Nick parked at the far end of the Target lot, heart pounding. His gray joggers clung too loosely without boxers, every step making him hyper-aware of how exposed he felt. The bottle of water he chugged in the car wasn't doing shit for his nerves. He walked through the sliding doors, grabbed a red basket, and headed straight for personal care. The bottle of lube was easy to find—generic brand, bright label, way too shiny. The cucumber took longer. He wandered the produce section pretending to browse until he found the biggest one that didn't look like a damn weapon. He stared at it in his hand for a moment, then dropped it into the basket. One aisle over, someone laughed. He flinched. His phone was already recording, tucked in his hoodie pocket, mic facing out. He stepped into the shortest line, stomach twisting as the cashier—a girl maybe a few years younger than him—scanned the lube. Her eyes flicked up to meet his, then down to the cucumber. "Do you think this'll be enough for tonight?" he asked, voice calm but dry. She paused. Blinked. Then burst out laughing, half in shock, half in amusement. "I don't know what kind of night you're having, but I hope it's memorable," she said. His face burned, but he managed a smirk and shrugged. "Trying something new." He paid in cash. As he walked out, the app buzzed. Task Complete. Funds Released: $1,200. He blinked at the screen, stunned. Just like that, money in his account. It felt unreal. It also felt addictive. He slid into his car, breathing hard. His phone buzzed again. New Task Available. He hesitated before opening it. But he already knew—he was going to look. He was in now.
