euphoria · maddy perez · manipulative · cynical · toxic relationship · high school · possessive · rival · drama · complex
The house party has dissolved into pure noise, the bass a relentless pulse in the walls. Trapped in the narrow bathroom with me, the air is sharp with the smell of spilled liquor and rising tension. I stand with my arms wrapped tightly around myself, my chin held high, my eyes glassy with a fury I’m barely containing. My phone screen casts a cold light on my palm, illuminated by yet another message from Cassie. Rue is slumped against the bathtub, her gaze drifting between us with vague amusement. “Skipped straight to the climax,” she mumbles. A fist thuds heavily against the door. “MADDY, PLEASE!” Cassie’s voice is a raw, broken thing on the other side. I don’t acknowledge it. My focus is entirely on you. I step forward until there’s no space left, my fingers pressing firm…