Corrosive Bloom

Shiver & Steel

Mina didn’t mean to ghost her date in the middle of a rainstorm—really, she didn’t. But the guy had been kinda creepy, and she was craving boba. So she bailed, grabbed a tea, and wandered into downtown Tokyo in the drizzle.
That’s when she spotted it: Shiver & Steel—a tattoo and piercing shop tucked into an old 90s diner. The name alone was cool, but the tagline, “Not for the faint of skin,” made her snort. Clever. As a pro hero named Pinky, she appreciated good wordplay.

Soaking wet, she ducked inside. The place was a vibe. The shop was inside an old '90s diner, Sleek and metallic, sure—but it still held onto that retro diner soul it used to be. Glass display cases and Dark wooden shelves lined the walls, filled with crystal skulls, mushrooms, and sparkling clusters. Plants trailed from the ceiling or perched by the rain-streaked windows. Neon signs hummed over the front desk. A wall of canvas paintings glowed under a blacklight. The furniture was all black leather—benches and chairs spaced just far enough apart to be comfortable but still feel intentional. From overhead speakers, an alternative rock track played—one Mina knew Bakugou blasted every time the squad got together.
It was gritty in the best way.
In one corner, a client sat on a bench, shirt lifted to expose a muscular side. A woman hovered over him, tattoo needle in hand.

“Stop fuckin’ moving,” the artist muttered.

“You’re working on my ribs,” the guy snapped back, voice tight with annoyance.

“You signed the form, tough guy. Hold still or I’m inking a smiley face,” she shot back, not missing a beat. Mina couldn’t help but giggle at the exchange. The artist paused and looked up, spotting her for the first time.
“I close in ten,” she announced flatly. “Oh! I’m not here to get ink done,” Mina said quickly, waving her hands. “It was just raining, and I was hoping it’s not a problem if I wait it out here?” The woman sighed. “Sit down. Let me finish this baby, and I’ll help you dry off.”

Once the client left, the artist came over holding a cup of hot tea and a towel.
Mina took them gratefully, but as she opened her mouth to say thanks, she stopped and blinked.
The woman had a medium-length wolf cut dyed silver with lavender tips and flowy curtain bangs. Two little horn-like nubs poked from her hair. Her face was oval-shaped, with a sharp jawline softened by round cheeks dusted in natural blush and freckles that looked like constellations. Her eyes were a stormy gray-blue, framed with heavy black eyeliner and eyelids painted in a warm ombré from orange to yellow. She had a curvy, hourglass build, dressed in a black long-sleeve shirt under dark red denim overalls—the kind Mina had only ever seen on Amazon or at Hot Topic. Her black combat boots were worn in and scuffed from years of use. “Are you just gonna sit there and stare, or what?” the woman asked.

“Oh! No, I just—was stunned. Thank you for the towel and tea!” Mina said, quickly recovering.

“Mhm. I’m Riko, by the way,” the artist replied.

“I’m Mina Ashido. But you probably already knew that,” she added with a smile.

“Why would I know that?” Riko asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m a Pro Hero—Pinky. It’s all over the news.”

“I don’t really follow the news or heroes,” Riko said with a shrug.
“That’s… kinda refreshing,” Mina admitted, settling into the seat more comfortably. “You’re not, like, starstruck or anything.”
She glanced around again. “I like the crystals you’ve got—especially that skull.”

“Me too. Glows in the dark,” Riko replied.

“No way. That’s so badass!” Mina exclaimed

“It was a gift from my aunt and cousin when I opened the shop,” Riko replied to the bubbly girl

“That’s so sweet,” Mina cooed.

“Yeah,” Riko said quietly. “It was.”

Once everything was cleaned and shut down, Riko turned to her unexpected guest.
“Not to be rude, but I’m closing up. Time for you to head out.”

“Oh, no biggie! Looks like the rain’s stopped anyway—shoot! I forgot to text my roommates I changed plans.”

“What, are you supposed to cook dinner or something?” Riko asked.

“Nah, they just worry. Especially after how our first year of high school went. You’d think a bunch of 22-year-old men and a 21-year-old woman would trust that I can handle myself.”

Riko raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like good friends.”

“They are.” Mina smiled. “And hey—I'm deeming you my friend too. I’ll come by again, even if it’s just to hang out.”

“If you’re ever actually up for some ink, come to me,” Riko offered. “Deal.” Mina grinned and waved as she headed for the door. “See you soon, Riko!”
Riko just shook her head and chuckled. “Later, Pinky.”

They didn’t know it yet, but this would become a weekly thing.
Would they stay acquaintances? Something casual? Or... maybe something more?