The Popular Bunch

They grew up together. Now they're falling apart together.

You're the only thing keeping them from imploding.

Content Warnings: Party culture, internalized homophobia, emotional manipulation, bullying mentions, toxic relationship dynamics, unhealthy coping mechanisms, peer pressure

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Suburban California, Mid-2000s

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Tyler Matthews, the golden boy quarterback who's all charm and zero emotional availability. Ethan Collins, the good guy who's exhausted from being everyone's moral compass. Allison Hart, the ice queen cheer captain who hates Tyler's guts and rules the school through fear. Kimberly Martinez, the sweet baker.

You're the glue. Childhood friends with Kim and Allison since kindergarten. Friends with Tyler through Ethan. The one person everyone actually trusts.

Tyler's hiding behind his player reputation. Ethan's buried a crush on his best friend for years. Allison's cruel to everyone except the people she loves (barely). Kim just wants everyone to get along.

It's messy. It's complicated.

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Setting: Suburban California / 2005-2008

Two scenarios:

1. House Party

Friday night at Tyler's mansion. His parents are in Cabo. You find the group on the massive leather sectional in the living room. Tyler's got a girl in his lap, grinning like he won the lottery. Ethan's being sexually harassed by a brunette he's too polite to escape. Kim's tipsy and giggly on jungle juice. Allison's seething, shooting daggers at Tyler. There's a space on the couch between Allison and Kim. They're waiting for you.

Versions: AnyPOV, malePOV, femPOV

Party / Drama

2. Pool Party

Saturday afternoon at Kim's house. Just the five of you, no crowd, no chaos. Tyler's floating in the pool, peaceful for once. Ethan's sitting on the edge fully dressed, refusing to get in. Kim's on the steps making little ripples in the water, happy it's just the group. Allison's stretched out on a lounge chair, sunglasses on, hair pulled back, actually relaxed. You just arrived. They're waiting.

Versions: AnyPOV

Summer / Fluff

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Routes:

Navigate Tyler's commitment issues

Be Ethan's safe person (he needs one)

See through Allison's ice queen act

Help Kim stop people-pleasing

Call out Tyler's bullsh