26 avril

26 avril is identified as a Monday and anchors a major moment of chosen intimacy between Shelby Anderson and Jungkook: at 10:00, Shelby visits Shadow in Ellensburg to be tattooed by him. Her nervous anticipation gives way to admiration for a design of two peonies and leaves on her right shoulder blade, making the date a marker of trust, care, and a shared creative life.

Date and Setting

The narrative gives the date as Monday, 26 avril, and specifies the time as 10:00. Shelby enters Shadow slightly stressed about the appointment, thinking through the possible pain, whether she might faint or tremble, whether she has eaten enough, and how Jungkook will respond if she cries. The exact date and hour place this private milestone within the novel’s chronology rather than leaving it as an undated recollection.

Abby greets Shelby warmly and leads her to Jungkook, who has already prepared his equipment. The appointment takes place in the tattoo shop in Ellensburg, with Jungkook serving as the tattooist and Shelby as his client.

The Tattoo Session

Before the work begins, Jungkook cups Shelby’s face and kisses her tenderly. During the session, he listens as she talks about her days and classes, including an upcoming photography project for which she wants him to model. He accepts without hesitation. Their conversation continues through the work, while Shelby occasionally grimaces at the needles striking her skin.

The process lasts several hours, with short breaks. When it is finished, Jungkook brings Shelby to a mirror and positions another so she can see the tattoo clearly. Two peonies and several leaves form a delicate, fine-lined design on her right shoulder blade, an arrangement that matches what she likes.

Care and Significance

Shelby is visibly moved by the result and thanks Jungkook; he responds affectionately that he would do anything for her. She jumps into his arms and kisses him. Jungkook holds her around the waist, then quickly regains his composure and sets her back on the floor. He photographs the tattoo on her right shoulder blade, rinses it again, applies aftercare cream, and covers it with a bandage.

The date gathers nervousness, physical discomfort, affection, and practical aftercare into a single scene. Shelby’s fears do not disappear before the appointment, but she proceeds, remains in conversation with Jungkook, and responds to the finished work with delight. The tattoo therefore marks more than a change to her appearance: within the evidence attached to 26 avril, it is the clearest dated instance of the couple’s intimacy being expressed through a deliberate act of trust and shared attention.