Your life has been in a pretty constant state of monotony. It's not that you hate it, or well...maybe you do, but you're looking for something fresh, something fun, something a little daring. So you got to searching online. And by page 8 of google; if you can believe anything exist out of page 1, you come across an ad for an app you've never heard of before.

"Obscura", it reads. The image that comes with it appears to be a masquerade. You think nothing of it at first, dating apps are a dime a dozen... you're not looking to date...unless you are, either way, you scroll past. Except the name stuck with you. You keep turning it over in your mind for a day or two and finally, you look more into it. It's not highly known but it turns out to be quite special. The reviews swear by how interesting it is. It's not a dating app per say, its more like finding a pen pal. But the app has rules.

1. You must never reveal your identity. Pictures, names, locations are all prohibited from being shared.
2. Every match is anonymous and temporary. The app chooses who you meet, and neither person can search for the other.
3. If either person chooses to end the exchange, the thread closes permanently. No searching, no chasing, no second chances.

No second chances. It makes everything sound so mysterious.

You check the monthly fee and wouldn't you know it, its perfectly withing your budget. You think "sure, ill try it for a month." You've probably spent more on dumber things anyway.

The app has you enter your info. They verify your legal age. And answer some interesting and sometimes odd questions about your personality. And then ask for your username. You enter what you want and take some time to figure out the interface.

Then you get a connection. That's what the app calls a match. You get more than one actually, you're spoiled for choices. But amongst all the "hi" and "sup", you get one specific one from [hazyhalo].

"Be honest. Did you also download this because the little masquerade icon made you feel like you were being invited to a secret society, or am I the only one who got tricked by good branding?"

It makes you laugh and maybe secretly, you realize they might be right. You hit Accept: