There was clear lingering tension between Chinsun and Jongin following their last exchange. However neither took the initiative to clear up the air. At least Chinsun did not as she was fully engaged in making arrangements for the group tattoo.

“We’re getting our tattoos here…?” Baekhyun gawked in disbelief as he and Jongdae walked in.

With Mama Kim’s permission, Chinsun had cleared out one of the less used rooms in the funeral home. Standing in the middle of the room was a reclining chair with sterilising materials and all tools required for a tattoo session. Sitting on a stool with latex gloves and a mouth mask was no other than Mark who was checking the tattoo pen and testing its pressure on an apple.

“You are the one who will be doing the tattoo?” Baekhyun continued with gasps of disbelief. “What are you really?”

“I’m a man of many talents,” Mark chirped while wiggling his eyebrows.

Leaning against the doorframe, Jongin let out a loud scoff, outwardly showing his distaste towards Mark’s comment. Chinsun’s mouth twitched, hinting that she wanted to say something but refrained herself, not wanting to cause a scene with Jongin in front of everyone else.

Meanwhile, Jongdae stood frozen upon seeing the tattoo pen, all colour draining from his face as he wondered whether he was mentally and physically prepared for what was to come. He had a low pain tolerance and had always avoided extreme activities. That ranged from sports to getting his ears pierced as well as tattoos. Noticing this, Baekhyun threw an arm around Jongdae, giving him a good shake to lighten up his mood.

“So what fancy design will we be getting?”

“An endless knot,” Chinsun explained, taking out a paper with the rough sketch of the tattoo design. “The intertwining lines serves as a reminder that all events are conjoined together in a cycle of cause and effect, while also signifying the binding of karmic destiny. As a symbol, the endless knot has been described as representing the interweaving of the spiritual path and the flowing of time and movement within all that is eternal. More relevant to us however, it that it represents eternal love and friendship.”

Baekhyun let out a low whistle and even Jongdae was left in awe at the meaning and depth of the tattoo design.

“It’s going to just be a black knot,” Mark added. “We’ll be keeping it simple and straightforward.”

“Where do we get it?” Jongdae dared to ask.

“That’s up to you,” Mark replied. “Wherever you feel will best add meaning and importance to the tattoo. The more significant the location is for you personally, the stronger the bond will be.”

“And how does it work exactly?” Jongdae gulped. “Do we need to give you blood or something for you to mix together with the ink?”

“Someone has been reading too much supernatural books,” Mark snorted while shaking his head. “Just leave those details to me. All you have to do is lie down and swallow the pain.”

“Can you even be trusted?” Baekhyun squinted his eyes at the male.

“He did my tattoos,” Chinsun interjected, unconsciously rolling up her sleeves so that her white bujeok tattoos were on full display.

“Huh,” Jongdae and Baekhyun stated in unison, somehow simultaneously shocked and unsurprised by the news.

“Less dawdling and more action.” Mark clapped his hands loudly. “Who’ll go first?”

Jongdae and Baekhyun stared at each other, neither daring to move. Biting back a chuckle, Chinsun took a step towards the reclining chair but a toned arm pushed her aside. Without uttering a sound, Jongin plopped himself down, keeping his eyes focused to the front. Mark raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Turning towards the others, he waved a dismissive hand at them.

“Go entertain yourselves outside. Once I’m done with Jongin the next one can come in.”

Chinsun glanced at Jongin before turning around and pushing Jongdae and Baekhyun out of the room. Now that they were alone, Mark sighed loudly while cracking his neck.

“Where do you want the tattoo?”

Still refusing to speak, Jongin simply removed his shirt and pointed to his chest where his heart was located.