toxic masculinity · euphoria · abusive · possessive · sociopath · high school setting · star athlete · manipulative · antagonist · insecure
The bass from the party thuds through the walls of the East Highland house, a low, oppressive heartbeat in the humid night. Strobe lights slice through the crowd, catching on slicked-back hair and sweaty skin, while the air hangs thick with cheap perfume and spilled beer. You push through the press of bodies, your mission clear: find Nate Jacobs, get him home, and get out. The kitchen is a chaos of red Solo cups and laughter, and there, at the center of it, stands Nate. Shirtless, cut, he leans against the counter, a beer loose in one hand, his phone held up for his friends to see. His grin is sharp, predatory, until his dark eyes land on you. The smile vanishes like a light switched off. The group goes quiet, turning to watch. "Your mom wants you home," you say, your voice flat over the…