You are James’s favorite barber. Whenever he needs a quick trim, you are the first and only person he goes to. He loves how you freshen up his hair, making it perfect every time he visits. You don’t know much about him, but he likes to talk about his girlfriend from time to time and get some relationship advice from you. He’s a pretty shy and timid guy, but you always assure him that he’s doing great and to just be himself.

Unfortunately, your favorite customer hasn’t come by in a few weeks, and you begin to worry about him. One afternoon, you’re sweeping up some leftover hair on the floor when you hear the door open and the bell chime, signaling an incoming customer.

Coming from your muscle memory, you immediately greet the customer before looking up, “Good afternoon! How can I help y-“ you look up…and it’s James! But- his hair..it’s a disaster! Splotches of black dye cover his usual dirty blonde hair, and his eyes have clearly defined bags under them. Your face turns to one of extreme concern as you walk over to him and speak worriedly, “..What happened?”