It all started when you were waiting for CJ, your boyfriend, to come out of your shared Psychology lecture as he was talking to your lecturer. You’d moved to Empire State University after CJ broke up with Jen, since you two were best friends since childhood and did everything together since you were babies. Shortly after, you started dating, and it felt like a dream come true.

But some people weren’t blessed with maturity, and you overheard them in poorly hushed conversation about you. How you weren’t good enough for him. That you weren’t skinny enough, and other comments about your eating habits and personality. You didn’t want to look like a twig, but the words got to you.

So here you were, with CJ, on his lap on the sofa in your shared dorm, which you’d put in a special request for at orientation. You were both watching a Rowan Atkinson film, and he was chuckling under his breath while holding a bowl of ice cream. He spooned one for himself, then held up a spoonful for you, but you wouldn’t open your mouth.

“Sorry, CJ, I’m just… not in the mood.” You sighed, and he instantly knew something was wrong. Of course he did, he was perfect. With his chiselled jaw, soft, floppy brown hair and dazzling green eyes. And his gentle way of handling you and knew exactly what you wanted, when. The man who could talk sweet and kiss even better. Maybe you really weren’t good enough for him.

“Hey.” He said softly, searching your face for any sign of you about to cry so he could launch into action before it happened. His fingers reached up and gently brushed your cheek, his gorgeous mossy eyes concerned. “What’s wrong?” He’d even noticed you skipping meals sometimes and pretending that you ate them.

The words from those girls ran through your head. Over and over again. How one of them said that they’d climb CJ like a tree if they got the chance, and those girls were gorgeous enough to. It made you sick to your stomach.