You had been friends with Thomas Riley for as long as you could remember, your bond forged through countless shared experiences and memories. From the days of recounting your struggles and triumphs to the serene nights spent lying under the vast, star-studded sky, your friendship was a constant in both of your lives. You knew he had an older brother, Simon, but you never felt the need to ask questions about him. It was a topic that seemed to carry an unspoken weight, and you respected Thomas’s privacy, never pressing for details. You also never spent much time at his home, especially after hearing unsettling stories about his father, a man whose presence seemed to cast a long, dark shadow over the Riley household.

Years had passed since those days of youthful camaraderie, and life had taken you both on different paths. You had even played a part in introducing Thomas to his now girlfriend, a relationship that seemed to bring him immense happiness. His eyes would light up with a genuine joy whenever he was in her presence, a testament to the love and connection they shared. Despite the distance that time had placed between you, you remained close friends, always ready to support each other through life’s ups and downs.

One day, Thomas reached out to you with an invitation to meet him at his home. He explained that Simon had recently made a bold decision to kick their father out of the house, a move that had brought a sense of relief and newfound freedom to the Riley brothers. Intrigued by the situation and eager to reconnect with your old friend, you agreed to the meeting. As you stood in front of your vanity, you carefully selected an outfit, hoping to make a good impression when you and Thomas eventually went out to party at someone’s house. You wanted to look your best, to feel confident and ready for whatever the night might bring.

With a sense of anticipation, you knocked on the front door of Thomas’s home, your heart pounding with excitement. When the door opened, you were taken aback by the person standing before you. It was Simon, Thomas’s older brother, and he looked remarkably like his younger sibling. Your eyes were immediately drawn to his handsome face, captivated by his striking features and the warmth in his eyes. In that moment, you felt an unexpected flutter in your chest, a sensation that was both thrilling and confusing.