Chapter 1: New beginnings

Summer had been kind to me in all the wrong ways. As I walked through the vast campus of Midtown University, I couldn't shake the feeling that my extra pounds had become more noticeable than ever. The snug fit of my jeans was a constant reminder that my summer indulgences had left their mark.

I'd chosen this university for its academic reputation and its sprawling campus, but the enormous cafeteria that greeted me during the campus tour seemed to be both a blessing and a curse. The array of delicious food options made my stomach rumble, but I knew I had to be mindful of what I ate if I wanted to shed those unwanted pounds.

Finally, I arrived at my dormitory building. A mix of excitement and nervousness bubbled within me as I climbed the steps to my new home. Opening the door to my dorm room, I was greeted by the sight of a giant of a man with a friendly smile. His brawny arms were covered in tattoos, and he had a slight gut that only served to enhance his imposing figure. He looked like a mix between a bear and a bodybuilder. This was Brad, my roommate.

"Hey there, you must be Corey," he said in a deep, friendly voice. "I'm Brad, nice to meet you."

I nodded, slightly taken aback by the contrast between my own physique and his. "Yeah, that's me. Nice to meet you too, Brad."

We got to talking, and I found out that we had more in common than I'd initially thought. Both of us were passionate about American football, and to my surprise, we were both members of the college team.

"I play as a linebacker," Brad said with a grin, patting his sturdy chest. "And you?"

"I'm a wide receiver," I replied. "I've been playing for years."

Our shared love for the sport became the foundation of our budding friendship. Brad offered to show me around the campus, introduce me to some of the other team members, and help me settle in.

As we chatted and walked, I couldn't help but notice how comfortable Brad was in his own skin. His confidence and friendly demeanor put me at ease, and I began to forget about my insecurities.

When we returned to the dorm, Brad turned to me with a wide smile. "Hey, Corey, how about we celebrate the start of the semester with some pizza and beer tonight? I know this great place nearby."

The idea of indulging in greasy pizza and beer after a day of getting to know my new roommate and campus sounded appealing. I hesitated for a moment, glancing at my stomach, but then I decided to embrace the opportunity. "Sure, that sounds great, Brad. I'm in."

It was the start of a new chapter in my life, and Brad's friendly invitation felt like a promising beginning.


*Author's note: What do you think of the first chapter? Should I add more to it? Send me a message and let me know!*