some have hints of alternate routes, especially in the code.
actually, i was surprised that Nathan didn't suggest to meet up in Riverside if MC visits Nikki/Cara. Seems they still have some stuff to do in Alvarado, or just hanging out in Nate's home with his girlfriend ? maybe, if MC comes alone, that girl might hit on MC, creating drama between Nathan and MC ?
so on Friday, MC can have a beach date with both Val and Erynn on the same day, or with Layla excluding the other two. Val won't dig too much, even if she might want to have more time during the weekend. Layla and Erynn will be tough though
Erynn could even want to come with MC as she already knows Nikki/Cara and might want to also meet MC's true bro. Layla could be persuaded to prioritize Lakeyn for the remainder of the break
Layla asks MC on the phone before the hot tub party, so it wouldn't ruin anything. MC could have just said something like Zach not being his friend anymore and dodge the follow up questions, or answer everything and be done with it before the party and asking Layla to avoid the topic during the party so he can forget about it.
MC also had several opportunity with Val, and even worse he even asks her if Zach could be the guy she is interested in in the latest update, with a light tone as if nothing happened. the best opportunity would be just after Ethan's even, after Val saved MC... saying Zach brought MC there and then punched MC in the face would be enough to show the end of the friendship, and it would not ruin the mood at all
for Erynn and Alexis, MC could have told the whole detail during the conversation after Erynn false cliffhanger, the atmosphere was already heavy so it would not ruin anything. During the beach double date, just saying Zach is no longer his friend is enough too and wouldn't ruin the mood as they can quickly change the topic, everyone there has a low opinion of Zach anyway, only MC was his only redeeming quality
.
MC's thoughts about it are not that negative compared to what they should really be. they are quite forgiving, in my opinion. most people's thoughts would be filled with insults or hate, or both, if hit with the same betrayal from a decade long friend. the same friend that said "bros before hoes" and went for the exact opposite