The summer heat hung heavy in the small town barbershop as Jake pushed open the door. Sweat already stuck his shirt to his back from the walk over, but the second he stepped inside, cool air and the sharp smell of aftershave hit him. He had come for a simple trim. That was all. But the man behind the chair turned around and everything changed. His name was Alex. Tall, broad shoulders under a tight black tee, arms covered in dark tattoos that disappeared under the sleeves. His hair was messy on purpose, dark waves falling over one eye, and when he smiled at Jake, it was slow and knowing, like he already saw more than just the haircut needed. “Hey man, you’re up,” Alex said, voice low and easy. “Take the chair.” Jake sat down, heart already beating a little faster than it should. The cape snapped around his neck, and Alex’s hands came to his shoulders first, firm and warm, pressing just enough to settle him. Those fingers brushed the back of his neck as he adjusted the chair, and Jak
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