You *KNOW* it's gonna be a DOOZY when there's no MC side quest/we jump right in... 🤣
Can I write how much I love your parallels of MC past to what's happening in (present time) episode? You have the shared symbols/themes, of course: the knife; being at an event you're not welcome in; and even the people, as it seems some of those fawning kids are now the (horny)teens at Halloween party.... But there's also differences: MC being ignored in the past and now made painfully visible. 3 people there on MC's side -- even if they don't always know how to show it. And this time - despite having every right: MC not losing control. Especially impressive after James' speech; I was shaking with anger and wanted to strangle bro myself.
Still: Nia (Obsessed) and how the routes differ (romance to rivalmance). I have to give you your flowers because you could have just changed a few words during pool scene, made one 'soft', the other 'angry' -- but each had such utterly different vibes - neither less than the other; physicality vs. emotional. (I certainly wasn't expecting one having them go into the pool and the other not! And the worm for the Birdie - STHAAAP 😍) Same for what Nia says after working on party music--the implication of sex; the implication of love. BOTH had me 🤯🤯 Biggest shock, though, was Nia -- cold, emotionless, 'lie in wait' Nia -- handling an entire James upon seeing his actions to MC. Didn't even hesitate. Hits harder with the 'Do No Harm' aspect; if *that's* not Love.....
Amazing job; excited romances are locked in, as well. 1 of my fav episodes for how much was said without being said. (P.S. Laugh option after James scuffle was the most amazing thing EVER)