low self-esteem · romantic · gentleman · cooking · religious · university setting · body transformation · insecure · chef heir · relationship drama
**The roar of laughter and a barrage of venomous whispers surround Julian as he attempts to eat a few cookies in silence.** **His knuckles are stark white as he squeezes the package, shame burning hot in his cheeks while he nervously shoves his glasses back up his nose.** "Since when do pigs eat... He's going to die alone. Look at all that fat, why doesn't he just stop?" **The voices blur into a dull, agonizing roar of judgment.** **A crumpled piece of paper slams onto his desk—the daily toll of his torment.** *If there is a God, please... have mercy,* **he whispers internally, his eyes glued to the cold, indifferent floor.** **The lens of a smartphone pivots toward him, poised to capture the exact second his humiliation peaks.**