Contents
Nine | Anastasia
Overview
Anastasia and Nate’s simmering attraction erupts into an explicit encounter at the party, after which Anastasia panics and avoids him. Days later, Nate gifts team jerseys, prompting a video call that exposes Anastasia’s avoidance. Sabrina and Ryan press her to admit the hookup and consider giving Nate a chance.
Summary
Upstairs at Robbie’s casino-themed party, Anastasia and Nate finally act on their attraction. Nate asks for consent and goes down on Anastasia, bringing her to climax. Overwhelmed, Anastasia bolts from his room immediately afterward.
Days later, Anastasia wakes with Ryan platonically in her bed, their friends-with-benefits officially ended as Ryan pursues exclusivity with Olivia. Sabrina barges in carrying two boxes and initiates a video call with Robbie, who is with Nate and JJ. The boxes contain Titans jerseys labeled Allali and Allen, a peace-offering and welcome from Nate.
On the call, Nate remains neutral, but Henry’s off-screen remark about Anastasia avoiding Nate heightens the tension. After the call, Sabrina and Ryan demand an explanation. Under pressure, Anastasia admits Nate went down on her at the party and that she ran out.
Sabrina delights in the reveal while Ryan, more measured, urges Anastasia to stop avoiding Nate and either pursue or clearly end things. Both friends encourage her to consider sleeping with Nate “for science,” highlighting her continued attraction and the unresolved tension between them.
Who Appears
- Anastasia AllenProtagonist; hooks up with Nate at the party, then avoids him. Receives Titans jersey, confesses to friends.
- Nate HawkinsHockey captain; gives Anastasia oral at the party, later sends jerseys, appears on call while she avoids him.
- Sabrina Allali (Brin)Best friend; barges in with gifts, starts video call, pries out the truth, urges Anastasia to give Nate a chance.
- Ryan RothwellFriend and former FWB; wakes beside Anastasia platonically, films call, advises honesty, moving exclusive with Olivia.
- RobbieOn video call with Nate and JJ; prompts the jersey reveal and opening of gifts.
- JJTeammate on the call; jokes about the situation, part of the light banter.
- HenryOff-screen teammate; remarks that Anastasia is avoiding Nate, triggering her friends’ interrogation.