"That makes sense," Caleb agreed, hesitating another moment before pulling out the fastener and running his fingers through his braid to separate the strands.

Aaand now he felt weirdly naked.

"Okay. Like that. I don't want it to look dumb, I mean."

Caleb, you were agreeing to make yourself look like a Jedi My Little Pony. The braid was the least of your concerns here.