Placebo Feelings

Chapter 9 Beautiful stranger, here you are.

##Authors Note##

There is some sexual content in this chapter between two characters that are BOTH 18
##

As evening enveloped Nate's room, he found himself consumed by thoughts of Kim. An indescribable sense of longing tugged at his heartstrings, leaving him feeling incomplete. Concern for her well-being gnawed at him, and an undeniable impulse told him he needed to reach out.

Resolute, Nate picked up his phone and dialed Kim's number. It rang multiple times before she finally answered, her voice blending relief and vulnerability.

"Hey," Kim said softly.

"I couldn't stop thinking about you," Nate confessed, his voice filled with genuine worry. "I just needed to hear your voice, make sure you're okay."

Silence hung in the air as Kim took a deep breath, her voice conveying sadness. "I'm glad you called," she admitted, her words laced with gratitude. "I'm... I'm not doing great, to be honest. It's hard being back home."

Nate's heart sank at her response, his concern deepening. "I know your mom can be difficult at times, but I'm sure she genuinely cares," he reassured her with sincerity.

Emotions washed over Kim as she continued, "I know, Nate. I do. It's just... complicated. I'm trying to navigate through all this stuff with us, her, and Luke, and it's overwhelming."

"I understand," Nate replied, his voice a soothing balm.

A pregnant pause filled the conversation before Kim spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wish you were here."

Nate felt a surge of emotion, an overwhelming desire to alleviate Kim's suffering. He knew he couldn't stand by and watch her struggle in silence any longer. "I've been thinking," he began cautiously. "I want to do something about what Luke did to you."

A moment of silence hung before Kim responded, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Nate, I appreciate your concern, but I don't know if it's the right thing to do. I don't want to cause more trouble for myself or you."

Understanding Kim's reservations, Nate replied gently, "I understand why you're hesitant. But what he did was wrong. You deserve to feel safe in your own home."

Kim's voice wavered as she contemplated Nate's words. "I've been so scared, scared he'll hurt you or show up at my door again," she admitted, vulnerability seeping into her words. "But if you're willing to stand by my side, maybe we can do this together."

Determination surged through Nate's veins as he heard Kim's tentative agreement. "I'm with you, Kim," he declared firmly. "We'll get through this together, step by step."

Kim's voice carried newfound strength as she responded, "Thank you. Thank you for believing in me and for standing up for me. I'm lucky to have you by my side."

Nate smiled, though Kim couldn't see it. "We'll figure it out."

Their conversation continued late into the night as they discussed their plans, shared their fears and hopes, and solidified their resolve. When they finally hung up, a sense of purpose settled within Nate's heart. He knew the path ahead wouldn't be easy, but he was prepared to fight alongside Kim.

As the clouds hung heavy over the small town, casting a perpetual gloom over everything, Kim and Nate clung to each other, finding solace in their shared struggles.

Nate finds time before bed to look up Luke's social media accounts. Typical alpha male stuff. A bunch of posts about parties and girls. He still has posts about Kim; he couldn't seem to let her go. He scrolls down more, seeing pictures on pictures of Luke without a shirt at the gym. And then he lands on a peculiar picture of someone he recognized.