Hell & Back

10: Tattoos

Minho swallowed hard, then nodded again. "Okay, I'll tell you everything I know," he said, starting to explain everything to the others. He shared details about the Spiders' hideouts, key members, and their operations, providing as much information as he could remember.

Later that night, Minho stayed at Felix's and Chan's house since the Spider gang would try to find him at his own place. Chan let Minho borrow some clothes, and they settled in for the night. Chan was on the balcony, smoking a cigarette when Minho came outside.

"Hey," Minho said, smiling at the older boy.

"Hey," Chan replied, his smile warming as he looked at Minho.

"Thank you for telling us about the Spider gang," Chan said, his gaze steady on Minho.

"It's no problem at all, actually," Minho responded, chuckling. He then showed Chan his tattoo from the Spiders. "This is my first tattoo, and I already hate it so much."

Chan's eyes widened slightly at the sight of the tattoo. Minho continued, "Do you know if I could cover it up with a Hell's Strays tattoo if you have one for your gang?"

Chan was taken aback. "You know, if you get a tattoo of our gang, you'll have to stay?"

Minho looked at his tattoo and then into Chan's eyes. "I'm willing to stay with you."

Chan's heart fluttered at Minho's words. The sincerity and resolve in Minho's voice made Chan's feelings for him intensify. He took a deep drag from his cigarette, his mind racing with the implications of Minho's commitment.

"Are you sure about this?" Chan asked, his voice softer, tinged with concern and affection.

Minho nodded, determination in his eyes. "I am. I want to be here, with you and Felix. I don't want to go back to that life."

Chan's heart ached with a mix of relief and something deeper. He flicked the cigarette ash away and reached out, gently squeezing Minho's hand. "Alright. We'll figure out a way to cover that tattoo and make sure you're safe. You don't have to go through this alone."

Minho smiled, feeling a sense of belonging that had been missing for so long. "Thank you, Chan."

Chan smiled back, feeling a warmth he hadn't expected. The night air felt lighter, and the stars above seemed to shine a bit brighter as they stood together, united by their newfound bond.

The next day, Chan led Minho to the Hell's Strays hideout, a place that buzzed with the usual activity of gang members going about their day. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of camaraderie and purpose that Minho hadn't experienced in the Spider gang.

As they entered, several members greeted Chan and cast curious glances at Minho. Chan nodded in acknowledgment, guiding Minho through the hideout to a small room set up for tattooing.

"Here we are," Chan said, gesturing to a chair and a table with tattooing supplies. "I'm going to give you the Hell's Strays tattoo myself. It's a tradition for new members, and I want you to know that you're officially part of our family."

Minho took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He took a seat in the chair, and Chan began to prepare the equipment. Minho looked around, feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety. The room was filled with various Hell's Strays symbols and artwork, reinforcing the gang's identity.

Chan glanced at Minho, noticing the nervousness in his eyes. "You okay?"

Minho nodded, managing a small smile. "Yeah, just a bit anxious."

Chan gave him an encouraging smile. "It'll be fine. I promise. This tattoo will be a symbol of your new start."

As Chan began the tattooing process, he worked with skilled precision. Minho winced slightly at the sensation, but Chan's steady hand and calm demeanor helped to soothe his nerves. They talked as Chan worked, discussing the gang's history, the camaraderie among its members, and how Minho could find his place within their ranks.