- il y a 5 semaines
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00:00To meet my online boyfriend, Chase Whitmore,
00:02I forced myself from a nearly 200-pound fat girl
00:05into the hottest girl on campus.
00:06But the day before we were supposed to meet,
00:08I found a post.
00:09Giving away my online girlfriend.
00:11Been together over a year.
00:13Cute voice, sweet girl, great to talk to.
00:15DM me if you want her.
00:17Someone asked why he was giving up such a great girlfriend.
00:20He replied,
00:21Found her real info online.
00:22She's 200 pounds, not my type.
00:24The comments piled up fast.
00:26Was interested until you said she was 200 pounds.
00:28Who wants a whale?
00:30Keeper?
00:31Only one person replied.
00:33DM'd you.
00:34I looked at the poster's profile picture again,
00:36which was the same one my online boyfriend used.
00:38And the post was from three months ago.
00:41I froze.
00:42Then I remembered.
00:43Chase Whitmore had changed a lot three months ago.
00:46He suddenly got cold and even tried to break up with me once.
00:49He said he was bored.
00:50I thought he was just tired of the relationship,
00:52so I begged him not to leave.
00:54Fine.
00:55Eventually, he agreed to stay.
00:56Not long after that, he told me he was changing accounts.
00:59His old account was too messy.
01:01And with college starting soon, he wanted a fresh one.
01:03So I added the new account.
01:05He was still distant for a while.
01:07Even his personality felt different.
01:08Later, we slowly got close again.
01:11I thought he had just lost interest for a while and then changed his mind.
01:14I never thought.
01:15I looked down at my phone.
01:17A message popped up from the account with the matching cartoon icon.
01:20Baby, your period should be coming soon.
01:22I sent you some ginger tea.
01:24Drink it while it's hot.
01:25I can't wait to finally meet you next month.
01:27I'm actually kind of nervous.
01:28Are you excited?
01:29My fingers stopped over the screen.
01:31So the guy I was about to meet, who the hell was he?
01:34My friend Mia found me the next day looking unusually awkward.
01:37Did you and Chase break up?
01:39What?
01:40She gave up and handed me her phone.
01:43Go, go, go.
01:44Back when we used to game together, Mia had gotten pretty close to one of Chase's gaming friends.
01:48The guy had sent her screenshots from Chase's private group chat.
01:52Someone had asked Chase.
01:54Bro, how come you don't bring your girlfriend into games anymore?
01:56We broke up.
01:57Chase replied.
01:58Everyone was surprised.
01:59Weren't you guys doing fine?
02:00Why'd you suddenly break up?
02:02Her voice was cute, so I always thought she'd be pretty.
02:04Then she sent me a picture once, and there was a delivery receded in the background with her real name
02:09on it.
02:09Chase answered.
02:10I already knew what high school she went to, so I had someone look her up.
02:13Turns out she was almost 200 pounds.
02:17I care about looks, man, so I ended it right away.
02:20Someone laughed.
02:20So that's why her voice sounded so good.
02:22Guess all that fat was doing wonders for her vocal cords.
02:24Wasn't she obsessed with you?
02:25Every time we played, she followed you everywhere.
02:27She actually agreed to break up?
02:29She didn't.
02:30Chase replied.
02:32So I handed her off to someone else.
02:34She doesn't even know my real name anyway.
02:37Then he dropped the post where he had given away his online girlfriend.
02:41The group went crazy.
02:43No fucking way.
02:44You can do that?
02:45Damn, Chase.
02:46Well, at least she won't bother you anymore.
02:47She was obviously hiding what she looked like.
02:48If this wasn't online, you never would have dated someone like that for over a year.
02:52After getting catfished by a whale for a year, you done with dating now?
02:56Nah.
02:57I've got my eye on someone new.
02:59There's a really pretty girl in the freshman group chat.
03:02Super innocent looking.
03:04Chase came from money and was always buying everyone drinks or covering things for the group.
03:09So naturally, everyone loved kissing his ass.
03:11Damn, that's our guy.
03:12Only a girl that hot deserves Chase.
03:14Got a picture?
03:15Chase sent one.
03:16The girl wore a fitted cheer uniform with a pleated skirt and smiled at the camera.
03:20I recognized her right away.
03:22Ava Collins.
03:22She had posted a selfie in the incoming freshman group a few days ago.
03:26The second she did, half the guys in the chat started calling her the prettiest girl in the past.
03:31Mia looked furious.
03:33You dated Chase for over a year, and he dumped you the second he found out you were fat?
03:37Then he literally handed you off to someone else?
03:40What an asshole.
03:41And Ava isn't even prettier than you.
03:43Nina, post a picture in the group.
03:45He'll regret everything.
03:46I looked back down at the screenshots.
03:48Only one person had defended me.
03:49Hey, but that girl really liked you.
03:52I remember every time you got jumped in games, she was always the first one to come save you.
03:56Doing this to her is kind of fucked up.
03:58A few minutes later, Chase replied.
04:00What can I say?
04:01I care about looks.
04:02Knowing I dated someone that huge for over a year makes me sick.
04:05Then he added.
04:06Guess she should have been prettier.
04:07That evening, another guy asked for my number on the way home.
04:10I turned him down and kept walking alone.
04:12Then I caught my reflection in a store window.
04:15A slim waist, long legs, and curves in all the right places.
04:18I knew I was pretty now.
04:20Guys had paid for my drinks and meals more than once.
04:22And even a talent scout had approached me once.
04:25But before I met Chase, none of that ever happened.
04:27I had been fat since I was little.
04:29By high school, I was almost 200 pounds.
04:32Fatty.
04:32Whale.
04:33Pig.
04:34I had heard it all.
04:35So I grew up insecure.
04:37The bigger I got, the less I wanted to dress up.
04:39And the less I tried, the worse I looked.
04:42I had crushes too.
04:43But whenever a guy found out I liked him, he acted as if I had insulted him.
04:47Every time I tried to lose weight, my parents told me not to bother.
04:50They said I was cute the way I was.
04:52They were both heavy too.
04:53So they never thought my weight was a big deal.
04:55I spent most of my teenage years getting laughed at.
04:58Then I met Chase in a game.
05:01He liked my voice and insisted on adding me.
05:03We played together a few more times and slowly got close.
05:06After a while, Chase confessed.
05:08I knew he came from money.
05:09He had bought me tons of skins in games and tried to send me expensive gifts.
05:13But I always refused them.
05:14He never posted clear pictures of his face, but his profile was full of vacation photos
05:18from all over the world.
05:19Sometimes he was in the background.
05:20He was tall and in great shape.
05:22If he saw how fat I was, there was no way he'd like me in real life.
05:25Still, I really liked him.
05:27Chase was outgoing and fun.
05:28Whenever I was upset, he stayed up talking to me.
05:31Sometimes he would even drop GIFs in the game chat and get everyone online to cheer me up.
05:34In the end, I said yes.
05:36I hid my weight and everything about myself because I was terrified he would look me up.
05:40I tested him once too.
05:41What if I'm not pretty?
05:42With a voice like yours, no way you're ugly.
05:45Baby, stop messing with me.
05:46When are we finally meeting?
05:47I miss you.
05:47Let's go to same college.
05:49Then I can see you every day.
05:50I stared at those messages for a long time.
05:52Then I finally decided to lose weight.
05:54I changed my eating habits and began training consistently.
05:57It was difficult, but I refused to give up.
06:00Over the next year, I became healthier and stronger.
06:02By the end of that year, I was down to around 110 pounds.
06:06I started learning skin care, makeup, hair, and how to dress.
06:09During that year, Chase tried to come see me several times.
06:11I always found an excuse to stop him.
06:14I never felt pretty enough yet.
06:15Then the boys in my class started looking at me differently.
06:18Love notes started showing up.
06:19Strangers began asking for my number.
06:21Some of them blushed while telling me I was beautiful.
06:23That was when I finally realized it.
06:25Maybe I really was pretty now.
06:26For the first time, I felt brave enough to meet Chase.
06:29I chose the same university he did.
06:31We agreed to meet when school started.
06:32But apparently to him, none of it had ever been that serious.
06:35I thought all those sweet things he said were real.
06:37Now that I thought about it, he had never even told me his real name.
06:40I only knew the name Chase Whitmore because Mia's friend knew someone in his circle.
06:44From the beginning, he had never really liked me.
06:47Ava posted another picture in the freshman group chat.
06:50She was at the beach in a blue halter top and denim shorts.
06:52Her hair tied in a loose ponytail.
06:54The guy beside her had his face covered.
06:56But I recognized the watch on his wrist right away.
06:58Chase had worn the same one in his pictures before.
07:01Mia had just told me that Chase started chasing Ava right after she posted her first selfie in the group.
07:06Apparently, he had even flown to her city, bought her a bunch of gifts, and arranged fireworks for her.
07:11Looks like they were officially together now.
07:14Chase dropped a message in the chat.
07:16Everybody say hi to my girlfriend.
07:18Damn, Chase, you two look good together.
07:20Bro actually got the prettiest girl in the group.
07:23Okay, I believe in love again.
07:25Only Ava is hot enough for Chase.
07:27Then someone brought me up.
07:29You guys don't know this, but Chase got catfished by some huge girl for over a year.
07:33Poor guy was traumatized.
07:35At least he finally found someone hot.
07:37Ava replied,
07:38What huge girl?
07:40Someone quickly told her the whole story.
07:41Then everyone started laughing at me.
07:43No way some whale really thought she had a shot with Chase.
07:45Girls like that can only catfick people online.
07:47I heard she was planning to go to the same college as him too.
07:51She might even be in this freshman class.
07:53Imagine seeing what she actually looks like.
07:57Ava finally replied,
07:58She was probably insecure.
08:00Being ugly isn't really her fault.
08:02But lying to someone about it is still wrong.
08:05Forget her.
08:05Thinking about it still makes me sick.
08:07Good thing I met you.
08:09What Chase didn't know was that I had joined the group with a second account.
08:13I had watched their entire little love story happen.
08:15Chase, what was that girl's name again?
08:17Maybe we'll run into her when school starts.
08:20Nina Grant
08:22Even the name sounds basic.
08:23The next second, I joined the group with my real account.
08:26Then I changed my display name to Nina Grant.
08:30The chat went dead silent.
08:31But I knew everyone was staring at the screen.
08:34A few minutes later, Ava sent two messages.
08:38Welcome, Nina.
08:39By the way, we're having a freshman dinner on the 3rd.
08:41Are you coming?
08:42I knew exactly why she was asking.
08:44She wanted to see me embarrass myself.
08:46I gave a small smile and typed one word.
08:48Yeah.
08:50I was about to go to sleep when Definitely Not Cookie sent me a picture.
08:54Baby, do you like this bag?
08:56I saw it in Italy and thought it would look perfect on you.
08:58I'll give it to you when we meet.
09:00Then another message came in.
09:01Baby, why are you ignoring me?
09:02Did you fall asleep, baby?
09:04I frowned.
09:04This guy had bought Chase's account and really committed to the role.
09:07He was generous, too.
09:09Last month, he sent me a necklace and an expensive skincare set.
09:12He also sent me money on Valentine's Day.
09:14And random gifts all the time.
09:16He knew I was fat.
09:18So what did he even want from me?
09:20Was this some weird fetish?
09:21I sent him an old picture of myself.
09:23Almost 200 pounds.
09:25Round face.
09:25Eyes nearly hidden by my cheek.
09:27This is what I look like.
09:29If you can't accept it, we should break up.
09:31I don't want to waste your time.
09:33Well, no way he could keep pretending after seeing that.
09:36He replied almost immediately.
09:38Baby, you're cute.
09:39Then he sent a puppy sticker.
09:41What?
09:42Was he insane?
09:43I typed back fast.
09:44Look again.
09:44I'm almost 200 pounds.
09:47I know.
09:48I still think you're cute.
09:49But you should take care of your health, okay?
09:51My brows pulled together.
09:53Or was this guy just a fraud?
09:55What do you look like?
09:56I asked.
09:57I've never seen your picture.
09:58Definitely not cookie replied with three photos.
10:01Different angles.
10:02Full body.
10:03And somehow, even an ab shot.
10:04I took one look and laughed.
10:06Broad shoulders.
10:07Narrow waist.
10:08Defined abs.
10:09He had to be at least six, too.
10:11And his face was even more ridiculous.
10:14Messy, dark hair.
10:15Light brown eyes.
10:16And a smile that looked way too good to be real.
10:19So he was using stolen pictures, too.
10:22Baby, I didn't really get ready before taking these.
10:26You're not disappointed, right?
10:27Sure.
10:28We were meeting soon, anyway.
10:29I'd expose him then.
10:30I smirked and typed back.
10:30No, baby.
10:31You're really handsome.
10:32Is that actually you?
10:34Can't wait to meet you.
10:35His reply came right away.
10:36Good.
10:39Actually, there's something I need to tell you when we meet.
10:42I smile.
10:43What else could it be?
10:45Probably that the pictures were fake.
10:48Okay.
10:50The second my plane landed, my phone started blowing up.
10:53Baby, where are you?
10:55I'm waiting at arrivals.
10:56Then he sent me a picture of a huge bouquet of roses.
11:00Baby, I'm so nervous.
11:02What if you see me and don't like me?
11:04There was no person in the picture.
11:05Just the flowers.
11:06For a guy using fake photos, he was weirdly romantic.
11:10My heart softened a little.
11:11Maybe I should just let it go.
11:12Once we met, we could talk things out.
11:14Even if we only stayed friends, that was fine.
11:16These past three months, he really had treated me well.
11:18If I couldn't sleep, he would stay on the phone with me until he was barely awake.
11:22Every holiday, and sometimes for no reason at all, he found an excuse to send me gifts.
11:26He remembered everything I liked.
11:27Even when my period was coming, he was a good person.
11:30So what if he was ugly?
11:31I could live with that.
11:32I dragged my suitcase toward arrivals.
11:34From far away, I spotted the giant bouquet right away.
11:37It completely covered the guy holding it, but I could still see his build.
11:41Tall, broad shoulders, narrow waist.
11:44Wait, did he actually have a great body too?
11:46No way.
11:47Definitely not Cookie really look like those pictures.
11:50Then what was wrong with him?
11:51The guy behind the flowers seemed to be getting impatient.
11:53He finally lowered them and looked around.
11:55I stopped dead.
11:57Holy shit.
11:58It was him.
11:59He actually looked exactly like the pictures.
12:01No, he looked better.
12:02So definitely not Cookie wasn't a catfish?
12:05A few girls nearby were already whispering and looking at him.
12:08I walked over, still staring.
12:10I expected him to recognize me.
12:11Instead, he frowned.
12:13Can I help you?
12:13I tilted my head and pulled out my phone.
12:14What were you waiting for?
12:15Want my number?
12:15His frown deepened.
12:17I'm waiting for my girlfriend.
12:18No.
12:19I stared at him.
12:19Ever say says I lost weight.
12:21No guy had ever rejected me that fast.
12:23Definitely not Cookie.
12:25Was he actually only into big booty girls?
12:27When I still didn't leave, he looked even more annoyed.
12:30Can you move?
12:31My girlfriend's coming.
12:32I sighed.
12:34Cookie, it's me.
12:36Pumpkin.
12:37What?
12:37Cookie, pumpkin?
12:38He suddenly stopped.
12:39His eyes moved over me from head to toe.
12:41Pumpkin?
12:42No way.
12:43You don't look like this.
12:44Weren't you?
12:45Fatty?
12:46I finished for him.
12:46I lost weight.
12:48Then I looked at him.
12:49Or what?
12:49Do you only like the picture?
12:51The guy who had been annoyed with me two seconds ago turned bright red.
12:55No.
12:55That's not what I meant.
12:57I-
12:57He started stumbling over his words.
12:59I just-
13:00You were cute before too.
13:02You weren't ugly.
13:03I just-
13:05So I'm only cute now?
13:08No.
13:09He looked even more flustered.
13:10You're cute now too, and really pretty.
13:12I just didn't expect this.
13:14They were heavier than I expected, and I stumbled back half a step.
13:17Sorry.
13:18Sorry.
13:22Didn't you say you were taking me out for something good when we met?
13:25Come on, let's go.
13:31Cookie was pretty much the same in person as he was online.
13:34For someone that good looking, he had none of the attitude I expected.
13:38He was gentle the whole time, and took care of everything without making a big deal out of it.
13:42That was also when I finally learned his real name, Ethan Bennett.
13:47He was a freshman too.
13:48Different major, same campus.
13:50He took me to a nice restaurant for lunch, pulled out my chair for me, cut my steak, and barely
13:55looked me in the eye without turning red.
13:57After that, we spent the whole afternoon together.
14:02By the time he dropped me off at the restaurant for the freshman dinner-
14:06Text me when you're done.
14:07I'll come get you.
14:08Okay.
14:08He still looked reluctant to leave.
14:10The restaurant was crowded.
14:11As I reached the private room, I heard voices coming from inside.
14:14Is everyone here?
14:15Not yet.
14:16Nina still hasn't showed up.
14:17Nina?
14:18You mean the whale who catficked Chase?
14:20She probably got scared and bailed.
14:22Yeah.
14:23Imagine showing up and sitting next to Ava.
14:25She'd die of embarrassment.
14:28Don't be mean.
14:29It's not her fault.
14:30She's huge.
14:31I was about to walk in when a heavy girl stepped into the room before me.
14:34The whole table went quiet for a second.
14:37Then people immediately started trading looks.
14:39So you're Nina?
14:40Damn, you really made everyone wait.
14:42Do we need to move two chairs together for you?
14:44The room exploded.
14:46Chase had one arm around Ava's shoulders.
14:49He looked at the girl and gave a mocking smile.
14:51She stared at them like they were insane.
14:53Then she turned around, grabbed two plates from the service cart outside, and started setting food on the table.
14:58The laughter died instantly.
15:02Everyone looked awkward.
15:03That was when I pushed the door open and walked in.
15:06Hi, I'm Nina.
15:09Every pair of eyes landed on me.
15:11One guy froze with his beer halfway to his mouth.
15:14Some spilled over the rim and dripped onto his pants before he finally noticed and started wiping at it.
15:19The girl across from him, who had been laughing the loudest, just stared at me with her mouth open.
15:24Ava had been leaning against Chase.
15:26The second she saw me, she sat up straight.
15:28Her smile disappeared.
15:29Then she quickly touched her hair.
15:31Chase did not move at all.
15:33He just stared.
15:35Holy shit.
15:36A guy finally came back to life.
15:38Are you in the wrong room?
15:39This is the freshman dinner.
15:41It's fine if she is.
15:42She looks like a freshman too.
15:45She can stay.
15:45The guy who had been making the worst jokes spoke up immediately.
15:49I smiled.
15:49Hi, I'm Nina Grant.
15:51The room blew up.
15:53The guy stared at me.
15:55You're Nina?
15:56No fucking way.
15:58Chase said you were...
15:59Said I was what?
16:00I smiled at him.
16:01Then I looked at Chase.
16:02He looked pretty much how I expected.
16:04Good looking, definitely.
16:06Blonde hair, expensive clothes, and the kind of face that always looked like he was flirting.
16:10Classic rich playboy.
16:12Who's Chase?
16:13I tilted my head.
16:14I don't think I know him.
16:16Chase went stiff.
16:17His throat moved once.
16:18Then he slowly took his arm off Ava's shoulders.
16:21Ava pressed her lips together.
16:22I almost laughed.
16:24I knew that look on Chase's face.
16:26I had seen it plenty of times over the last few months.
16:28That stunned look guys got when they thought I was pretty.
16:31But on Chase, there was something else too.
16:34Nina?
16:35He finally said.
16:36His voice sounded rough.
16:37I ignored him and found an empty seat.
16:39The guy beside me immediately turned red and handed me a clean set of silverware.
16:43Another guy poured me water.
16:45Funny how helpful men could be when they wanted to.
16:48After staring at me, everyone started looking at Chase.
16:51Some looked confused.
16:52Some looked like they were trying not to laugh.
16:54I heard someone whisper.
16:55Chase gave her away looking like that?
16:57What the hell was he thinking?
16:59Ava's pretty, but Nina's on another level.
17:04Chase has to be dying inside.
17:06Chase heard them too.
17:07His hand tightened around his glass.
17:08Hey, Nina.
17:10Why didn't you ever post a picture in the group?
17:13You would have been the prettiest girl there.
17:15Beside Chase, Ava tightened her grip on her cup.
17:18I just don't like posting pictures.
17:20A girl looked at me curiously.
17:22Have you always looked like this?
17:24I mean, sorry.
17:26I didn't mean...
17:28It's fine.
17:29I took a sip of water.
17:31No.
17:31I used to be really heavy.
17:33I lost the weight because I was supposed to meet my online boyfriend.
17:36Chase's face changed immediately.
17:39Then a girl sitting beside Ava suddenly spoke.
17:42There's no way someone just looks like that naturally.
17:44She looked me up and down.
17:45How much work did you get?
17:47Ava's actually natural.
17:48Not everyone needs surgery to look good.
17:50Ava's mouth curved slightly.
17:52I laughed.
17:53You seem pretty familiar with plastic surgery.
17:56Her smile disappeared.
17:57Though judging by that eyeliner and those uneven lids,
17:59maybe you should ask for a refund.
18:01Her face went red.
18:02I've never had anything done.
18:05But I can help you find someone better if you want.
18:07The girl's face went from red to pale.
18:09Then she snapped.
18:10You think being pretty makes you special?
18:12For all we know, you're probably easy too.
18:15Before I could answer, another girl cut in.
18:17That makes no sense.
18:18Nina hasn't done anything to you.
18:21Yeah.
18:22You just sound jealous.
18:23A few more people agreed.
18:24The girl finally shut up.
18:26Dinner went on, but nobody was really focused on the food.
18:29Chase kept trying to talk to me.
18:30Nina, where are you from?
18:32That online boyfriend of yours?
18:33Do you actually know him?
18:35There are a lot of weird people online.
18:36You should be careful.
18:38You're new here too, right?
18:40I drove.
18:41I can show you around later.
18:42Then he peeled the shrimp and dropped it onto my plate.
18:45That was finally enough for Ava.
18:47Chase.
18:48She kept her voice low, but everyone heard it.
18:50Chase turned like he had almost forgotten she was there.
18:52What?
18:52Ava pointed at the shrimp.
18:53I want one too.
18:54Chase frowned.
18:55Then peel one.
18:55Ava stared at him.
18:56I picked up the shrimp from my plate and held it toward her.
19:00You can have mine.
19:01Then I smiled.
19:02I don't eat food other people peel for me.
19:04That did it.
19:05Ava shoved her chair back, eyes red and stormed out.
19:08At that point, the whole thing had stopped being entertaining.
19:11I dropped the shrimp into the trash and stood up.
19:13I've got something to do.
19:14I'm leaving.
19:15Then I walked out.
19:16I had barely reached the entrance when someone called after me.
19:19Nina.
19:19I turned.
19:20Chase had followed me instead of Ava.
19:21How are you getting back?
19:22He asked.
19:24I can drive you.
19:25Then he clicked his key.
19:26A white car flashed at the curb.
19:28I was about to say no when a black car pulled up fast and stopped beside us.
19:32Ethan leaned over with a bright smile.
19:33Baby, I'm here.
19:34Get in.
19:35I looked at Chase.
19:35My boyfriend's here, so I'm good, thanks.
19:37Boyfriend?
19:38The guy you met online?
19:39I smiled.
19:40Yeah.
19:40Then I walked right past Chase and got into Ethan's car.
19:48What?
19:49I stared at him.
19:49No, I'm not breaking up with you.
19:51Then why won't you take the bag?
19:52I spent forever picking it out.
19:54Before I could answer, he kept-
19:55Send me your class schedule when you get it.
19:56I'll try to take some of the same classes.
19:58What do you want for breakfast tomorrow?
19:59I can bring it over.
19:59Then he pointed at the bag.
20:00Keep that.
20:01I bought it for you.
20:02If you don't want it, I'll just throw it away.
20:04I looked at him for a second.
20:05Then I laughed helplessly.
20:07Fine.
20:08Dinner hadn't felt nearly as satisfying as I thought it would.
20:10I used to hate Chase for what he did.
20:12He could have just broken up with me.
20:13Instead, he came up with this whole stupid plan to hand me off to someone else.
20:17I wasn't happy that Ethan had lied to me either.
20:18But Ethan, he actually seemed pretty good.
20:20Maybe I could keep seeing him and figure things out.
20:23I never expected Chase to start following me around after that.
20:27Anytime Ethan wasn't with me, Chase somehow showed up.
20:31During class, he would walk straight over and sit beside me.
20:34Nina, anyone sitting here?
20:35I looked up.
20:36We're not that close.
20:37Don't call me Nina like that.
20:39And I don't want to sit with you.
20:40Then, I picked up my books and moved.
20:42Chase didn't seem embarrassed.
20:43He just tried again the next day.
20:45Breakfast one morning.
20:46Coffee the next.
20:46Then, snacks for my entire dorm.
20:48Meanwhile, he started treating Ava like she barely existed.
20:51Once, I saw her bring him breakfast she had made herself.
20:54Take it back.
20:54Chase barely looked at him.
20:55Ava said something quickly.
20:56He looked annoyed and tossed the container into the trash.
20:58Once he lost interest in Ava, he went all in on me.
21:01Flowers showed up almost every day.
21:03So did expensive cakes.
21:04Then, one afternoon, Chase brought me a luxury bag.
21:07He sat beside me.
21:08Look.
21:08Resting his chin on one hand.
21:09You like it?
21:11If not, I'll get you something else.
21:12I finally lost my patience.
21:13I don't want it.
21:14Stop sending me things.
21:16But I bought it for you.
21:17He gave a small shrug.
21:18If you don't want it, I'll just throw it away.
21:20Almost the exact same thing Ethan had said.
21:23I laughed coldly.
21:24Then, I picked up the bag and the cake and dropped both into the trash.
21:28Not my money.
21:29Why should I care?
21:30For the first time, Chase's expression changed.
21:33Nina.
21:34Be honest.
21:36Am I really not good enough to you?
21:39My boyfriend is good to me, too.
21:40If I want something, I'll ask him.
21:42I don't need anything from you.
21:43Ethan Bennett, right?
21:45I know who he is.
21:47But I'm not worse than him.
21:48Anything he can give you, I can give you, too.
21:50At first, watching Chase regret everything had been satisfying.
21:53Now, it was just annoying.
21:55I had liked him once.
21:56I had liked the guy who stayed on the phone with me all night.
21:58The guy who told me he was there when I cried.
22:00The guy who got an entire game lobby to cheer me up when I was upset.
22:04But I couldn't connect that person to the man standing in front of me now.
22:07Now I understood.
22:08Chase only liked what he could see.
22:10A pretty face.
22:11That was it.
22:12I stood up.
22:13I don't like you.
22:16So please stop following me around.
22:19I was done wasting time on Chase Whitmore.
22:21He wasn't worth it.
22:23I nearly rolled my eyes when I saw Chase at the MMA club.
22:27He acted like nothing had happened.
22:28What a coincidence, Nina.
22:29And gave me a bright smile.
22:31Chase did not know MMA.
22:32I had dated him for over a year.
22:34I knew he surfed every summer and went skiing every winter.
22:36He had never once mentioned knowing how to fight.
22:38He glanced at my bare feet, then back at me.
22:41Think you can teach me a few moves?
22:42Fine.
22:43If he wanted to get hurt that badly, I could help.
22:45I looked at him calmly.
22:46Chase was exactly as bad as I expected.
22:49The second we started, I swept his leg and sent him stumbling back.
22:52He froze for a second, then smiled and raised his hands again.
22:57Damn.
22:58You're strong.
22:59He clearly thought we were flirting.
23:01With that lazy smile still on his face, he reached for my wrist.
23:04I stepped aside, caught his arm, and twisted.
23:07A second later, his knee slammed into the mat.
23:11He sucked in a breath.
23:13The smile finally disappeared.
23:14I didn't give him time to recover.
23:16The second he tried to stand, I swept his leg again and took him down.
23:19Then I locked my legs around his neck and arm.
23:21Chase's eyes went wide.
23:22The veins at his temple stood out.
23:24For a second, I thought he was finally going to tap.
23:26Then his face slowly turned red.
23:28And he just kept staring at me.
23:30That look in his eyes.
23:31Was he actually enjoying this?
23:33Gross.
23:33I tightened the hold and leaned closer.
23:35Still want another lesson?
23:36A muffled sound came from his throat.
23:38But instead of tapping, he looked even more pleased.
23:41I immediately let go and backed away.
23:43Then I wiped my hands against my shirt.
23:45I felt contaminated.
23:46Chase stayed flat on the mat, breathing hard.
23:48I looked down at him.
23:50Stop following me.
23:52Next time I won't go this easy.
23:53He turned his head and smiled at me.
23:55Nina.
23:56I think I like you even more now.
23:58I stared at him.
23:59What the hell was wrong with this guy?
24:02The late summer rain came down fast.
24:04I stood outside the classroom building, staring at it.
24:07I had forgotten my umbrella.
24:11Suddenly, an umbrella appeared over my head.
24:14No umbrella?
24:15Too bad I only brought one.
24:17But I can walk you back.
24:20I'd rather drown than need your umbrella.
24:23Then I spotted Ethan coming out of another building nearby.
24:26Ethan!
24:33I forgot my umbrella, too.
24:35What do we do?
24:38Then we run.
24:40Okay.
24:41Ethan pulled off his jacket and held it over my head.
24:46took off into the rain without looking at Chase once.
24:49The jacket barely helped.
24:51By the time we reached my dorm, both of us were soaked.
24:53Rain poured around us while students rushed past under umbrellas.
25:00Neither of us moved.
25:04Ethan, why were you even like me?
25:07You go first.
25:12His smile disappeared.
25:14Part of me wanted you to never find out, but I don't want to keep lying to you.
25:18I don't want whatever we have to start with a lie.
25:20You knock an amends.
25:21When I didn't look surprised, he froze.
25:24You already knew?
25:24I said nothing.
25:25I just looked at him.
25:27But there's something else.
25:29Nina, this actually wasn't the first time I met you.
25:32Before all of this.
25:33Before that account.
25:34I already knew you.
25:35That caught me off guard.
25:37I would remember a face like Ethan's.
25:41It can't be.
25:42I don't remember you.
25:45He pulled out his phone.
25:47You wouldn't.
25:48I didn't look like this back then.
25:52Ethan.
25:53No way.
25:55He was cookie?
25:57Three years earlier, I had tried to lose weight once before.
26:00Back then, I begged my mom to send me to a weight loss summer camp.
26:03The coaches didn't use our real names.
26:05Everyone had to pick a nickname.
26:06The camp was brutal.
26:07We worked out until our legs shook.
26:08And every meal was some tiny, low-calorie plate that barely counted as food.
26:12I was hungry all the time.
26:14One night, I woke up starving and decided to walk around for a bit.
26:18As I turned the corner near the stairs, I saw someone crouching in the dark.
26:22I almost screamed.
26:22The boy whipped around, his cheeks stuffed completely full of food.
26:26He tried to say something, panicked, and immediately started choking.
26:29I rushed over and slapped his back until he finally popped it out.
26:33His eyes were red when he pressed a finger to his lips.
26:37Don't tell anyone.
26:38I was just really hungry.
26:40The chubby boy was clutching a pack of cookies like his life depended on it.
26:43I stared at the cookies and swallowed.
26:45Where did you get those?
26:46He lowered his voice.
26:47My friend lives nearby.
26:50I told him I was starving, so he threw them over the back fence.
26:53Then he looked at me nervously.
26:54Please don't report me.
26:55I didn't move.
26:56My eyes stayed on the cookie.
26:58After a few seconds, he finally got the message.
27:01He slowly held the package to her.
27:04Do you want some?
27:06I grabbed his hand at once.
27:07You're my best friend now.
27:08That was the night I learned his camp nickname was Cookie.
27:11Mine was Pumpkin.
27:13And Cookie apparently took the friendship seriously.
27:16Every time he managed to sneak in food after that, he came looking for me.
27:19We spent the next two months secretly eating together.
27:21The downside was obvious.
27:22Everyone else lost weight.
27:24We barely did.
27:24Then I had to leave camp suddenly.
27:26My grandma was hospitalized, and I had to go home before I even had time to say goodbye.
27:30As I was leaving, Cookie came running after me, sweating and out of breath.
27:33His eyes were red when he shoved a piece of paper into my hand.
27:36My number.
27:38You have to text me when you get home.
27:39The way he said it made us sound like we had just survived prison together.
27:43I laughed and waved goodbye, but I never contacted him.
27:46Grandma got worse fast.
27:47She passed away a few days later.
27:49I stayed at the hospital with my family and completely forgot about the note.
27:52By the time I remembered, my mom had already washed the clothes I wore that day.
27:56The paper was ruined.
27:57I tried going back to the camp later, but it had already shut down,
28:00and no one seemed to know where the staff had gone.
28:02After that, Cookie disappeared from my life.
28:04I regretted it for a long time.
28:06He had been one of the only people who was genuinely nice to me.
28:09The only person who never cared how big I was.
28:12And now, somehow, he was standing right in front of me.
28:16I stared at Ethan.
28:18But how did you turn into this?
28:19Seriously, how did that chubby kid turn into a model?
28:23Ethan rubbed the back of his neck, looking embarrassed.
28:25After you left, eating alone just wasn't as fun anymore.
28:29I don't know.
28:30I stopped craving food as much.
28:31Then I started playing basketball.
28:33Eventually, I lost the weight.
28:35He paused.
28:36Later, I randomly found that post online.
28:39The guy hadn't covered your U-turn name.
28:41You were still using Pumpkin,
28:42and your profile picture was that tabby cat you told me about at camp.
28:45The one with the little white patch on its forehead.
28:48Your age matched, too.
28:50So I figured it had to be you.
28:52I didn't want you to get hurt.
28:54And I made a stupid decision.
28:56I messaged him.
28:58He looked at me.
28:59I didn't recognize you when we met, either.
29:01I never thought you'd look so...
29:03so pretty.
29:04His eyes dropped.
29:06I'm sorry, Nina.
29:09I shouldn't have lied.
29:10I just didn't know how to tell you.
29:13If you want to break up with me, I'll understand.
29:15I stood there for a moment.
29:16I honestly had no idea what to say.
29:19Then I reached for his hand in the rain.
29:21Break up over what?
29:22I looked at him.
29:22Didn't you say you'd stay with me?
29:25Ethan's eyes lit up.
29:26A second later, he pulled me into his arms.
29:29Yeah, I will.
29:32I had just walked out of in class when someone called my name.
29:35Nina!
29:35I turned.
29:35Chase stood a few feet away, half hidden in the shadows.
29:38I frowned.
29:39What do you want?
29:40He shoved his hands into his pockets and walked toward me.
29:42You really like him that much?
29:44I rolled my eyes.
29:45He's my boyfriend.
29:46Who else am I supposed to like?
29:48I turned to leave.
29:49Then Chase spoke again.
29:50What if he wasn't the guy you were dating online?
29:52I stopped.
29:53My face went cold.
29:54I turned back slowly.
29:56What do you mean?
29:57Chase stared at me for a long moment.
29:59Then he finally said it.
30:00Nina, I was the guy you dated first.
30:02For that whole year, I was the one talking to you.
30:04I just screwed up.
30:06I found out what you looked like and handed the account over.
30:08His voice got faster.
30:10Ethan's the one who lied to you.
30:12He's been pretending this whole time.
30:13You and I were the real couple.
30:15I looked at him.
30:16I already knew.
30:17Chase froze.
30:19You knew?
30:20Then why are you still with him?
30:22I gave a short laugh.
30:23So what exactly are you trying to tell me?
30:25That you regret it now?
30:27That you like me again?
30:29Yes.
30:30He stepped closer.
30:31I do like you.
30:32I was an idiot before.
30:34I cut him off.
30:35You actually had the nerve to say this to my face?
30:37His expression tightened.
30:39Nina.
30:40You're unbelievable, Chase.
30:42I know I messed up.
30:43He took a breath.
30:44I'll make it up to you however you want.
30:45But you used to like me.
30:46You can't seriously say you never did.
30:48You lost all that weight because you wanted to meet me.
30:49And now I really do like you.
30:50I looked at him.
30:51What do you like?
30:52My face?
30:53His mouth opened.
30:55I didn't let him answer.
30:56You're disgusting.
30:57His face changed.
30:58The guy I liked back then wasn't this version of you.
31:00I looked him straight in the eye.
31:02And I'm never going to like you again.
31:04So get over it.