Forged - [Donald Na x female oc]

Chapter 8

"Ray, so glad you're here!"

Without warning, Ray was swiped off her feet into a strong bear hug.

"Huh, why? What's going on?" she was surprised at the urgency in her friend's voice, as she only randomly decided to enter his salon.

"I really really need a bit of your time. I'll take you out to eat so please just help me out, will you?"

"Woah okay. What are we talking about?"

"I'm in a real hurry and I couldn't finish the aftercare process on one of my gold clients. Can you please do it for me? I almost sent them away without it..."

"Sure, no prob. What booth?"

"On the left. Thanks a lot, kid!"

Ray sighed, amused at the situation. It wasn't the first time Michael asked her for assistance. But it wasn't a problem. She liked helping him out.

This would be the first time she'd be by herself with a client, though. Hopefully, the person wouldn't mind. But since they were a regular, they probably got to know Michael well enough to let this one slide.
He was quite a character.

"Hello. My name is Ray and I am Mr. Michael's assistant. I will be finishing off your tattoo aftercare. May I please enter?"

"Yes"

Ray felt a weird chill as she opened the curtain, but she quickly straightened herself.

"Hello, I am pleased to meet you... s-sir..." her words trailed off.

Crimson red eyes were staring back at her. She wanted to punch herself for calling him sir, though she tried to act unbothered. She was hoping that it was too quiet for him to hear.

"For someone who isn't seeing me for the first time, you sure are shocked."

"Uhm yeah, well, I wasn't really expecting to see you here"

"Did you think I did my tattoos myself or what? I know I'm talented and all that but there's so much I can do."

"N-no? Of course not. Stop flattering yourself."

Ray almost sounded flustered. The reason for that, she didn't quite know it.

"Are you really a licensed assistant?" he asked, serious.

"Will you refuse the service if I say no?"

"I'd never give up an opportunity where you serve me."

Ray wished to punch him and to erase that shit-eating grin off his face.

"Don't you think you have enough tattoos already?" she asked indiscreetly, something she'd never ask any other customer. Or any other person in general, really.

"Is that how you talk to all customers here?"

"Nope, it's only lucky you that gets special treatment"

"Wow, I'll sure return if that's how I'm treated"

"Anyway, in case you do return, the studio does offer tattoo removal services."

The line was delivered with utmost hostility. Smug and full of herself, she sure knew how to attack him better than anyone ever even dared to think.
He only gave a mumble in response, asking for a follow-up.

"Oh, well, I thought you'd wanna remove those cringy ass knuckle tattoos."

Like clockwork, she quickly glanced at the upper corner of the room. Donald followed her gaze unintentionally, yet when he saw the surveillance camera, he understood she was doing it just to spite him.