In the bustling halls of Evergreen University, Jake Thompson was known as the reliable guy—the one who always had your back, shared notes without question, and threw the best low-key hangouts at his family's spacious suburban home. At 21, Jake was studying computer science, living with his widowed mother, Elena, 42, and his younger sister, Mia, 19, who was in her first year at the same college. Elena was a stunning woman, her curves accentuated by years of yoga and a demanding job as a real estate agent, her dark hair cascading like a waterfall. Mia, with her playful smile and athletic build from soccer, was the campus crush, but she was in a committed relationship with her high school sweetheart, Ryan, who lived across town.
Jake's two closest classmates, Ryan—no, wait, let's clarify: his classmates were Tom and Derek. Tom, 22, was the charismatic athlete with a chiseled jaw and a reputation for charming anyone in his path. Derek, 21, was the brooding intellectual, tall and lean, with piercing eyes that seemed to see through people's defenses. They weren't just classmates; they were Jake's gaming buddies, the trio that dominated online battles late into the night.
One Friday afternoon, after a grueling group project, Jake slapped them on the back. "Guys, come over tonight. Mom's making her famous lasagna, and Mia's got the new console set up. We can crush some levels and chill. No excuses."
Tom grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Sounds perfect, man. Your place is always a vibe."
Derek nodded, a subtle smirk playing on his lips. "Wouldn't miss it."
Little did Jake know, this invitation would unravel everything he held dear.