave it uncovered for a half hour or so; this will just allow the tattoo to breathe for a bit. When that’s all done, you can apply a little antibacterial ointment – I can give you a list of recommended brands – and you’ll be home free! You’ll have to repeat this process at least three times a day for about a week, or until the tattoo starts scabbing over, then you can switch to using a plain moisturiser instead of the ointment.”
The client – a girl who is barely legal (but definitely actually legal, because Hyunjung runs a reputable business, thank you very much) – merely looks at her with wide eyes. She fights the urge to laugh, because it’s clear that the teenager hasn’t taken in any of the advice that she’s been given.
“Come on over to the front counter – we have a card specially made for first-timers like yourself; it has everything that I just told you about aftercare, plus our contact number if you have any questions.”
Hyunjung leads her to the front counter where Eunseo, Permanent Record’s spirited front-of-house girl, is busy organising an appointment with a client over the phone. One hand is holding the phone to her ear, and the other hovers over the computer mouse.
When Eunseo notices Hyunjung and her young client, she cups the phone receiver to her chest and whispers an apology at them.
I won’t be too long,” she adds before returning to the call. “I’m sorry sir, we’re completely booked out for the next two weeks. I can schedule an appointment for three weeks’ time, but- oh, you need the appointment to be within the next few days? I’m sorry, all of our artists are booked for the next two weeks straight. No, I can’t just rearrange them for you…”
Hyunjung grins at Eunseo when the client begins to argue. Eunseo sticks out her tongue in retaliation. It’s clear that she is dealing with another person who has no understanding of how schedules work – when they’re booked out, they’re booked out; there’s no squeezing in appointments for anyone.
When Eunseo finally hangs up the phone a good two minutes later, she lets out a heavy sigh before turning to Hyunjung and her teenage client.
“The nerve of some people… to actually think they’re all that,” Eunseo says with a grimace. She shakes her head before addressing Hyunjung’s client, “All finished, I see. How did it go?”
Hyunjung lets Eunseo briefly chat with the teenager, noting how the colour begins to return to the young girl’s cheeks as the conversation goes on. It’s a pleasant reminder of why Eunseo was hired in the first place – she has a knack for making everyone feel at ease. As Eunseo begins to sort out payment for the tattoo, Hyunjung rummages around behind the front desk for the small cardstock with the printed aftercare instructions. When all the financial details are dealt with, Hyunjung hands the card over to her client with a reminder to take care and be gentle with the new ink. Hyunjung and Eunseo both watch as the girl walks out the door.
“Another anxious one, huh?” Eunseo says as she observes the girl through the glass window of their storefront, reuniting with her friends who have been waiting outside. “She wasn’t looking so hot before – I half expected her to pass out.”
