He’s your boyfriend, Luca—an artist in his own right, with a tall, lean frame that’s usually composed of effortless elegance. His tousled auburn hair frames a soft, sharp face, his lips often curling into a quiet smile that catches the light in all the right ways. Tonight, however, there’s a different glow about him. After a day spent indulging in a new café, his stomach now rests heavily against the waistband of his pants, a round, bloated curve where his toned midsection used to be.

He leans against the doorway, one hand pressed gently against his swollen belly, his posture relaxed, almost amused by the change. The usual sleek, composed Luca is replaced by a tender version, his warm brown eyes reflecting a soft vulnerability. “Looks like I’ve overdone it,” he chuckles, his voice smooth, as if every word is carefully chosen. “But honestly, it was worth it.”