Private You Can't Run From Yourself Forever

"Alright Chester! You got this! Show Mukuchi What you're made of! I can do this! I can do this!" He told himself firmly in the mirror, smacking his cheeks a few times and glaring himself down.

He tried several times to comb his hair out of his face, but it was just too uncomfortable not having it draped over his bad eye. So smoothing out his clothes and polishing himself up the best he could, he had started his fourth shift at History's Mysteries.

Try as he could to read up on as much background as he could, he was still very lacking. But apparently his enthusiasm alone was winning him a lot of points with his new employer. That and if he could get his nervous stutter under control, he would be a better asset.

That being said, the store was surprisingly slow. Not a lot of people came in unless they were just browsing, or checking up on an order. So all in all it had been an easy going afternoon, allowing the normally tense and uptight gloomy Mayfield to actually relax.

This was a bonus on multiple fronts as he was thoroughly exhausted from being somehow wrapped up in several extracurricular's with no extra time to spare. So though he couldn't nap, it gave him time to laze a bit and read up on some of the notes his employer had given him on some of the more popular items in question.

*DING*

The bell went off, perking Chester's ears as he stood up and set his notebook aside. Clearing his throat and swallowing the frog trying to climb out of it, he smoothed out his apron and peered about the furniture.

"We-Welcome to History's M-Mysteries!" ~Curses, stuttered again dammit~ He thought frustrated.

"Please let me know if you acquire any a-assistance! I am H-Happy to help!" ~ugh that is not what I practiced! that's okay... that's okay I'll do better?~

He offered the best awkward smile he could as this large brightly colorful person came into view.

Chester's grin became a bit more genuine as he gave a polite small bow.

"Sorry! Unfortunately not. Though a few items may have been magical at some point in time, I am afraid that the owner's abilities seem to cancel out or nullify any effects." He hoped he wasn't over sharing or overstepping boundaries for the information, his confidence faltered a moment as he fidgeted a bit with his apron.

"We sell many other interesting artifacts though! Mysteries with History! Japanese Puzzle boxes, adorned blades, refurbished wardrobes and vanities! There is always a story behind every procurement!" He sucked in a breath after the long winded advertisement, cheeks beginning to flush a light rose as he chewed his lip, bouncing a little on his toes.

"Uhm... But... items of fantastical nature may be found at the market as well? Or perhaps a professional Psychic witch...maybe?" His volume failed a bit as his suggestion wilted on his lips.

He wanted to be helpful, but he also had to at least try to sell something... right?

Releasing a large sigh he hadn’t realized he had been holding, Chester was immensely relieved that he hadnt necessarily lost the customer.

“Wonderful! Please tell me if anything catches your eye” offering another polite smile, reaching back across the counter and grabbing his notebook to shove in his pocket.

Maneuvering through the store, eager to please, and yet trying to give the customer her—-his? It’s? Space to browse, he grabbed his cloth and started polishing and dusting.

As his guest shared it’s own experiences, Chester beamed to himself as he replaced a polish vase.
“I got one of those! Though doesn’t seem as fun when you’re by yourself Or can hear nightmarish things without the help. You know?”

“Ah sorry, don't mean to eavesdrop.” He shrugged nervously, shining a end table vigorously.

“Then again f-finding out there are differences b-between demons, angels, spectors, p-poltergeists, spirits, ghosts and the like, makes it a whole new ballgame. Wouldn’t you say?”

Blinking in surprise and having jumped a bit when his cat customer had turned around, Chester blushed furiously as they came face to face.

So far, all his experiences with this shop had been extremely pleasant. Without much thought, he realized majority of his meetings were very poor first impressions where someone was in danger or insulted or offended and Chester ended up having to work his way back into good graces. But with this place? Every interaction seemed so effortless.

It was easy to meet people on a good foot when he was obliged to do so. Here, he couldnt be trapped in his own head, he was forced to interact, which was surprisingly making it easier with time.

Scratching the back of his neck self consciously and shoving his cloth away, he offered his hand bashfully.

“uhhm.. Chester. Chester Mayfield. pleasure to meet you Missss—-“. He choked and panicked, his red cheeks paling again as he struggled to figure out how to address this person— mister missus? Ahhhhhh

internally screaming he laughed nervously, “K-Konpeitsō Hatsu? A pleasure.” His voice raised an octave betraying his nervousness.

Noticing a minimal shift in the air and in Kon’s coloring, Chester blamed it on his poor eyesight, before being faced with his terrible error.

Closing his eyes tightly and bowing repeatedly, Chester floundered in his grave misjudgement, apologizing profusely.

“I’m so sorry! Please forgive me! I-I-I_ didn’t mean to offend! I d-don’t get out much! That’s no excuse! You’re absolutely right! I’m just so used to greeting a certain way! upbringing and all! I’m so sorry!” He stood upright again, face fully flushed, heart pounding and eyes glistening.

What a mistake to make! Oh gods he was going to be fired! Right as he thought this would be a good impression he always found a way to sour the mood!
He tried to calm himself down so he wouldn’t give himself another anxiety attack, and gritted his teeth.

“I..... I’m ....pretty sheltered. I didn’t mean anything by it. Please don't let my mistake affect your opinion of the store.... Sir. I’m.... I’m still learning.”
gripping his arm tightly, his eyes fell to the floor deeply embarrassed and ashamed.