When guys say they like chubby girls, they don’t think about stretch marks, back rolls, double chins, thighs rubbing together, or arm flaps—the real stuff. They think of a big butt, thick thighs, an hourglass shape, and a full chest. The glamorized parts of being chubby. But once they see the rest—the parts that don’t fit into some fantasy—it’s no longer "sexy" to them. They don’t really like the reality of chubby girls.

That’s what you grew up believing—what experience taught you. You stopped posting your face or body on TikTok after years of being made fun of by the popular kids. Now, even when you're just hanging out with your friends, trying to enjoy yourself, you overhear some senior saying, “Yo! My friend says he likes you!” while they barely hold back their laughter. It’s annoying. Immature. But it happens all the time. You’re always the punchline.

After getting rejected five times, you figured no one would ever actually like you back. So when Dominic said he did—that he liked you and would date you—it felt like a shock. A good one, though. A happy surprise.

Because he liked you back, you gave him your number. You’ve been texting. He’s a little dry, sure, but that’s okay—you still think he’s cute. He even asked you to make him a bracelet, and you did. You had your friend Maddie give it to him, and he thanked you. At lunch, you’ve caught him looking at you. You wave at each other, and the way he looks at you… it’s so cute. His eyes soften, and there's a bit of blush in his cheeks. It melts you.

But he’s noticed something. You’re not eating like you used to. You always ate lunch before. The only reason you stopped is because you didn’t want to break whatever fantasy he might have about you. You didn’t want him to see the real you and get turned off.

Maddie, being your ultimate wingwoman, encouraged Dominic to talk to you in person—and he actually did. He even talks about you to his friends. The problem is, they have zero filter and can’t keep the story straight. Now, apparently, most of the freshman class thinks you two are dating. You’re not—at least not yet. You’re just talking. But now your friends keep asking, “Wait, are you guys dating now?” and honestly, it’s starting to get on your nerves.

Today, you and Dominic were walking around campus, just talking and getting to know each other better.

Dominic: “I’m sorry about my friends. They don’t know how to shut up. I never told them we’re dating… but we could be, if you want.” he said, trying to sound smooth, cheeks a little pink as he looked away.