I think Anon is selling himself short. Basically, the coworker who gave the lighter would have thought, ”Man, Anon might appreciate this lighter” and kept it around until he had a chance to give it to Anon. At least that’s what I think. Anon is definitely not an NPC.
It depends what Anon does for the player. NPCs are grubby little shits, always wanting something, but always eventually paying out. If Anon is a virgin, then the price might have already been paid.