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00:00To meet my online girlfriend, Chloe Whitmore, I forced myself from a nearly 250 pound fat guy into the hottest
00:07guy on campus.
00:08But the day before we were supposed to meet, I found a post.
00:11Giving away my online boyfriend. Been together over a year. Nice voice, sweet guy, great to talk to. DM me
00:16if you want him.
00:17Someone asked why she was giving up such a great boyfriend. She replied,
00:20Found his real info online. He's 250 pounds. Not my type.
00:24The comments piled up fast.
00:26Was interested until you said he was 250 pounds.
00:29Who wants a whale? Keep him. LOL.
00:32DM'd you.
00:33I looked at the poster's profile picture again.
00:35It was the same one my online girlfriend used.
00:37And the post was from three months ago.
00:39I froze. Then I remembered.
00:41Chloe Whitmore had changed a lot three months ago.
00:44She suddenly got cold and even tried to break up with me once.
00:46She said she was bored.
00:47I thought she was just tired of the relationship, so I begged her not to leave.
00:51Eventually, she agreed to stay.
00:53Not long after that, she told me she was changing accounts.
00:55Her old account was too messy, and with college starting soon, she wanted a fresh one.
00:59So, I added the new account.
01:01She was still distant for a while.
01:02Even her personality felt different.
01:04Later, we slowly got busy.
01:06I thought she had just lost interest for a while.
01:07I changed her mind.
01:08I never thought.
01:10Baby, don't skip dinner after training.
01:12Take good care of yourself.
01:13I can't wait to finally meet you tomorrow.
01:15I'm actually kind of nervous.
01:16Are you excited?
01:17My finger stopped over the screen.
01:19So, the girl I was about to meet...
01:21Who the hell was she?
01:25Friend Miles found me the next day looking unusually awkward.
01:28Did you and Chloe break up?
01:29What?
01:30He gave up and handed me his phone.
01:31Back when we used to game together,
01:33Miles had gotten pretty close to one of Chloe's gaming friends.
01:35That friend had sent him screenshots from Chloe's private group chat.
01:39Hey, how come you don't bring your boyfriend into games anymore?
01:42We broke up.
01:44Weren't you guys doing fine?
01:45Why'd you suddenly break up?
01:46His voice was hot, so I always thought he'd be good-looking.
01:48Then he sent me a picture once,
01:49and there was a delivery receipt in the background with his real name on it.
01:53I already knew what high school he went to,
01:54so I had someone look him up.
01:55Turns out he was almost 250 pounds.
01:57I nearly threw up.
01:58I care about looks, okay?
02:01So I ended it right away.
02:03So that's why his voice sounded so good.
02:05Guess all that fat was doing wonders for his vocal cords.
02:07Wasn't he obsessed with you?
02:08Every time we played, he followed you everywhere.
02:11He actually agreed to break up?
02:12He didn't.
02:13So I handed him off to someone else.
02:15Then she dropped the post where she had given away her online.
02:17He doesn't even know my real name anyway.
02:19The group went crazy.
02:21No fucking way.
02:22You can do that?
02:23Damn, Chloe.
02:24Well, at least he won't bother you anymore.
02:25He was obviously hiding what he looked like.
02:27If this wasn't online,
02:27you never would have dated someone like that for over a year.
02:29After getting catfished by a whale for a year,
02:31you done with dating now?
02:32Nah, I've got my eye on someone new.
02:34There's a really hot guy in the freshman group chat.
02:35But, he plays football.
02:38Chloe was pretty and generous.
02:40So naturally, everyone loved kissing her ass.
02:43Damn, that's our girl.
02:44Only a guy that hot deserves Chloe.
02:46Got a picture?
02:47Chloe Semlin.
02:48A man wore a football jersey and held his helmet against his hip,
02:51smiling at the camera.
02:52He was definitely good looking.
02:53I recognized him right away.
02:54Aiden Collins.
02:55He had posted a selfie in the incoming freshman group a few days ago.
02:58He was said to have been captain of his high school football team.
03:00The second he posted it,
03:02half the girls in the chat started calling him the hottest guy in our class.
03:05You dated Chloe for over a year?
03:07And she dumped you the second she found out you were fat?
03:10What an asshole.
03:11Aiden isn't even better looking than you.
03:13Noah, post a picture in the group.
03:14She'll regret everything.
03:15I looked back down at the screenshots.
03:16Only one person had defended me.
03:18But that guy really liked you.
03:20I remember every time you got jumped in game,
03:22he was always the first one to come save you.
03:24Doing this to him is kind of fucked up.
03:25What can I say?
03:26I care about looks.
03:27Knowing I dated someone that huge for over a year makes me sick.
03:31Guess you should have been hotter.
03:32That evening, another girl asked for my number on the way home.
03:35I turned her down and kept walking alone.
03:37Then I caught my reflection in a store window.
03:39Broad shoulders, muscular arms, and a sharp jawline.
03:42I knew I was handsome now.
03:43Girls often stopped to watch me train in the box.
03:45Even a talent scout had approached me once.
03:47But before I met Chloe, none of that ever happened.
03:49I had been fat since I was little.
03:51By high school, I was almost 250 pounds.
03:54Fatty.
03:54Whale.
03:55Pig.
03:55I had heard it all.
03:56So, I grew up insecure.
03:57The bigger I got, the less I cared about how I dressed.
04:00And the less I tried, the worse I looked.
04:02I had crushes too.
04:03But whenever a girl found out I liked her,
04:04she acted as if I had insulted her.
04:06Every time I tried to lose weight,
04:08my parents told me not to bother.
04:09They said I was fine the way I was.
04:11I spent most of my teenage years getting laughed at.
04:13Then I met Chloe in a game.
04:16Chloe?
04:17My voice and insisted on adding me.
04:19We played together a few more times and slowly got close.
04:22After a while, Chloe told me she liked me.
04:24I knew she came from money.
04:25She had bought me tons of skins in game and tried to send me expensive gifts, but I always refused
04:30them.
04:30She never posted clear pictures of her face, but her profile was full of vacation photos from all over the
04:35world.
04:35Sometimes, she was in the background.
04:37She had a great figure.
04:38If she saw how fat I was, there was no way she'd like me in real life.
04:41Still, I really liked her.
04:43Chloe was outgoing and fun.
04:45Whenever I was upset, she stayed up talking to me.
04:47Sometimes, she would even drop gifts in the game chat and get everyone online to cheer me up.
04:51In the end, I said yes.
04:52I hid my weight and everything about myself because I was terrified she would look me up.
04:56I tested her once too.
04:58What if I'm not good looking?
04:59With a voice like yours?
05:01No way you're ugly.
05:02Baby, stop messing with me.
05:03When are we finally meeting?
05:04I miss you.
05:05Let's go to the same college.
05:07Then I can see you every day.
05:08I stared at those messages for a long time.
05:10Then, I finally decided to lose weight.
05:12I changed my eating habits and started boxing.
05:14It was difficult, but I refused to give up.
05:16Over that year, I lost the extra weight and put on muscle.
05:19My coach thought I had talent and encouraged me to compete.
05:21Eventually, I won a state youth boxing championship.
05:24I got a better haircut and started paying attention to how I dressed.
05:26During that year, Chloe tried to come see me several times.
05:29I always found an excuse to stop her.
05:31I never felt good enough yet.
05:32Then, the girls in my class started looking at me differently.
05:35Love notes started showing up.
05:37Strangers began asking for my number.
05:38Some of them blushed while telling me I was handsome.
05:41That was when I finally realized it.
05:43Maybe I really was good looking now.
05:45For the first time, I felt brave enough to meet Chloe.
05:47I chose the same university she did.
05:49We agreed to meet when school started.
05:51But, apparently, to her, none of it had ever been that serious.
05:54I thought all those sweet things she said were real.
05:57Now that I thought about it, she had never even told me her real name.
05:59I only knew the name Chloe Whitmore because Miles' friend knew someone in her circle.
06:03From the beginning, she had never really liked me.
06:08Aiden posted another picture in the freshman group chat.
06:10He was on the football field in his practice jersey, holding his helmet at his side.
06:14The girl beside him had her face covered.
06:17But, I recognized the bracelet on her wrist right away.
06:20Chloe had worn the same one in her pictures before.
06:22Miles had just told me that Chloe started chasing Aiden right after he'd posted his first selfie in the group.
06:28Apparently, she had even flown to his city, kept him company during practice.
06:32Looks like they were officially together now.
06:35Everybody say hi to my boyfriend!
06:37Damn, Chloe! You two look good together!
06:39She actually got the hottest guy in the group!
06:42Okay, I believe in love again. Only Aiden is hot enough for Chloe.
06:45You guys don't know this, but Chloe got catfished by some huge guys over here.
06:48Poor girl was traumatized. At least she finally found someone hot.
06:53What huge guy?
06:54Someone quickly told him the whole story.
06:56Then, everyone started laughing at me.
06:58No way some whale really thought he had a shot with Chloe.
07:01Guys like that can only catfish people online.
07:04I heard he was planning to go to the same college as her, too.
07:06He might even be in this freshman class.
07:08Music licensing, reimagine.
07:09Imagine seeing what he actually looks like.
07:11He was probably insecure, but lying to someone about it is still wrong.
07:15Forget him. Thinking about it still makes me sick.
07:18Good thing I met you.
07:19What Chloe didn't know was that I had joined the group with a second account.
07:22I had watched their entire little love story happen.
07:25Then someone asked, Chloe, what was that guy's name again?
07:28Maybe we'll run into him when school starts.
07:30Chloe replied, Noah Grant.
07:32Another person immediately answered.
07:34Even the name sounds basic.
07:36No wonder he's ugly.
07:38The next second, I joined the group with my real account.
07:41Then, I changed my display name to Noah Grant.
07:45The chat went dead silent.
07:47But I knew everyone was staring at the screen.
07:49A few minutes later, Aiden sent two messages.
07:52Welcome, Noah.
07:53By the way, we're having a freshman dinner on the 3rd.
07:55You coming?
07:56I knew exactly why he was asking.
07:58He wanted to see me embarrass myself.
08:00I gave a small smile and typed one word.
08:04Yeah.
08:08I was about to go to sleep when Definitely Not Cookie sent me a picture.
08:13Baby, do you like these boxing gloves?
08:15I saw them while I was traveling and thought you might like them.
08:18I'll give them to you when we meet.
08:20Then, another message came in.
08:22Baby, why are you ignoring me?
08:23Did you fall asleep?
08:24I frowned.
08:25This girl had bought Chloe's account and really committed to the role.
08:29She was generous, too.
08:30Last month, she sent me a pair of headphones and an expensive cologne.
08:34She also made me a hand-braided bracelet for Valentine's Day.
08:37And random gifts all the time.
08:39She knew I was fat.
08:40So what did she even want from me?
08:42Was this some weird fetish?
08:44I sent her an old picture of myself.
08:46Almost 250 pounds, round face, eyes nearly hidden by my cheeks.
08:50This is what I look like.
08:52If you can't accept it, we should break up.
08:54I don't want to waste your time.
08:55Well, no way she could keep pretending after seeing that.
08:58She replied almost immediately.
09:00Baby, you're cute.
09:02Then she sent a heart sticker.
09:03I stared at the screen.
09:05What?
09:06Was she insane?
09:07I typed back fast.
09:08Look again.
09:09I'm almost 250 pounds.
09:11I'm fat.
09:12I know.
09:13I still think you're cute.
09:14But you should take care of your health, okay?
09:16My brows pulled together.
09:18Was this girl fat, too?
09:19Was she just a fraud?
09:21What do you look like?
09:22I asked.
09:22I've never seen your picture.
09:24Definitely Not Cookie replied with three photos.
09:26Different angles.
09:27Full body.
09:28I took one look and laughed.
09:31Long legs.
09:32A slim waist.
09:33Curves in all the right places.
09:34And her face was even more ridiculous.
09:37Golden hair.
09:38Light blue eyes.
09:39And a smile that looked way too good to be real.
09:41So she was using stolen pictures, too.
09:43Baby, I didn't really get ready before taking these.
09:46You're not disappointed, right?
09:47Sure.
09:47We were meeting soon anyway.
09:49I'd expose her then.
09:50No, baby.
09:51You're really pretty.
09:53Is that actually you?
09:54Can't wait to meet you.
09:56Good.
09:58Actually, there's something I need to tell you when we meet.
10:01I smiled.
10:02What else could it be?
10:04Probably that the pictures were fake.
10:06Okay.
10:09The second her plane landed, my phone started blowing up.
10:14I just landed.
10:15Are you here yet?
10:16Yes.
10:16Baby, I'm so nervous.
10:18What if you see me and don't like me?
10:20I looked down at the huge bouquet of roses in my arms and sent her a picture.
10:23I'm waiting at arrivals.
10:25For a girl using fake photos, she seemed genuinely nervous.
10:29My heart softened a little.
10:31Maybe I should just let it go.
10:32Once we met, we could talk things out.
10:34Even if we only saved friends, that was fine.
10:36These past three months, she really had treated me well.
10:39If I couldn't sleep, she would stay on the phone with me until she was barely awake.
10:43She remembered everything I liked and always reminded me to eat after training.
10:47She was a good person.
10:48So what if she wasn't pretty?
10:50I could live with that.
10:51A girl standing nearby suddenly tapped my arm.
10:53I turned and saw her face was red.
10:57Sorry.
10:57Can I get your number?
10:59Sorry.
10:59I'm waiting for my girlfriend.
11:00Right.
11:02Sorry for bothering you.
11:03I turned back toward arrivals.
11:05Then, I spotted a girl pulling a suitcase.
11:07Golden hair.
11:08Long legs.
11:10A slim waist.
11:11Wait.
11:12No way.
11:13Definitely Not Cookie really looked like those pictures.
11:15The girl glanced down at her phone, then lifted her head.
11:18I stopped breathing for a second.
11:20Holy shit.
11:22It was her.
11:23She actually looked exactly like the pictures.
11:25No.
11:26She looked better.
11:27So definitely Not Cookie wasn't a catfish?
11:30A few guys nearby were already glancing over at her.
11:33I walked over, still staring.
11:36Hi.
11:36I expected her to recognize me.
11:38Instead, she frowned.
11:40Do I know you?
11:42No.
11:43But could I get your number?
11:45Sorry, I have a boyfriend.
11:46He's picking me up.
11:47I stared at her.
11:48Ever since I lost weight, no girl had ever rejected me that fast.
11:52Definitely Not Cookie.
11:53Was she actually only into big guys?
11:56Her eyes dropped to the roses in my arms.
11:58Don't you have someone to give those to?
12:00I do.
12:00Then you should probably go find her.
12:03Cookie.
12:04It's me.
12:05Pumpkin.
12:06What?
12:06Cookie?
12:07Pumpkin?
12:07She suddenly stopped.
12:08Her eyes moved over me from head to toe, then went wide.
12:13You?
12:14Pumpkin?
12:15No way.
12:16You don't look like this.
12:17Weren't you-
12:18Fat?
12:19I lost weight?
12:20Or what?
12:21Do you only like the picture?
12:22The girl who had been annoyed with me two seconds ago turned bright red.
12:26No.
12:26That's not what I meant.
12:29You were cute before too.
12:30You weren't ugly.
12:31I just-
12:33Oh!
12:33You're cute now too, and really handsome.
12:36I just didn't expect this.
12:38I held out the flowers.
12:39She reached for them so quickly that she nearly let her suitcase tip over.
12:42I caught the handle.
12:44Sorry.
12:45Sorry.
12:46Didn't you say you wanted to try that steakhouse?
12:48Let's get something to eat.
12:50She nodded.
12:50Her cheeks still red.
12:52Come on.
12:52Let's go.
12:56Cookie was pretty much the same in person that she was online.
12:59For someone that good looking, she had none of the attitude I expected.
13:02She was sweet and easy to talk to, though she still blushed whenever our eyes met.
13:06That was also when I finally learned her real name.
13:08Emma Bennett.
13:09She was a freshman too.
13:10Different major, same campus.
13:11I took her to the steakhouse she wanted to try.
13:14Over lunch, she gradually relaxed.
13:16But every time I caught her looking at me, she quickly looked down at her plate.
13:19After that, we spent the whole afternoon together.
13:21By the time I had to leave for the freshman dinner, she still looked reluctant to let me go.
13:25Text me when you're done.
13:26Okay.
13:27The restaurant was crowded.
13:28As I reached the private room, I heard voices coming from inside.
13:32Is everyone here?
13:33Not yet.
13:33Noah still hasn't shown up.
13:34Noah?
13:34You mean the whale who catfished Chloe?
13:37He probably got scared and bailed.
13:39Yeah.
13:39Imagine showing up and sitting next to Aiden.
13:40He'd die of embarrassment.
13:42Guys like that only have confidence online.
13:44In real life, who the hell wants that?
13:45Don't be mean.
13:46It's not his fault he's huge.
13:47I was about to walk in when a heavy man stepped into the room before me.
13:51The whole table went quiet for a second.
13:53Then, people immediately started trading looks.
13:55So you're Noah?
13:56Damn, you really made everyone wait.
13:57Do we need to move two chairs together for you?
14:00Chloe sat close to Aiden, her hand resting on his arm.
14:03She looked at the guy and gave a mocking smile.
14:06He stared at them like they were insane.
14:07Then, he turned around, grabbed two plates from the service cart outside,
14:11and started setting food on the table.
14:12The laughter died instantly.
14:14Everyone looked awkward.
14:15That was when I pushed the door open and locked in.
14:18Hi, I'm Noah.
14:21Every pair of eyes landed on me.
14:23One girl froze with her glass halfway to her mouth.
14:26Her drink spilled over the rim and onto her jeans
14:28before she finally noticed and reached for a napkin.
14:30The guy across from her, who had been laughing the loudest,
14:33just stared at me with his mouth open.
14:34Aiden had been leaning back beside Chloe.
14:36The second he saw me, he sat up straight.
14:38Chloe did not move at all.
14:40She just stared.
14:42Holy shit.
14:44Uh, are you in the wrong room?
14:46This is the freshman dinner.
14:48It's fine, if he is.
14:49He looks like a freshman too.
14:51He can stay.
14:52Hi, I'm Noah Grant.
14:55You're Noah?
14:57No fucking way.
14:58Chloe said you were-
14:59Said I was what?
15:00Then I looked at Chloe.
15:01She looked pretty much how I expected.
15:02Beautiful.
15:03Definitely.
15:04Brown hair, expensive clothes, and the kind of smile that always looked like she was flirting.
15:08I could see why everyone wanted her attention.
15:10Who's Chloe?
15:11I don't think I know her.
15:13Chloe went stiff.
15:14Her lips parted.
15:14Then she slowly took her hand off Aiden's arm.
15:17Aiden's jaw tightened.
15:18I almost laughed.
15:19I knew that look on Chloe's face.
15:21I had seen it plenty of times over the last few months.
15:24That lingering stare girls gave me when they liked what they saw.
15:27But on Chloe, there was something else too.
15:29Noah?
15:29I ignored her and found an empty seat.
15:31The girl beside me immediately moved her bag off the chair.
15:33Another girl offered me the water pitcher.
15:34I thanked her and poured myself a glass.
15:37After staring at me, everyone started looking at Chloe.
15:41Chloe gave him away looking like that?
15:43What the hell was she thinking?
15:46Aiden's hot, but Noah's on another level.
15:49Chloe has to be dying inside.
15:51Chloe heard them too.
15:52Her hand tightened around her glass.
15:53The girl across from me cleared her throat.
15:55Hey Noah, why didn't you ever post a picture in the group?
15:59You would have been the hottest guy there.
16:01I just don't like posting pictures.
16:05Have you always looked like this?
16:07I mean, sorry, I didn't mean-
16:08It's fine.
16:11No, I used to be really heavy.
16:14I lost the weight because I was supposed to meet my online girlfriend.
16:20No way you lost all that weight and built that much muscle in a year.
16:24What was it?
16:24Lapos for the fat?
16:25Steroids for the muscles?
16:27Aiden plays football.
16:29He actually worked for his body.
16:30Not everyone needs shortcuts.
16:32Aiden smirked.
16:33I laughed.
16:34You seem pretty familiar with those shortcuts.
16:39Though judging by the results, maybe you should ask for a refund.
16:42His face went red.
16:43I've never needed any of that.
16:45And you should probably find a better supplier.
16:48You think having muscles makes you special?
16:50You're still the same fat loser underneath.
16:52Before I could answer, a girl cut in.
16:54That makes no sense.
16:56You can't just make things up about him.
16:58Yeah, you just sound jealous.
17:00A few more people agreed.
17:01The guy finally shut up.
17:03Dinner went on, but nobody was really focused on the food.
17:05Chloe kept trying to talk to me.
17:07Noah, where are you from?
17:08That online girlfriend of yours?
17:10Do you actually know her?
17:11There are a lot of weird people online.
17:13You should be careful.
17:14You're new here too, right?
17:16Are you heading back to campus later?
17:18Maybe we could walk back together.
17:21That was finally enough for Aiden.
17:25Chloe.
17:28What?
17:30Since when do you peel shrimp for other people?
17:32It's just a shrimp.
17:33Aiden stared at her.
17:35I picked up my plate and held it toward him.
17:36You can have it.
17:38I didn't ask for it.
17:39Aiden shoved his chair back and stole it out.
17:41At that point, the whole thing had stopped being into trouble.
17:43I left the shrimp untouched and stood up.
17:44I've got something to do.
17:46I'm leaving.
17:47Then I walked out.
17:47I had barely reached the entrance when someone called after me.
17:50Noah.
17:50I turned.
17:51Chloe had followed me instead of Aiden.
17:53Are you heading back to campus?
17:54I could use a ride.
17:56I was about to say no when I spotted Emma waiting by the curb.
17:58Noah.
18:01Been waiting long?
18:02Not long.
18:06My girlfriend's here.
18:08We've got plans.
18:11Girlfriend?
18:12The girl you met online?
18:14Yeah.
18:15I led Emma to my car and opened the passenger door.
18:17Then I got in and drove away.
18:22Who was that girl?
18:23Emma finally asked after a long silence.
18:25Just some classmate.
18:27Why?
18:27Her expression relaxed a little.
18:29Oh.
18:30Nothing.
18:33By the way, I brought the gloves I told you about.
18:35Take a look.
18:35I opened the bag.
18:36Inside was a pair of high-end boxing gloves.
18:39I recognized the brand immediately.
18:41Emma, these are expensive.
18:43You didn't have to spend this much.
18:45I wanted to.
18:49Wait.
18:51Did our first meeting go that badly?
18:54Are you about to break up with me?
18:56She glanced up at me.
18:58What?
18:59She looked down at the bag.
19:01I knew I shouldn't have let that stylist talk me into doing my hair.
19:04It looks bad, doesn't it?
19:05She glanced up at me.
19:06I spent months picking out what to wear when we met.
19:08If there's something you don't like, just tell me. I can fix it.
19:14What?
19:15I glanced at her.
19:18No.
19:19I'm not breaking up with you.
19:22Then why won't you take the gloves?
19:24I spent forever picking them out.
19:27Before I could answer, she kept going.
19:29Send me your class schedule when you get it.
19:32I'll try to take some of the same classes.
19:35Maybe we can walk to class together.
19:38Then she looked down at the bag in her lap.
19:40And keep these.
19:43I bought them for you.
19:46If you don't want them, I'll just throw them away.
19:49I let out a helpless laugh.
19:52Okay. I'll keep them.
19:54But let me take you out for breakfast tomorrow.
19:56She finally smiled.
19:57Dinner hadn't felt nearly as satisfying as I thought it would.
19:59I used to hate Chloe for what she did.
20:01She could have just broken up with me.
20:02Instead, she came up with this whole stupid plan to hand me off to someone else.
20:04I wasn't happy that Emma had lied to me either.
20:06But Emma, she actually seemed pretty good.
20:08Maybe I could keep seeing her and figure things out.
20:12I never expected Chloe to start following me around after that.
20:14Anytime Emma wasn't with me, Chloe somehow showed up.
20:17During class, she would walk straight over and sit beside me.
20:19Noah, anyone sitting here?
20:22I looked up.
20:24We're not that close.
20:28Don't say my name like that.
20:30And I don't want to sit with you.
20:31Then I picked up my books and moved.
20:33Chloe didn't seem embarrassed.
20:36She just tried again the next day.
20:38Breakfast one morning, coffee the next.
20:40Then snacks for my entire dorm.
20:42Meanwhile, she started treating Aiden like he barely existed.
20:46Once, I saw Aiden bring her breakfast he'd picked up on the way.
20:49Chloe barely looked at it.
20:51I don't want it.
20:53Aiden said something quickly.
20:54She looked annoyed and tossed the breakfast into the trash.
20:56Once she lost interest in Aiden, she went all in on me.
21:00She kept finding excuses to wait outside the class.
21:03Sometimes with a cold drink, sometimes with something to eat.
21:05Then one afternoon, Chloe brought me a pair of expensive boxing gloves.
21:08She sat beside me, resting her chin on one hand.
21:10Look.
21:12You like them?
21:14If not, I'll get you something else.
21:17I finally lost my patience.
21:20I don't want them.
21:22Stop bringing me things.
21:25But I bought them for you.
21:27She gave a small shrug.
21:30If you don't want them, I'll just throw them away.
21:31I let out a cold laugh.
21:33Then I picked up the gloves and the food she'd brought,
21:35and dropped both into the trash.
21:39Chloe stared at me.
21:41For the first time, her expression changed.
21:45Noah.
21:48Be honest.
21:50Have I really been that bad to you?
21:54Buying me things doesn't change anything.
21:57I have a girlfriend.
22:00I don't want anything from you.
22:03Emma Bennard, right?
22:05Chloe lifted a brow.
22:08I know who she is.
22:11But I'm not worse than her.
22:14Anything she can give you, I can give you too.
22:16At first, watching Chloe regret everything had been satisfying.
22:19Now it was just annoying.
22:20I had liked her once.
22:21I had liked the girl who stayed on the phone with me all night.
22:23The girl who told me she was there when I felt upset.
22:25The girl who got an entire game lobby to cheer me up when I was upset.
22:27But I couldn't connect that person to the woman sitting in front of me now.
22:30Now I understood.
22:30Chloe only liked what she could see.
22:32A handsome face.
22:33That was it. I stood up.
22:34I don't like you.
22:35So stop following me around.
22:37I was done wasting time on Chloe Whitmore.
22:39She wasn't worth it.
22:42I frowned when I saw Chloe at the boxing gym.
22:45She acted like nothing had happened and gave me a bright smile.
22:49What a coincidence, Noah.
22:50I had dated her for over a year.
22:52I knew she surfed every summer and went skiing every winter.
22:54But boxing?
22:55She'd never shown the slightest interest.
22:56She glanced at my gloves, then back at me.
22:58Think you can teach me a few moves?
23:00Fine.
23:00Maybe a little actual training would convince her to leave me alone.
23:04Put on some gloves.
23:06Chloe was exactly as bad as I expected.
23:09She threw a lazy punch, barely looking at where it went.
23:12I caught it on my glove.
23:14Put some power into it.
23:15Aim for my gloves.
23:17She smiled and tried again.
23:19I slipped past it.
23:21Too slow.
23:22She laughed.
23:24Then stop moving.
23:26She clearly thought we were flirting.
23:28I didn't smile.
23:31Chloe, hands up.
23:33She raised them, still watching my face.
23:35The next time she swung, I stepped aside and tapped her exposed guard with my glove.
23:41Ow.
23:45Chloe glared at me.
23:46The smile finally disappeared.
23:49We're done.
23:50But she lunged toward me.
23:52I caught her by the upper arms before she could press against me.
23:56Chloe, stop.
23:57Her eyes went wide.
23:59For a second, I thought she had finally gotten the message.
24:01Then her face slowly turned red.
24:03She just kept staring at me.
24:05Look in her eyes.
24:06Was she actually enjoying this?
24:08I held her away from me.
24:09Still want another lesson?
24:10Her lips parted.
24:12Looked even more pleased.
24:13I stepped back.
24:15Chloe stayed where she was, breathing hard.
24:18I pulled off my gloves.
24:20Stop following me.
24:22Next time I won't go this easy.
24:24She looked up at me and smiled.
24:27Noah.
24:29I think I like you even more now.
24:31I stared at her.
24:32What the hell was wrong with this girl?
24:36Late summer rain came down fast.
24:39I stood outside the classroom building, staring at it.
24:42I had forgotten my umbrella.
24:43Suddenly, an umbrella appeared over my head.
24:45Chloe stood beside me, smiling.
24:47No umbrella?
24:48Too bad I only brought one.
24:51We could share.
24:52I frowned.
24:54Then I spotted Emma coming out of another building nearby.
24:58Emma.
24:59She smiled when she saw me.
25:00But the second she noticed Chloe standing beside me, her smile faded.
25:04She walked over.
25:06I forgot my umbrella too.
25:07What do we do?
25:08I smiled.
25:11Then we run.
25:13Okay.
25:14I pulled off my jacket and held it over her head.
25:17Ready?
25:18She nodded and we took off into the rain without looking at Chloe once.
25:21The jacket barely helped.
25:23By the time we reached her dorm, both of us were soaked.
25:26We looked at each other and started laughing at the same time.
25:29The rain poured around us while students rushed past under umbrellas.
25:32Neither of us went.
25:33After a while, we both spoke at once.
25:35Emma, why do you even like me?
25:38No, there's something I need to tell you.
25:40We stopped.
25:43You go first.
25:44You go first.
25:46Again, at the exact same time.
25:48Emma gave a nervous smile.
25:49Then she took a breath.
25:50I'll go.
25:53Noah, I lied to you.
25:57Her smile disappeared.
25:59The girl you dated online for that first year wasn't me.
26:03I took over after someone else.
26:06I've been trying to figure out how to tell you.
26:08Part of me wanted you to never find out.
26:11But I don't want to keep lying to you.
26:13I don't want whatever we have to start with a lie.
26:15When I didn't look surprised, she froze.
26:17You already knew?
26:18I said nothing. I just looked at her.
26:20I knew it.
26:21You started acting different lately.
26:23But there's something else.
26:26Noah, this actually wasn't the first time I met you.
26:29I knew you before all of this.
26:30That caught me off guard.
26:31I would remember a face like Emma's.
26:33I don't remember you.
26:34She pulled out her phone.
26:37You wouldn't.
26:39I didn't look like this back then.
26:40Then she showed me a picture.
26:43I stared at the chubby girl on the screen.
26:46My eyes went wide.
26:48Emma, no way.
26:50She was cookie?
26:54Three years earlier, I had tried to lose weight once before.
26:58Back then, the bullying had gotten so bad that I begged my mom to send me to a weight loss
27:03summer camp.
27:04Train.
27:04The coaches didn't use our real names.
27:06Everyone had to pick a nickname.
27:08The camp was brutal.
27:10We worked out until our legs shook, and every meal was some tiny, low-calorie plate that barely counted as
27:15food.
27:16I was hungry all the time.
27:18Then one night, I woke up starving and decided to walk around for a bit.
27:22As I turned the corner near the stairs, I saw someone crouching in the dark.
27:26I nearly jumped out of my skin.
27:28The girl whipped around with her cheeks stuffed full of food.
27:31She tried to say something, panicked, and immediately started choking.
27:36Um...
27:36I rushed over and slapped her back until she finally coughed it out.
27:39Her eyes were red when she pressed a finger to her lips.
27:42Shhh.
27:43Shhh.
27:44Don't tell anyone.
27:45I was just really hungry.
27:47The chubby girl was clutching a pack of cookies like her life depended on it.
27:51I stared at the cookies and swallowed.
27:53Where'd you get those?
27:54She lowered her voice.
27:56My friend lives nearby.
27:57I told her I was starving, so she threw him over the back fence.
28:00Then she looked at me nervously.
28:01Please don't report me.
28:02I didn't move.
28:03My eyes stayed on the cookies.
28:05After a few seconds, she finally got the message.
28:08She slowly held the package out.
28:11Do you... want some?
28:13I took a cookie.
28:14Your secret's safe with me.
28:15That was the night I learned her camping thing was cookie.
28:18Mine was pumpkin.
28:22And Cookie apparently took the friendship seriously.
28:25Every time she managed to sneak in food after that, she came looking for me.
28:29We spent the next two months secretly eating together.
28:32The downside was obvious.
28:34Everyone else lost weight.
28:36We barely did.
28:38Then, I had to leave camp suddenly.
28:40My grandma was hospitalized, and I had to go home before I even had time to say goodbye.
28:45As I was leaving, Cookie came running after me, sweating and out of breath.
28:49Her eyes were red when she shoved a piece of paper into my hand.
28:52My number.
28:54You have to text me when you get home.
28:56The way she said it made us sound like we had just survived prison together.
28:59I laughed and waved goodbye, but I never contacted her.
29:03Grandma got worse fast.
29:05She passed away a few days later.
29:07I stayed at the hospital with my family and completely forgot about the note.
29:11By the time I remembered, my mom had already washed the clothes I wore that day.
29:15The paper was ruined.
29:17I tried going back to the camp later, but it had already shut down, and no one seemed to know
29:21where the staff had gone.
29:22After that, Cookie disappeared for her life.
29:25I regretted it for a long time.
29:27She had been one of the only people who was genuinely nice to me.
29:31The only girl who never cared how big I was.
29:34And now, somehow, she was standing right in front of me.
29:41I stared at Emma.
29:43But how did you turn into this?
29:45Seriously, how did that chubby girl turn into a model?
29:48Emma tucked a strand of wet hair behind her ear, looking embarrassed.
29:53After you left, eating alone just wasn't as fun anymore.
29:57I don't know, I stopped craving food as much.
30:00Then I started swimming.
30:02Eventually, I lost the weight.
30:04She paused.
30:05Later, I randomly found that post online.
30:08The girl hadn't covered your username.
30:11You were still using pumpkin, and your profile picture was that tabby cat you told me about at camp.
30:16The one with the little white patch on its forehead.
30:19Your age matched, too.
30:20So I figured it had to be you.
30:22Her voice got quieter.
30:23I didn't want you to get hurt.
30:25And I made a stupid decision.
30:27I messaged her.
30:28She looked at me.
30:29I didn't recognize you at the airport, either.
30:31I never thought you'd look so...
30:33She stopped.
30:34So handsome.
30:35Her eyes dropped.
30:37I'm sorry, Noah.
30:38I shouldn't have lied.
30:39I just didn't know how to tell you.
30:42If you want to break up with me, I'll understand.
30:44I stood there for a moment.
30:45I honestly had no idea what to say.
30:48Then, I reached for her hand in the rain.
30:50Break up over what?
30:51She looked up.
30:54Didn't you say you'd stay with me?
30:55Emma's eyes lit up.
30:56Yeah.
30:57I will.
30:58I pulled her into my arms.
31:02I had just walked out of class when someone called my name.
31:05I turned.
31:07Chloe stood a few feet away, half hidden in the shadows.
31:10I frowned.
31:12What do you want?
31:13She walked toward me.
31:14You really like her that much?
31:16She's my girlfriend.
31:18Who else am I supposed to like?
31:19I turned to leave.
31:21Then, Chloe spoke again.
31:23What if she wasn't the girl you were dating online?
31:26I stopped.
31:27My expression hardened.
31:29I turned back slowly.
31:31What do you mean?
31:34Chloe stared at me for a long moment.
31:36Then, she finally said it.
31:38Noah, I was the girl you dated first.
31:40For that whole year.
31:42I was the one talking to you.
31:44I just screwed up.
31:46I found out what you looked like and handed the account over.
31:48Her voice got faster.
31:49Emma's the one who lied to you.
31:51She's been pretending this whole time.
31:53You and I were the real couple.
31:57I looked at her.
31:59I already knew.
32:00Chloe froze.
32:02You knew?
32:03Then why are you still with her?
32:05I gave a short laugh.
32:08So what exactly are you trying to tell me?
32:10That you regret it now?
32:11That you like me again?
32:13Yes.
32:14She stepped closer.
32:15I do like you.
32:17I was an idiot before.
32:19I cut her off.
32:20You actually had the nerve to say this to my face.
32:22Her expression tightened.
32:24Noah?
32:26You're unbelievable, Chloe.
32:27I know I messed up.
32:29She took a breath.
32:29I'll make it up to you however you want.
32:32But you used to like me.
32:33You can't seriously say you never did.
32:36You lost all that weight because you wanted to meet me.
32:38And now I really do like you.
32:40I looked at her.
32:42What do you like?
32:42My face?
32:43Her mouth opened.
32:44I didn't let her answer.
32:45You're disgusting.
32:46Her face changed.
32:49The girl I liked back then wasn't this version of you.
32:52I looked her straight in the eye.
32:53And I'm never going to like you again, so get over it.
32:58Emma was acting weird the next day.
33:00She barely talked to me all day, which was nothing like her.
33:04Normally, she wanted to be around me every chance she got.
33:07So, I finally pulled her aside.
33:10Do you like someone else?
33:12If you do, just tell me.
33:14I'm not going to cling to you.
33:16Emma stared at me.
33:17Her lips pressed together.
33:19I knew it.
33:20You really don't like me that much.
33:22Before I could answer, she caught my hand and led me beneath a tree beside the path.
33:26Then she turned to face me, still holding on.
33:29She looked nothing like her usual cheerful self.
33:32I saw her talking to you.
33:34Her voice was quiet.
33:36Chloe.
33:37I opened my mouth, but she kept going.
33:39I heard what she said.
33:41Chloe Whitmore was the girl who gave me the account, right?
33:44I paused, so she heard all the wrong parts and missed the important ones.
33:48Emma looked straight at me.
33:50Who do you actually like?
33:51The girl you dated for a year?
33:53She stopped for a second.
33:55Or me.
33:55Her lips tightened after she said it.
33:57Then she looked away.
33:58Her fingers curled around mine.
34:04Emma.
34:05She didn't look at me.
34:07Emma, look at me.
34:08Still nothing.
34:09I reached for her hand.
34:11She pulled it away.
34:12I tried again.
34:13She dodged me again, but the corner of her mouth was already lifting.
34:17I let my hand fall.
34:19Fine.
34:20I turned to leave, but she caught my sleeve.
34:24That's it?
34:27You giving up already?
34:29Before I could answer, she caught the front of my hoodie and pulled me down.
34:32Then she rose onto her toes and kissed me.
34:34I slipped an arm around her waist and kissed her back.
34:37This one was nothing like the soft kisses we shared before.
34:40By the time we pulled apart, both of us were breathing hard.
34:43She kept hold of my hoodie.
34:44So, who do you like?
34:47I looked into her eyes.
34:49You.
34:50I brushed her hair back from her face.
34:51It's you, Emma.
34:53Only you.
34:57Noah, you're seriously shameless.
34:59Aiden blocked my path after class, glaring at me.
35:02Is stealing someone else's girlfriend really that fun?
35:05I frowned.
35:06Are you blind?
35:07What?
35:08I said, are you blind?
35:10I was already getting annoyed.
35:13Chloe is the one who keeps following me around.
35:15You seriously can't tell?
35:16Aiden's jaw tightened.
35:18If you weren't encouraging her, why would she keep chasing you?
35:21Then his expression changed.
35:23Almost smug.
35:25You know she was your online girlfriend first, right?
35:28She looked you up, found out you were fat, and dumped you on Emma.
35:32She rejected you.
35:34She didn't want you.
35:34He watched me closely, clearly waiting for me to lose it.
35:37I only looked at him.
35:38So?
35:39Aiden froze.
35:41If she could get bored with me and dump me, she could do the same thing to you.
35:45I folded my arms.
35:46You really never thought of that?
35:47He went quiet.
35:49I honestly don't know what you see in her.
35:51If you want her, keep her.
35:53I don't pick up trash.
35:54Then I looked at him.
35:57Do you actually love her that much?
35:59Or are you just mad she stopped choosing you?
36:01Aiden opened his mouth.
36:03Nothing came out.
36:04I stepped around him.
36:05Move.
36:06I'm going back to my dorm.
36:07He was still standing there when I walked away.
36:11A few days later, I heard Aiden went to see Chloe again.
36:15This time, he didn't bring her breakfast.
36:18Chloe Whitmore, we're done.
36:20Then he pointed at her.
36:22And remember this.
36:23You're the one who wasn't good enough for me.
36:26Apparently, Chloe looked more relieved than upset.
36:29After Aiden was gone, she chased me even harder.
36:31Like rejection had somehow become a challenge.
36:34I seriously regretted talking sense into him.
36:36Maybe I should have told Aiden they were perfect for each other.
36:39I started avoiding Chloe whenever I could.
36:42One afternoon, I took a shortcut past a construction area on my way back to the dorm.
36:46Half the sidewalk was blocked off, and loose caution tapes snapped in the wind.
36:50I was looking down at my phone.
36:52Emma had just texted that she would meet me later.
36:54Then I heard a sharp metallic screech above me, too close.
36:57I looked up.
36:58Several steel pipes had slipped loose from scaffolding three floors above and were sliding straight toward me.
37:08I tried to move.
37:09Before I could, someone grabbed my arm and yanked me sideways.
37:13Noah!
37:14I stumbled clear as the pipes crashed down.
37:17I turned.
37:18Chloe hadn't made it out of the way.
37:20One of the pipes struck her, and she collapsed.
37:24Chloe?
37:25She didn't hear enough.
37:26Dark blood started spreading through the hair at the back of her head.
37:30Chloe!
37:31I scrambled toward her.
37:32Workers were already running over.
37:34Someone grabbed my shoulder.
37:35Someone else called 911.
37:37Everything around me turned into noise.
37:40I dropped to my knees beside her and watched the blood spread across the floor.
37:44My hands started shaking.
37:46When the paramedics lifted her onto the stretch.
37:48Do we have a pulse?
37:48One of her arms slipped over the side.
37:51Her fingers were curled in the side.
37:53Her knuckles scraped at her.
37:55Then the ambulance doors closed.
37:57She's stable.
37:57My phone was still as I am.
37:59The screen lit up with Emma's message.
38:01I'm here.
38:02I'm waiting for you at the west gate.
38:08Chloe's phone password was my birthday.
38:10I called her parents one by one.
38:13Her father answered first.
38:15She's hurt?
38:16There was a pause.
38:17I'm overseas.
38:18I can't get back right now.
38:20How much does the hospital need?
38:22I'll have my assistant wire the money.
38:24Then he hung up.
38:25Her mother was even worse.
38:27I called several times, but she never answered.
38:30Eventually, I managed to reach her aunt.
38:32By the time she arrived, Chloe was already out of surgery.
38:36Thankfully, the injury looked worse than it actually was.
38:39She still hadn't woken up though, and her head was wrapped in thick bandages.
38:43I stood when her aunt walked in.
38:45I'm sorry.
38:46Then I told her what happened.
38:49Chloe got hurt saving me.
38:54She chose to do it.
38:55That isn't your fault.
38:57Then she looked at Chloe.
38:59You must matter a lot to her.
39:00I pressed my lips together.
39:04My head was a mess.
39:06I still didn't understand why Chloe had saved me.
39:10I had always thought she only liked my face.
39:13When those pipes fell, she didn't even hesitate.
39:16Her aunt sat down beside the bed.
39:19You're Noah, right?
39:21The boy she dated online?
39:22I nodded.
39:24I heard you two broke up.
39:26What happened?
39:27I hesitated, then told her everything.
39:30She went quiet for a moment.
39:32Then she sighed.
39:34Well, that idiot deserved it.
39:36You were right to leave her.
39:39No one should have to put up with something like that.
39:41She looked at Chloe again.
39:43But she didn't exactly grow up in a normal family.
39:45I stayed quiet.
39:47My brother and his wife married for business.
39:49They never loved each other.
39:51Once Chloe was born, they pretty much went back to living separate lives.
39:54They were hardly ever home.
39:56And when they did come back, they usually had someone else with them.
39:59Chloe was raised by nannies.
40:04Chloe was lonely as a child.
40:07She wanted someone who would stay.
40:11When she was little, her father brought another woman home once.
40:15Chloe got so angry, she tried to throw her out herself.
40:18She cried to me afterward and said,
40:20Auntie, I'm never going to be like Dad.
40:23When I grow up, I'm going to find someone who really loves me.
40:26And I'll really love him, too.
40:28We'll have a happy family.
40:32But when she got older, she kept going from one boyfriend to another.
40:36She liked handsome boys.
40:38Then someone better looking came along and she moved on.
40:42I don't know when she forgot what she told me.
40:45Somehow, she became exactly what she used to hate.
40:49You were the longest relationship she ever had.
40:53When she told me she'd been dating the same boy online for over a year, I was shocked.
40:58I thought maybe she'd finally found what she'd always wanted.
41:02But she threw it away.
41:04I stayed in the way.
41:05I stayed in the way.
41:07I stayed in the way.
41:07I think part of her still wants someone she can love properly.
41:10Someone who will love her back.
41:12But wanting that and knowing how to do it are two different things.
41:16You don't have to forgive her.
41:18Being with someone like Chloe would only drag you into the same mess her parents created.
41:23I just hope, after what she did today, you won't hate her forever.
41:28She looked at her life.
41:29She risked her life to pull you out of the way.
41:31She really does love you.
41:35After Chloe's aunt left, I looked at her.
41:38You're awake, aren't you?
41:40Her eyes slowly opened.
41:42I had noticed her lashes moving earlier.
41:46I said quietly.
41:47Without her carefully styled hair and usual confident smile, Chloe looked different.
41:52Her face was pale and her eyes were red.
41:54For once, she didn't look like the rich, beautiful girl everyone wanted to impress.
41:59She just looked tired.
42:02I had a dream.
42:03She said.
42:03She stared at the ceiling for a moment.
42:06I dreamed I never gave you away.
42:08We went to college together.
42:10Then we graduated, got married, and had a kid.
42:13Her mouth lifted slightly.
42:14A little girl.
42:15She was cute.
42:16I stayed quiet.
42:17In the dream, you didn't look like you do now.
42:19She turned her head toward me.
42:21You looked like that old picture.
42:22Chubby.
42:24And somehow, I still thought you were cute.
42:26Her smile faded.
42:28I was happy.
42:28I loved you.
42:30Her voice got rough.
42:32I always thought I only wanted you because you're handsome now.
42:35But I think I was wrong.
42:37I liked the boy who stayed on the phone with me.
42:40The boy who followed me around in every game.
42:42The boy who always came back for me when everyone else left.
42:45She blinked slowly.
42:46I don't think it ever mattered what you looked like.
42:49She gave a bitter laugh.
42:50I just figured that out way too late.
42:52Then she looked at me.
42:53I'm sorry, Noah.
42:56I didn't say anything.
42:58Chloe swallowed.
43:00My aunt was right.
43:01I hated my parents for the way they lived.
43:04But I still turned into them.
43:06When those pipes started falling, I didn't even think.
43:09I just reached for you.
43:10Her eyes dropped.
43:12Guess my body figured it out before I did.
43:14I really do love you.
43:16Too bad I realized it after I ruined everything.
43:19She closed her eyes for a second.
43:20I'm sorry.
43:21For all of it.
43:23I looked down.
43:24You should rest.
43:25Your aunt already hired someone to stay with you.
43:27I'll come by tomorrow.
43:28I reached the door.
43:30Behind me, Chloe spoke again.
43:32Her voice shook.
43:33Noah.
43:34I stopped.
43:36Did I completely lose you?
43:37Late sunlight stretched across the hospital hallway.
43:40My hand stayed on the door handle.
43:41Chloe.
43:42I really am grateful you saved me.
43:45I paused.
43:46And I did love you once.
43:47But I don't anymore.
43:49I'm sorry.
43:50Then I opened the door.
43:51I hope you're happy someday.
43:53I walked away.
43:54A few steps down the hall, I heard a quiet sound from behind the closed door.
43:58Like someone trying not to cry.
44:00I stopped for half a second.
44:02Then, I kept walking.
44:05Three months later, Chloe took a leave of absence from school.
44:09I heard she had gone abroad to recover, with her aunt.
44:13She never came to bother me again.
44:15Before she left, she sent me just one message.
44:18The same words I had once said to her.
44:21I'm sorry.
44:22I hope you're happy.
44:23A plane was passing on her head when the message arrived.
44:26Its red lights blinked against the night sky, then slowly disappeared into the clouds.
44:32I watched until it was gone.
44:33Beside me, Emma called my name.
44:35Come on, baby.
44:36I found a cake shop behind campus.
44:38Let's go after our class.
44:39I turned.
44:40She stood beneath a tree, holding out her hand, her eyes bright with a smile.
44:45I took it and smiled back.
44:47Yeah?
44:48There would always be things we wished had gone differently.
44:50But we still had to move forward.
44:52I hope we would both find happiness in the years ahead.
45:22piace both our cousins and wailiedos at the twbon.
45:47Thank you very much.
45:51We will have to move forward.
45:51.
46:24.