𝗕𝗨𝗖𝗞𝗬 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗦

Bigger Is Better

SONG REQUEST FOR THIS CHAPTER: PROM QUEEN by BEACH BUNNY

880 Words

Story idea from AlejandraMartnezFlor

I sat on the couch at the party, trying to relax and enjoy myself. I glanced around at the sea of people, my insecurities creeping in like they always did in large groups. My chubby frame was something I'd always felt self-conscious about, especially when I was surrounded by people who seemed so effortlessly fit. Even though I was with Bucky, my boyfriend of a few months, I couldn't stop comparing myself to everyone else at the party. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and incredibly fit. He looked like he had just stepped off a magazine cover—every girl's dream. I was lucky that he chose me, but sometimes, the voice in my head told me I wasn't good enough for someone like him.

Bucky, noticing my discomfort, smiled and squeezed my hand. He always made me feel special, but even then, the weight of my doubts never fully disappeared.

"Hey, are you okay?" He asked softly, his voice smooth and comforting.

"Yeah, just tired," I replied with a forced smile, leaning my head against his shoulder. Bucky's steady presence always made me feel a little safer in my own skin.

As the evening went on, our group of friends gathered around us. They were chatting, laughing, and trying to make the best of the night. But then, suddenly, a girl I had never seen before appeared, blonde and stunningly thin. She walked with an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. The girl smiled at Bucky, clearly interested, and without hesitation, she plopped down next to him on the couch, leaning into him in a way that made my stomach twist.

"Hey there, Bucky," The girl said, her voice sugary sweet, "I didn't know you were here. It's been so long since we've hung out. You've been keeping yourself busy, huh?"

Bucky looked uncomfortable. He stiffened, glancing at me, then back at the girl. "Uh, yeah. I'm here with my girlfriend," He said firmly, trying to create space between himself and the blonde girl.

The blonde didn't take the hint. Instead, she scooted closer, putting a hand on his arm. "Oh, I didn't realize you were taken," She purred, her eyes flicking toward me with a barely concealed look of amusement. "You really should let loose more, Bucky. You're way too serious for someone so... handsome."

I felt a knot form in my stomach. The insecurity that had been simmering beneath the surface boiled over. I knew Bucky had a reputation. He was kind, handsome, strong—everything a girl could want. But this girl... she was everything I wasn't. And that stung. It hurt more than I expected, especially since Bucky had already told me how much he loved me, how beautiful I was. But the girl's blatant flirtation felt like a punch in the gut.

Before Bucky could say anything else, I stood up, unable to stay quiet any longer. I had to do something—anything—to stop feeling so invisible in the face of this blonde bombshell.

"Excuse me, but—" I started, my voice trembling, but the blonde cut her off.

"Oh, look at you. Didn't realize the 'plus-size' girl was his type," The blonde laughed, clearly enjoying herself. "He must be really desperate if he's with someone like you." She made a face, looking me up and down in a way that made me want to shrink into myself.

My breath caught in my throat. The words stung. I froze, my cheeks burning with humiliation, feeling the weight of my insecurities pressing down on me. I had heard those words a million times before from people who weren't kind enough to hide their judgment. And now, even though Bucky was right there, all I could hear were those cruel words echoing in my mind.

Bucky's jaw clenched, and for the first time that night, his usual easy-going demeanour shifted. He turned sharply to face the blonde girl, his voice cold but firm. "That's enough," He said, his eyes narrowing. "Leave. Now."

The blonde blinked, clearly taken aback by the sudden shift in his tone. She hesitated for a moment, but when Bucky's expression didn't change, she slowly got up, huffing in annoyance.

"Whatever," She muttered under her breath as she stalked off, glancing back once to shoot me a final, venomous look.

I felt myself deflate, my legs weak, but before I could retreat into myself any further, Bucky wrapped his arm around me. He pulled me close, his warmth comforting as he kissed me gently on the cheek.

"You're beautiful," He whispered, his lips lingering near my ear. "You are everything to me. Don't ever let anyone make you feel less than that."

I looked up at him, my heart full. I knew he meant it, and even though I didn't feel beautiful in that moment, hearing him say those words made all the difference. Bucky saw me for who I truly was, not my weight or appearance. He loved me—no matter what anyone else said.

"I love you," I whispered back, my voice soft but filled with gratitude. I wasn't perfect. But to him, I was exactly what he needed.

And for the first time that night, I felt a little lighter, knowing that no one—least of all a random girl at a party—could take that away from me.

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