First Time Ink (Love Sync Ink #6)

Chapter 1

Chapter One

Jin

I pull my scarf around my throat, shivering at how chilly the air is today. It’s finally spring. The snow is melting, the air is slowly warming up, and I can leave my apartment without feeling like my body is going to freeze solid.

Being a Seraphim means I am an angelic being that was born of this world through fire.

More specifically, I was born during an active volcano eruption.

Do I understand all the details? Not really.

Something about the Earth storing up energy and releasing it in the form of an eruption that somehow creates my kind.

One moment, I’m a floating spirit in the Heavenly realm and the next, I’m waking up in fire as a complete and whole being.

However it works, I’m happy to be here. Being alive is so much fun!

Way better than the nebulous spirit I was before all of this happened.

I have a feeling I used to be someone, a long time ago.

I sometimes have dreams of a different time, like maybe this is my second life, but I’m not too worried about figuring that all out.

Why would I when I have this life to live?

I’ve only been in this town for about four months now. I haven’t properly been able to explore it yet because of the snow, but today feels like the perfect day to finally venture out and check things out.

My wings are pulled tight against my back despite the fact that they’re currently in the ethereal plane. I wouldn’t want them bumping into people but because they’re part flame, they help keep me warm in the spring air.

A few people walk past me, going in the opposite direction of me. They must have the same idea. It’s finally time to get outside. I give them a friendly nod as I go.

I like people. They fascinate me. They’re so different yet all connected in some way.

Community and families and relationships.

Sometimes when I’m alone at home, I just try to picture inserting myself in things like that.

It leaves my head spinning and my chest aching with something I can only describe as longing.

I have all these memories and feelings despite only being alive for a short time. I might be new to the world but I’m not new.

My existence is confusing. That’s okay, I know no other way.

I’m renting an upstairs apartment that’s downtown.

It’s close enough for me to walk to a bunch of locations.

I have enjoyed so much takeout this winter despite my wallet crying at me.

I really need to find a job as soon as possible before I run through the rest of my savings. Today, my destination is the mall.

It’s time to check everything out, including this huge mall. I’ve heard so much about it! Plus, I figured it would be a great place to see if any stores are looking for help. Two birds with one stone or however that saying goes.

As I step inside, I’m overwhelmed with new sights and sounds and smells.

It hits me all at once. I take a moment to just breathe it in and experience it.

I love experiencing new things. I love discovering.

My heart warms in a way that makes me feel excited all over.

If I was a chihuahua I think I’d be absolutely shaking right now.

I smile to myself as I slip off my gloves, tucking them into the pocket of my jacket. I shake out my bright red hair and adjust the headband I always wear, making sure it’s in place.

Entering through this door means I’ve come in through the food court. There’s stalls to both my right and my left. Everything smells so fucking good. There’s a bakery to my left that I wander over towards. A man with orange hair and a bright smile greets me. His nametag says ‘Mason’.

“Good morning,” Mason says in greeting. “What can I get you?”

I look up at the board. My stomach rumbles, reminding me that I skipped breakfast this morning. “Could I please have a cinnamon roll?”

“You got it!” Mason tells me my total and I quickly swipe my card.

“Is it always so slow?”

Mason shakes his head. “It’s still early. People have work and stuff,” he says with a smile. “Are you new to town? Sorry if that’s rude, I’ve just never seen you before and I’m pretty good at remembering faces.”

“That’s not rude at all! This is my first time here,” I say with a grin, happy to have someone to talk to. “I’m sort of new to town. I moved to Nanio about four months ago.”

I really need to force myself out of the house more often, even when it’s cold outside. The cold might be my mortal enemy but that shouldn’t hold me back! There are people to meet and experiences to be had!

“That’s awesome,” Mason says brightly. He’s good at this whole customer service thing. Or maybe he’s just got that sunshine personality. “How are you liking it here so far?”

“It’s cold,” I say right away. “But now that it’s warming up, I like it. The town is so busy all the time!”

Mason nods his head. “We always have something going on, that’s for sure.” He turns around, grabbing a bag from another worker and handing it over to me. “It was really nice meeting you. I hope you’ll stop by again!”

“Thank you,” I say, taking the bag. “I think I will.”

It’s probably dumb to try to eat this on the go but that’s exactly what I do.

I take the roll out of the bag and shove half of it into my mouth in one go.

The icing drips down my chin and slides down my fingers but I don’t care because oh my gods, this is delicious.

Thank Christ for modern teeth health because I have an insatiable sweet tooth. The sweeter the better!

I hum happily as I walk through the mall, checking out all the different stores. None of them really interest me but that’s okay. It’s still nice to walk around, stretch my legs, while not freezing my ass off. The mall stretches out in four directions with a central square in the middle.

Near the food court area is a stand that sits in the middle of the walking area. The smell makes me draw near. I toss my trash away and do my best to clean my fingers before wandering over.

It’s a coffee cart and it smells delicious.

“Howdy,” the barista greets.

“Hi,” I say, looking everything over. “Can I please try a peppermint mocha?”

The barista flashes me a grin, gives me my total, and then turns to start making my drink. I watch him go, fascinated by how everything works.

While I wait, I notice the sign sitting at the register. ‘Help Wanted’. This is perfect! I could work here, surrounded by so many people, getting to learn a new skill while also meeting a bunch of new people!

My heart gives a happy squeeze inside my chest at the prospect. As soon as the barista is back, I gently take the cup from him and point at the sign.

“You’re looking for help?”

“Yeah, I have some people going back to school after winter break and could use the help.”

“I’m interested and I can start as soon as you need,” I say with a grin.

The barista blinks a few times before really taking me in. “Do you have experience with being a barista?”

“Nope,” I say, “but I’m a really quick learner and this also means I have no bad habits you need to train out of me.”

“I can’t really guarantee full time hours or anything like that.”

“Anything is fine,” I tell him, sticking out my hand. “I’m Jin, by the way.”

He shakes my hand. “I’m Peter. I own this coffee cart but you’ll mostly be working with Becca. She’s the one I trust to train everyone and take care of things when I’m not here.”

Excitement thrums through my very veins. He’s talking like I’m already hired! This is amazing!

“When can I start?”

“How does Monday work for you? You can come in at nine? I would say sooner but there’s a ton of stuff happening over the weekend and the last thing I want to do is overwhelm you on your first day.”

“Monday is perfect,” I say, the grin plastered on my face. “Should I wear anything in particular?”

Peter shakes his head. “Just make sure to have comfortable shoes on because you’ll be on your feet all day.”

“You got it. Thank you for this opportunity,” I say, giving a slight bow of respect. Peter gives me a bright smile, taking the sign away from the register and setting it below.

I continue through the mall, sipping my peppermint mocha, over the moon with happiness at finding a job so quickly.

Some things just slot into place. I like that about life.

These mysterious things that fall into place without even needing to stress about it.

Sometimes you have to work your ass off for things, and other times, it’s like a magnet getting too close to another magnet; they snap together.

My insides light up again when I see ‘The Devil’s Sweet Tooth’. A candy store? I should have come to the mall the day I arrived in town!! My mouth is already watering thinking about all the goodies they must have inside.

I walk in, my eyes widening as I take everything in.

I understand the saying ‘a kid in a candy shop’ a whole lot better all of a sudden.

There’s an entire wall of buckets filled with loose candy so you can customize your own bag of candy.

There’s candies from different countries.

There’s every flavor imaginable. I’m so overwhelmed but in the best possible way.

Chocolates and sweets and sours and gummies and everything in between.

“Oh my gods,” I whisper to myself.

At the front of the store, there’s someone behind the counter. Leaning against the same counter is a security guard. I’m pretty sure they’re flirting because the guy who’s working has bright red cheeks while the security guard chuckles.

They’re kinda cute together.

I pick up a bulk bag of candy. It’s a variety pack from the wall of loose candy.

This will be perfect! I can try everything out and see which are my favorites.

Then I pick up a variety box of chocolates to try as well.

When I step up to the counter, the security guard is leaning across the counter, kissing the guy’s cheek.

They both jump away from each other when I clear my throat.

“Umm,” the guy behind the counter says, wiping his cheek and looking flustered. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine,” I say with a shrug. “It was kinda cute, seeing you guys together.”

“It was unprofessional,” he says, glaring at his partner which only makes the security guard chuckle.

Now that I’m up here, I realize with a start that I recognize the security guard. “Oh! Hi, Nicolai!”

Nicolai is head of the welcome wagon that takes care of new arrivals in this town.

He helped me find my apartment and made sure I was comfortable.

Then he introduced me to Levi, the monarch of this area.

They’re a demon who oversees everyone that has demonic or angelic heritage.

The politics are so interesting here, but as fascinating as they are, I haven’t really gotten involved in any way.

Maybe I should. I heard a rumor that Levi was thinking of stepping down.

“Jin!” Nicolai says with a grin and I’m happy that he’s remembered who I am. “It’s nice to see you!”

“Yeah, you too. This is one of the first times I’ve properly left my house. It’s so goddamn cold here!”

Nicolai chuckles, pointing at his partner. “Gadreel and his brothers were the same way when they first arrived.”

Gadreel’s cheeks have finally gone back to their normal shade. “We’re from the Hell realm. It was a bit of a shock.”

I brighten at that. “I totally get you! I’m a Seraphim and I am constantly freezing my ass off! Do you ever get used to it?”

Gadreel gives a shrug. “I suggest lots of layers.”

“Good to know,” I say, sliding my purchase onto the counter. I notice a flier on the counter and point at it. “What’s this?”

It’s Nicolai who answers. “Oh, the mall is hosting a spring fair this weekend!”

“What’s that?”

“A bunch of vendors are going to be here. Small businesses or individuals. There will be booths and raffles and games. Plus, I’m pretty sure there will be free samples!”

“I heard a tattoo artist from out of town will be here too. She recently opened a parlor here,” Gadreel says as he scans my items. “I overheard a few people talking about her. Something about magical tattoos.”

“That sounds awesome,” I say excitedly. “I’ll definitely be back to check that out! Is it happening all day?”

“Yep! Open to close on Saturday.”

“Amazing,” I tell them, swiping my card and paying for my candy. “Thank you so much. It was really nice to see you, Nicolai and it was lovely to meet you, Gadreel. I’ll probably be here more than I care to admit because of how much I love candy.”

“We’d be more than happy to have you as a regular, Jin,” he says softly.

I say one more goodbye, giving them a little bow for good measure before heading back into the main part of the mall. My chest is bright, my heart is happy, and my head is clear. Today was a great day and it’s not even lunchtime.

Man, I love life.