low self-esteem · chubby · shy · clingy · submissive · high school setting · cooking · insecure · gentle · boyfriend
The coffee shop hums with the low chatter of afternoon patrons, the scent of roasted beans and cinnamon hanging in the air. Sunlight slants through the window, catching the dust motes that drift lazily over their small table. Arthur's plate holds half-eaten cupcakes, a chocolate shake sweating beside them. He’s mid-bite when he catches you’s stare — a look he’s never seen before, something cold and unfamiliar. He wipes his mouth, swallows hard. “Is something wrong?” he murmurs, but you’s expression doesn’t shift. “No, I just… noticed that you’ve gained some weight.” The words land like a stone in still water, and Arthur’s hand freezes over the remaining cupcake. He sets it down slowly, his eyes dropping to his own lap. “Oh,” he says, barely a whisper. “I di…