‘Euphoria’: A Definitive Timeline of Rue & Jules’ Relationship

Euphoria - Hunter Schafer as Jules and Zendaya as Rue
Courtesy of HBO

The release of Euphoria’s two special episodes gave fans the long-awaited aftermath of Rue (Zendaya) and Jules’ (Hunter Schafer) dramatic separation at the end of Season 1.

The cracks in the fan-favorite pair’s relationship were beginning to show long before Rue was left crying on the train station platform. Still, their bond was filled with love and support throughout their time together, which made their parting one to truly mourn. Oh, the highs and lows of young love!

Scroll down for a comprehensive timeline of ‘Rules’ from its friendly beginning to its tearful end. 

Euphoria Rue Jules House Party Hunter Schafer Zendaya
HBO

An eclectic meet-cute (Season 1, Episode 1)

The two formally meet for the first time outside of a house party, moments after Jules pulls a knife on Nate (Jacob Elordi) to protect herself from his intense verbal harassments. Rue, after introducing herself to Jules, asks if she can go home with her. The pair bikes back to Jules’s house and thus, ‘Rules’ is born!

Euphoria - Zendaya as Rue and Hunter Schafer as Jules
HBO

Carefree beginnings (Season 1, Episode 2)

Rue and Jules quickly become inseparable, spending most of their time at school together, hanging out and cracking jokes about the football team.

Euphoria - Hunter Schafer as Jules and Zendaya as Rue - Season 1, Episode 3
HBO

Testing ultimatums (Season 1, Episode 3)

However, their friendship is not without its worries. Jules expresses her concern for Rue’s frequent post-rehab drug use and sets an ultimatum that will come to be a crucial component of their relationship throughout the show: Their friendship can only continue if Rue stays clean.

Euphoria - Hunter Schafer as Jules and Zendaya as Rue
HBO

An unexpected kiss (Season 1 Episode 3)

When Jules tells Rue that she plans on meeting up with Tyler, a boy she’s been virtually chatting with, Rue immediately expresses her apprehensions, resulting in a small fight. Feeling guilty, Rue shows up at Jules’ house and apologizes, mending their friendship for the time being. However, Rue then leans in to kiss Jules. When she doesn’t reciprocate, Rue leaves the room in a storm of hurt.

Euphoria Rue Jules Zendaya Hunter Schafer
HBO

Reunited at the carnival (Season 1, Episode 4)

Despite their previous drama, the two reunite at the town carnival and pick right back up with their friendship like nothing ever happened. However, Rue’s sister is convinced their bond is more than a friendship: “Rue is in love with Jules, I think.”

Euphoria - Hunter Schafer as Jules and Zendaya as Rue - first kiss - Season 1, Episode 4
HBO

Secrets underneath a first kiss (Season 1, Episode 4)

The two share their first proper kiss after Jules learns that the “Tyler” she has been talking to all this time is, in fact, Nate Jacobs, who blackmails her. Because Jules keeps this a secret from Rue, her closed-off behavior adds a layer of tension to their previously carefree relationship.

Euphoria Rue Jules Zendaya Hunter Schafer
HBO

Halloween hijinks (Season 1, Episode 6)

On Halloween, the girls go to a party, only for Jules to get overwhelmingly drunk. Her carelessness prompts feelings of unease in Rue, who is still struggling to remain sober.

Euphoria - Hunter Schafer as Jules and Quintessa Swindell as Anna
HBO

What happens in the club stays in the club (Season 1, Episode 7)

After Halloween, Jules heads back to her hometown to escape the tensions with Nate. She undergoes a drug-fueled night out, where she ends up growing close to and eventually kissing a girl named Anna. Rue is bedridden in a depressive state, unaware of Jules’ actions.

Euphoria Rue Jules Prom Hunter Schafer Zendaya
HBO

A night to remember (Season 1, Episode 8)

When they reunite for a school dance, it is clear that not all is mended in the land of ‘Rules.’ Throughout the night, Jules frequently texts Anna only to reveal she is in love with both girls, upsetting Rue.

Euphoria Rue Jules Zendaya Hunter Schafer
Eddy Chen/HBO

Watch the gap (Season 1, Episode 8)

In a spur-of-the-moment decision, Rue and Jules decide to leave the dance and hop on a train to flee their small town. Once they reach the station, however, Rue has second thoughts and decides to stay. Jules remains on the train, leaving Rue on the platform.

Euphoria Rue Zendaya
HBO

Dealing with the consequences (Special Episode Part 1 & 2)

Rue reveals that she blames Jules for her relapse at the end of Season 1. She feels lied to and manipulated, with the tipping point being their separation at the train station. In Jules’ episode, we learn that her apprehension towards Rue’s drug addiction was a byproduct of her mother’s addiction, which she was dealing with at the same time she was with Rue.

Euphoria Zendaya Rue Jules Bonus Episode
HBO

Can apologies be enough? (Special Episode Part 2: Jules)

The two finally reunite at the end of Jules’ special episode when Rue stops by her house to wish her a merry Christmas. Jules takes this opportunity to apologize for her actions, but before Rue can accept, she tearfully exits the room, and the two are separated once again.