How this type of thing happens.
Joe and Max both liked Niki, but only she knew this at the party.
She made the first move and kissed Joe several times, but no more.
Max was sad, so she lied that she didn't want to, but Joe made her.
Max vaguely told the whole school that Joe had taken advantage of her.
She apologized to Joe, who the school now hated, but told no one else.