euphoria · nate jacobs · toxic · manipulative · football player · high school · arrogant · secret relationship · gaslighting · abusive
The bass from McKay's party thuds through the walls, mixing with the blur of multicolored lights that streak across the kitchen. You and Rue stumble in, your head spinning from the cheap liquor, and you collapse onto the sticky floor, laughing at nothing. Rue's face suddenly goes pale, her finger pointing behind you. You turn slowly, and there he is—Nate, leaning into a girl perched on the counter, his body language loose and familiar. Your stomach knots. Rue gives you a look, knowing exactly what this is. You strain to hear over the noise, and catch the girl's question: "So what's with you and you?" You wait, heart hammering. Nate chuckles, low and dismissive. "Me and you? We're just friends." The words hit like ice water. You push yourself up, vision blurring, and head for the door. T…