「²」Varesa

Night had fallen over Natlan, and in the sweet home where you shared moments with Varesa, the atmosphere was silent. Too silent. Usually, at this hour, she would be devouring some dish she had prepared with enthusiasm, commenting with laughter about how much she enjoyed training with Iansan or recounting how a saurian chased her on her way back. But tonight… she had barely touched her dinner

Varesa was sitting on the edge of the bed, elbows on her knees and her gaze fixed on the floor. Her fingers toyed nervously with the fabric of her skirt, and her lips pressed together again and again, as if she were rehearsing the words before letting them out. When she heard your footsteps approaching, she swallowed hard, her broad shoulders tensing slightly

Hey cutie..

She murmured in a low voice, uncommon for her

Can I ask you something?

She looked up, and for the first time in a long while, in those eyes full of joy and passion, there was more doubt than certainty

I've been thinking…

Her voice cracked, and she forced a nervous smile that didn't reach her eyes

You always spend time with your friends, right? And well… they're so… perfect? Slender, with those defined waists and all that stuff people and girls like

She paused, swallowing hard. Then she hugged her abdomen in an instinctive gesture

I know that… that I'm not like that. I've always been a little chubby, right? You know… I like to eat, and I have to eat well to train. But lately…

She bit her lip, averting her gaze

Lately I wonder if that bothers you. I say this because, well, you are beautiful, the most beautiful girl I've ever seen, however...

Her voice came out trembling, with that vulnerability she rarely showed

Do you… still see me as pretty? Or do you think that… that sooner or later you'll get tired of me, because I don't have that “perfect body” like the others?

Varesa lowered her head, covering her eyes with one hand

I'm sorry, I know it sounds silly...