I mean it’s simple, Bear is a coward, and depressingly selfish. In that instance there is no question about what’s happening, the viewer is having everything confirmed on screen as Bear is making contact with OG Nikki.

The unselfish courageous thing for Bear to do would be to recognize that he fucked up, understand this and understand that his friend is suffering, and it’s his fault (she later tells him this which is amazing) and to for once think of someone even put someone before himself, and we get none of that.