You were halfway through the outline on Keeho’s ribs when you noticed. He was lying on the table, one arm over his eyes, trying to act normal. But every time the needle hit a sensitive spot, his fingers would twitch against the leather and his breath would catch for half a second. “You good?” you asked, lifting the needle for a second. Keeho exhaled slowly. “Yeah. It’s fine.” You wiped the ink and kept going. He was breathing a little heavier than most clients, jaw tight, body tense. You figured the ribs were just extra painful today. “Some people really feel it here,” you said casually. “Let me know if you need a break.” Keeho gave a small nod, not moving his arm from his face. “Keep going,” he muttered. You shrugged and continued. He was trying hard to hide how much it affected him, but you could still see the way his muscles jumped under the skin every few seconds. Just another tough client, you thought. Keeho stayed quiet, biting the inside of his cheek, pretending it was nothing. You had no idea.