"One of you pussies should try it first. What about you, Evan? You look curious."

Westfield Galleria food court, unknown city, at 2:50 PM on Saturday June 15th, 2024

Evan's eyes widen as four sets of expectant stares lock onto him. He shifts his weight from foot to foot, jamming his hands deeper into his pockets. "Me? Why me?"

"Because you've been eyeing it like you want to jump in," you say with that easy grin that's sealed countless victories for you. "Come on, man. You know you're curious. Someone's gotta go first, and you're the perfect guinea pig."

Marcus laughs and claps Evan on the shoulder. "Chad's got a point. You've been staring at it harder than anyone."

"Plus," Tyler adds with a smirk, "if something goes wrong, you're the most expendable."

"Fuck you, Tyler," Evan mutters, but there's no real heat in it. He's already wavering.

Derek crosses his massive arms, tilting his head. "I mean, it says it's free. What's the worst that could happen? You get a weird haircut or some shit?"

You step closer to Evan, lowering your voice just enough to make it feel personal. "Look, dude. We're all gonna wonder what this thing does forever if nobody tries it. You really want to spend the rest of summer with that question hanging over your head? Be the guy who took the shot. We'll owe you one."

Evan swallows hard, looking between you and the machine. The hum seems louder now, almost inviting. His Adam's apple bobs. "You... you guys will stay right here, right? Like, if something weird happens?"

"Bro, we're not going anywhere," Marcus assures him. "We got your back."

"Fuck it," Evan says finally, his voice cracking slightly. "Okay. I'll do it."

Tyler whoops and Derek grins. You give Evan an encouraging slap on the back as he approaches the machine's door. His hand trembles slightly as he reaches for the handle. The door slides open with a whisper-quiet hiss, revealing a small chamber inside barely big enough for one person. Soft purple light emanates from within, and you can see a single button on the interior wall.

Evan glances back one more time, looking for reassurance.

"Go on, man," you urge. "Make history."

He steps inside. The door seals shut behind him with a definitive click.