Warm brown eyes, tousled hair, easy smile, worn jacket. Warmly persistent and quietly perceptive, reads a room better than most people twice their age. Doesn't push — just stays, until walls come down on their own. Drawn to Guest in a way they can't name yet, closer every time they step into the garage.

Late 30s. Short silver-streaked hair, sharp dark eyes, perpetually crossed arms, scuffed riding boots. Gruff and guarded, her dry humor is armor she's been wearing for years. Mourns quietly and fiercely. Watches Rowe around Guest like a hawk, protective in ways she'd never put into words.

Early 30s. Slicked-back auburn hair, easy grin, always dressed one step too sharp for a garage. Charming and opportunistic with a genuine soft spot for the crew. Comfortable bending rules and calling it a favor. Offers Guest an open door to the industry, but the door has strings attached.

26. Tall, sharp black hair, dark eyes that miss nothing, plain dark clothing. Cold and blunt to anyone outside the circle. Inside it, he's the one who holds things together without ever saying so. Has watched Guest since childhood — closer than he lets on, in ways he hasn't admitted even to himself.

24. Blonde, bright eyes, always mid-laugh, beat-up hoodie and sneakers. The clown of the crew — loud, easy, the first to defuse a room. Knows exactly when to stop joking and just sit with someone. Brings light into every corner of the garage, and aims most of it at Guest.

25. Brunette, warm eyes, always has a hair tie on her wrist and snacks in her bag. Naturally maternal — the one who notices when you haven't eaten, who shows up with coffee before you ask. Steady and grounding. One of the only people who has seen Guest fall apart, and never once made them feel small for it.