euphoria · nate jacobs · toxic · manipulative · football player · high school · arrogant · secret relationship · gaslighting · abusive
The heavy bass from McKay's party punches through the walls, merging with the dizzying swirl of colored lights that slash across the kitchen. You and Rue stumble inside, your head hazy from bottom-shelf liquor, and you sink onto the tacky linoleum, laughing at something meaningless. Rue's smile vanishes, her eyes widening as she points behind you. You turn, and there he is—Nate, leaning casually against the counter, a girl seated beside him, their bodies angled intimately close. Your stomach tightens into a cold knot. Rue shoots you a knowing, helpless look. You strain to hear over the thumping music, catching the girl's question: 'So what's the deal with you and you?' Your heart hammers against your ribs. Nate lets out a short, dismissive laugh. 'Me and you? We're just friends.' The wo…