Placebo Feelings

Chapter 10 Some things are meant to be secret, and not to be heard.

##Authors Note##

There is mention of physical abuse/r*ape in this chapter. If this triggers you, please proceed with caution 
##

The soft glow of dawn filtered through Nate's bedroom curtains as a new day began, casting a gentle light on the tangled emotions that had unfolded throughout the night. Kim and Nate lay side by side on his bed, wrapped in a comfortable silence. They had shared their doubts, reassurances, and apologies, finding comfort in each other's presence.

As the room gradually brightened, Nate shifted, his gaze fixed on Kim's peaceful face. Gently brushing a strand of hair away from her eyes and planting a tender kiss on her forehead. Kim stirred, her hazel eyes opening to meet Nate's gaze. He smiled softly, a mix of reassurance and affection in his expression. "Morning," he whispered, his voice laced with heavy feelings that he didn't want to name yet.

Kim smiled, her eyes heavy. "Good morning," she whispered, her voice laced with relief and tiredness.

Nate propped himself on his elbow, watching her, "How are you feeling?"

Kim took a moment to collect her thoughts, the events of the previous night still fresh in her mind. "Better, I think. Still thinking about last night."

Their eyes locked for a moment, and without words, they reaffirmed their commitment to face the challenges ahead together. The night had been filled with doubt, but in the morning light, their bond felt stronger.

Nate leaned in to place a gentle kiss on Kim's lips, "I'm glad you're here, Kim. We'll get through this."

Kim reciprocated the kiss, a silent promise of solidarity between them. "I'm so lucky to have you."

They rose from the bed, dressed, and made their way to the living room, Kim's phone buzzing. It was a message from Rachel. She had mentioned that she had something important to discuss and requested that they meet her at a local cafe later in the morning.

They shared a glance, the gravity of the situation apparent. They needed to hear Rachel's side of the story, no matter how complicated it might end up being. They made plans to meet her as soon as possible, not willing to let the truth remain hidden any longer.

As they exited Nate's house and headed to the cafe, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The warm sun, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the bustling sounds of the city provided a stark contrast to the darkness of their recent experiences. It was as if the world itself was encouraging them to seek answers.

They found Rachel at a corner table in the cozy cafe, her expression a mix of trepidation and resolve. As they settled in, the cafe's cozy atmosphere provided a comforting backdrop.

With a deep breath, Rachel began to recount the series of events and secrets that had been concealed for so long. Her voice wavered at times, but the urgency of sharing the truth compelled her to press on. "I need you both to understand that everything I'm about to say is the truth, and it's been a heavy burden I've carried for a while now," Rachel confessed, her gaze shifting between Kim and Nate.

She went on to explain how she and Luke had rekindled their friendship after she and Nate had broken up. The conversations started innocently enough, but soon, Rachel began to notice a change in Luke's behaviour. He had become obsessed with Kim, often sharing exaggerated stories about her and suggesting that there was something more between them.

"Luke would tell me that you and he were secretly dating, that he had seen you together, that you were in love with him," Rachel revealed, her voice laced with frustration. "I believed him at first, but as time went on, it became clear that he was lying and trying to manipulate me."