Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses child abuse, sexual assault, stalking, sexual coercion and harassment (involving a minor), and dubious consent.

Jules Ambrose is leaving the Bronze Gear bar after being stood up by Todd, whom she met through a dating app, when Josh Chen makes an appearance. Jules and Josh have known each other since she befriended his younger sister, Ava, seven years ago. Both are ambitious, outgoing, and egotistical—and hate each other for it. Their interactions are comprised of insults and retorts, which do little to ease the attraction they deny. Jules still harbors bitter feelings toward him for telling Ava that she is “bad news” and should be cut out of her life. On her walk home, Jules worries about Ava’s surprise birthday party. She remembers today is her mother Adeline’s birthday. She considers calling, but doesn’t because Adeline never bothers to call her. Distracted, Jules doesn’t notice a robber until she’s held at gunpoint.

Josh sits at the Bronze Gear bar with his friend, Clara, an ER nurse at Thayer University Hospital, where he’s a third-year resident specializing in emergency medicine. He’s come out tonight to avoid weekly letters from his father, Michael, who attempted to kill his sister, Ava, twice after learning she’s not his biological daughter.