Over the next month, my life turned into a culinary adventure. Stefan took me to hot pot every other day and seafood buffets twice a week. Marbled beef, tripe, juicy abalone, and garlic butter crawfish became my new normal.
As I ate, Stefan often rested his chin on one hand, observing me with an amused expression. I suspected he was meticulously monitoring my weight gain, a dedicated bully to his peculiar cause.
I tried to remain discreet. Dining together felt intimate, and I didn't want rumors of dating spreading. But someone snapped photos anyway. The university forum exploded:
"The Tender Bad Boy and His Food-Obsessed Girlfriend."
Comments buzzed.
"Isn't she the one who fought with Molly?"
"Did the school bully fall for her while trying to get revenge? I ship it!"
Roommates cornered me. "Are you dating Stefan?" Laura demanded, bouncing with excitement.
"We're not dating!" I protested. "He just wants me to gain weight so Molly won't feel bad."
Hannah frowned. "Then why fancy restaurants instead of junk food?"
"£5,000 per person!" I whispered, horrified.
A notification chimed: Come down. Dinner time. I closed my eyes, typed back: No more. I won't eat with you anymore, Stefan. And I blocked him everywhere.