Chapter 3: Closer Than Comfort

After sending the customer off, Derek walked over, pulling off his gloves.

He flicked them into the trash, hands quick and sure, then ran a hand through his hair, eyes softening when they landed on me.

His gaze landed on my left ear, a bit helpless.

"Miss, it's inflamed again?"

His voice was gentle, but the teasing glint in his eyes made it clear he wasn’t buying my act for a second.

I nodded, not daring to meet his eyes.

My fingers twisted in my hoodie pocket, picking at the fabric, suddenly wishing I could melt into the floor.

Suddenly, Derek bent down and leaned in close.

I caught the scent of his aftershave—something woodsy, a little sweet—and my heart somersaulted.

His deep, roguish features instantly magnified before me.

My back went rigid, my breath caught for a moment.

I stared blankly at the person in front of me.

His lips parted like he was about to say something, but instead, he just studied my face for a heartbeat longer than necessary.

He reached out and touched my ear.

His hands were cool, but his touch was gentle. I shivered—half from the sting, half from how close he was.

I had a feeling my cheeks must be as hot as my swollen ear.

I was sure my blush reached the tips of my ears. His thumb brushed just beneath the lobe, and for a second, I forgot to breathe.

But Derek's words poured cold water on me.

"Do you know what happens if it keeps getting inflamed?"

"Swelling, pus, overgrowth, tissue damage."

"What, don't want your ear anymore?"

His tone wasn't harsh, even gentle.

But it was obvious he knew I was doing it on purpose.

"I..."

My mouth opened and closed, caught between wanting to confess and wanting to run away. My thoughts raced with excuses—none of them good enough.

I looked helplessly at Derek, not knowing how to explain.

Just then, a flood of barrage comments appeared in front of me: *[LOL, the shy girl would rather get her ear infected than say she likes him.]* *[The tattooed guy is a brooding heartthrob, just touching her ear, his mind is racing, but he keeps a straight face, afraid of scaring her.]* *[The girl is too timid to speak, and the heartthrob, being so guarded, has his own worries, so he suffers in a secret crush, and in the end, misses out while the rival swoops in.]* *[Just go for it, girl! Don't let this brooding hottie slip away—his skills are top notch!]*

I blinked in confusion.

Did people really see right through me like that? Was I that obvious?

Is... it really like this?

My heart pounded so loud I was sure he could hear it.

I swallowed, stammering: "Um, actually... I..."

Derek's captivating eyes locked onto me.

His gaze was steady—serious, but not unkind. He waited.

"Hm?"

He lifted his chin just a fraction, encouraging me without pushing.

I froze up.

The words twisted in my mouth. I wanted to tell him the truth—really, I did. Instead, my tongue tied itself in knots.

My sudden courage vanished without a trace.

I chewed my lip, heartbeat thundering, and blurted before I could stop myself—"I want a tongue piercing."

The words hung in the air like a dare. My cheeks flamed. Part of me wanted to disappear, but another part—a tiny, reckless part—waited for his reaction.

The air suddenly went silent.

His hand paused mid-air, Adam’s apple bobbing. For a second, his eyes went dark, unreadable.

His mouth went tight, jaw working like he was chewing over a hundred things he wanted to say.