The generous host

The story opens on a sunny afternoon in a vibrant downtown street, where Devin and Bri stroll hand-in-hand, planning a cozy date night of cooking, drinking, smoking, and watching a movie. Their flirtatious banter highlights their physical chemistry—Devin gripping Bri's curves playfully—establishing them as an enviable couple. Tension ignites when Cornell rudely shoves through them en route to a convenience store. Devin confronts him aggressively, but Bri deescalates, noting Cornell's quick reach for a (non-existent) gun as a sign of weakness. Inside the store, Cornell reappears, hurling insults at Bri, calling her a "hoe" who avoids meetups, implying knowledge of her online persona. This provokes Devin to pummel Cornell savagely, revealing Devin's violent streak and leaving Cornell bloodied and humiliated. The couple exits triumphantly, spitting on Cornell, unaware this altercation stems from deeper grudges.