Twenty | Nathan

Nate endures a severe migraine after Aaron arrives injured and accuses Nate of causing his fall. The night devolves into chaos as Anastasia rushes to Aaron, devastated about likely missing sectionals, while Nate insists he did nothing. Anastasia asks for space and stops responding, leaving Nate isolated and desperate for answers.

On Monday, Coach Faulkner, under pressure from the dean after a complaint by Aaron’s parents, demands a confession. The team denies involvement but, given their history, Faulkner suspends them all. To prevent the season from collapsing, Nate claims responsibility, despite Faulkner’s skepticism. The dean’s consequence benches Nate from practice and games until Aaron can skate again.

Faulkner explains Aaron’s injuries aren’t broken bones but will sideline him at least two weeks, pending a specialist’s opinion. Nate, frustrated and exhausted, resolves to speak with Anastasia. He goes to her apartment and is greeted by a smugly polite Aaron, then hears Anastasia sobbing behind a closed door.

Nate enters to find Ryan comforting Anastasia. She confronts Nate, saying the dean’s notice proves his guilt, and accuses him of lying. Overwhelmed by pain, Nate begins to buckle; Ryan seats him and offers help as Anastasia panics over his condition. Nate, barely coherent, says he’ll leave and talk later; someone insists he can’t drive as his migraine peaks.