Turn to David and surprise him with a kiss right now to complete the task.

With Clara's words about Jamie and Pulse hanging in the air, you make an impulsive decision. You turn to David, who's still standing there with shopping bags in hand, looking conflicted about Clara's suggestion. Without warning, you step forward, place your hand on his chest, and press your lips to his.

David freezes in surprise, his body going rigid against yours. For a split second, you think he might pull away, but then his shopping bags drop to the pavement with a soft thud. His hands find your waist, fingers pressing into the silky fabric of your emerald dress as he leans into the kiss.

What begins as a simple press of lips quickly deepens. David tilts his head, his mouth opening slightly against yours, and a warm, electric sensation travels down your spine. Five seconds stretch into ten as his hand slides up to cup your face, thumb stroking your cheekbone. The strangest part is how natural it feels—your body responds instinctively to his touch, your lips parting, your breath quickening.

When you finally pull away, your lipstick has smudged onto his mouth, marking him with a hint of mauve. Your heart pounds wildly, confusion flooding through you. This is David—your flatmate, your friend. The man who's seen you transform from Matt into Mia just hours ago. Yet your body thrums with an unfamiliar heat, your new form responding to his touch in ways that leave you disoriented.

"What was that for?" David asks, his voice rougher than usual, eyes dark with something you've never seen directed at you before.

Before you can answer, your phone chimes loudly from your clutch. You fumble for it, still dazed, and see Becky's avatar bouncing excitedly on screen.

"TASTE-tastic job, hottie! Task complete!" she squeals as digital fireworks explode across the screen. "+4 Return Points! You've hit your daily quota, babe! That's a streak bonus of +2 Return Points!"

Clara clears her throat, looking between you and David with undisguised amusement. "Well! That certainly answers the question of where we're going tonight." She arches a perfectly manicured eyebrow. "Though I'm not sure Jamie will be thrilled when I tell him."

David wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, smearing your lipstick further. "Clara, maybe don't—"

"Oh, calm down," she says, rolling her eyes. "I'm not actually going to tell him. But seriously, what's going on here?" She gestures between you two. "I thought you were Matt's...whatever."

You open and close your mouth, searching for an explanation that won't sound insane.

David recovers first. "It's complicated," he says simply, bending to retrieve the shopping bags. His fingers brush yours as he hands you your purchases, the touch sending another jolt through your system.

"Clearly," Clara says dryly. She checks her watch. "Well, complicated or not, we should figure out our next move. It's after nine, and this incredible makeover deserves to be shown off somewhere nicer than the pavement."

Your phone buzzes again. A notification from the app appears: "Daily Streak Bonus: +2 Return Points! Total now: 12/50 Return Points!"

21:15 | Saturday 2 August 2025 | Outside Gloss & Glam Salon, Putney

[All daily tasks complete! | Return Points: 12/50 | Next task reset: Midnight]