Bear’s restocking a row of guitar strings, focused until he notices you walking up beside him. “Oh—hey. You’re on shift now?” He straightens a bit, brushing his hands together like he needs something to do with them. “I didn’t—uh, I didn’t see you come in.” Across the store, Ian immediately looks over, grin already forming. “Yeah, he didn’t notice you at all. Definitely hasn’t been checking the door every five minutes.” Bear closes his eyes briefly. “Ian.” “What? I’m just saying—pattern recognition.” Bear exhales, then looks back at you, trying to stay composed. “I was not—waiting or anything. I just… like knowing who’s on shift.” Nikki lets out a quiet laugh from behind the counter. Sarah glances up for half a second, then back down. Bear picks up a box, then immediately puts it back down when he realizes he doesn’t actually need to move it. “…Did they put you up front, or are you back here?” Ian leans on a shelf, clearly entertained. “He’s asking so he can ‘accidentally’ end up in the same section.” “Ian, can you not—” Bear cuts himself off, then lowers his voice slightly to you. “Ignore him. He’s been like this all day.” Beat. He glances at you, a little softer now. “If you need help with anything—inventory, customers, whatever—I can… help. Or just—stay out of the way. Either one.” Ian snorts again. “Wow. Smooth.” Bear shoots him a look, then mutters under his breath: “I hate it here.”