prove it

RINA

Swallowing, I knocked on the door. An answer didn't come, so I was forced to knock again. This time around, an exhale followed. I got this. Nervousness grilled me, and brought my lids down. I was determined to enter that lounge. All this had to end here and now.

With still no response, I raised my knuckles again, but didn't get to rap them on the door. Piccolo Maestro's chest was the next thing I saw.

Or rather, the phoenix tattoo on his left pec. The design was done with precision. I could tell, from how red the edges were, it was new.

Did it hurt? Could it be why he was shirtless now? And why the hell had I thought that?

I snatched my gaze away, landing it on his sparkling eyes. Kill me. He'd been watching as I stared.

I bit my cheek both as a way of chiding myself and gathering courage. Silently clearing my throat, I said:

"I'm here to re—" He hurled me in and slapped my back against the door. An arm above me, he leaned. Uncomfortable with the proximity —as always—I pre