BUBBLE GUM — Chapter 1
There was a girl in an Istanbul school — Sofia Koç.
Born into a wealthy family, she had everything… except confidence.
Every morning, she cried and begged not to go to school.
"Everyone calls me buffalo… dumb… giant burger," she whispered to her mother.
She was only 15 years old, painfully overweight at 80 kilos, and nearly six feet tall.
On her first day of high school, her parents forced her to attend.
When she walked into class and sat down quietly, a girl named Ruya immediately targeted her.
Ruya threw a paper ball at her and laughed loudly:
"Hello, yellow fatty buffalo!"
That one line became Sofia's daily nightmare.
The bullying grew worse.
One day, Ruya poured red ink on her chair.
The next day....
CHAPTER:2
she stuck bubble gum on it.
Every day, they found a new way to humiliate her —
all because Sofia scored the highest marks in class, and jealousy burned them.
Sofia had been tortured through all of 7th grade,
and even after entering 8th grade, nothing changed.
There was a handsome boy in Ruya's group — Mertin.
He pretended to be Sofia's friend only so she would do all his projects.
And she did… believing his kindness was real.
Then one day, Ruya and Mertin planned something cruel.
Ruya came to Sofia sweetly and said,
"Tell me honestly… you love Mertin, right?"
She acted friendly until Sofia admitted the truth.
The next day, during the pre-farewell, they forced Sofia to wear a strange, tight frock.
She looked uncomfortable… and broken.
They pushed her toward Mertin and made her confess:
"I love you, Mertin… will you be my boyfriend?"
He stepped closer, brushed her hair back, and smirked.....
CHAPTER:3
"Hmm…. You? A buffalo?ok"
Later, Sofia invited him to her father's farm.
She arranged a beautiful candlelight setup, unaware that Ruya was recording everything to humiliate her.
Mertin arrived, holding a flower.
"Here, fatty buffalo.
Did you think this was for you?
No — I'll throw it in the dustbin.
You could never be my girlfriend… not even in dreams."
He picked up the water glass from the table and splashed it across her face.
"Wake up. Do you really think someone will date a cow like you?
Have you seen your face?"
Then he pushed her and walked away.
Two days later, during the result announcement, Sofia entered school and felt every eye on her.
She didn't know why… until a classmate came running.
"Look… they uploaded your video."
Her heart dropped.
Inside the auditorium, screams echoed:
"Buffalo wants to fall in love! Hahaha!"
Everyone laughed.
And Sofia just stood there… frozen… tears falling silently.
CHAPTER:4
Crying uncontrollably, Sofia ran out of the school and went straight home. She locked herself in her room and broke down again. Her mother, Maria, entered quietly and sat beside her, stroking her hair with love.
"My baby… what happened?" she asked softly.
Between sobs, Sofia told her everything. That night changed her life.
For Eight years,
she went to America with her family. There, she completed her MBA — Master of Business Administration and worked hard to transform herself. She exercised, ate healthy, and rebuilt her confidence.
The girl who once weighed heavy with insecurities now returned as a beautiful, confident 59-kg woman. Slim, graceful, and independent — the kind of girl everyone turned to look at twice.
Sofia returned to Turkey for a second Master's degree in Istanbul's top university.
On her first day, she walked in wearing fit-waist wide-leg jeans, a white crop top layered with a black jacket, and matching boots. Riding her Ducati Desmosedici V4, she looked fierce — like a storm entering campus. Heads turned everywhere.
As she entered the hallway, she bumped into a girl.
"Are you blind?" Sofia snapped.
The girl froze —WHO IS SHE???
CHAPTER:5
it was Ruya.....
Ruya stared at her, confused at first, then muttered, "Sorry… I didn't see you."
Students immediately wanted to be friends with Sofia. 1 YEAR PASSED.....One boy, Emre — incredibly handsome — became her closest friend. But another boy, Mertin, kept flirting with her.
2 years passed...
One afternoon, when Sofia was alone in class, Mertin approached.
"Hey, I'm Mertin. I really like you. Will you go on a date with me?"
Sofia smirked.... "Why not?"
Ruya, who had already suspected her identity whenever "Sofia" was called in class, now confirmed this was the same girl she once bullied. And now… it was Sofia's turn to take revenge.
That evening, Sofia got ready and arrived at the rooftop café where Mertin had booked a special table. He stood up when he saw her.
"Hey," she said casually.
He handed her a rose. "For you."
"For me? Cute. Does it remind you of something?" she asked coldly.
He looked confused. She pulled out her phone and showed him an old picture — his cruelty. His words. His insult.
Recognition hit him.
"I… I'm sorry. I really like you now. I mean it. Forget the past."
Sofia laughed softly, dangerous and beautiful.
"Oh really? A buffalo like me? Do you deserve me now?"
She stood. Mertin panicked. "Please… I'm truly sorry." Tears filled his eyes.
CHAPTER:6
She stood. Mertin panicked. "Please… I'm truly sorry." Tears filled his eyes.
Sofia picked up the rose, threw it to the floor, crushed it beneath her heel until petals were scattered everywhere. Then she lifted a glass of water and splashed it across his face.
"You think I'd ever want you?You're not my type. Disgusting."
She walked away. People stared — some recording, just as she once was recorded. Revenge tasted sweet.
She stepped into her Ferrari, feeling lighter, stronger. But once she reached home, the strong girl broke; she cried again — not for Mertin, but for the old wounds he had reopened.
Just then, Emre arrived to meet her. When he walked into her room, Sofia quickly wiped her tears and hugged him tightly.
"Hello, my best friend," she whispered. "How are you?"
"I'm here to pick you up," Emre smiled. "We're going to a friend's wedding. Get ready."
"Why should I go? I don't know anyone," she complained, sitting on the bed.
Emre sat close, holding her hand gently.
"Please. Come with me. I'll answer every question you have — just after the wedding."
She narrowed her eyes. "And why are you going with some female friend? I'm sure you have plenty of pretty friends."
He softly touched her nose.
"None of them are more beautiful than you."
CHAPTER:7
"Oh please, stop buttering," she rolled her eyes. "Fine, I'll get ready. Wait."
She returned wearing a Royal Blue Prom V-Neck Winter Ball Dress with pockets — stunning.
Emre stared, speechless.
She approached him, offered a handshake, and teased, "Excuse me, shall we go?"
"…Yeah," he said breathlessly. "Let's go. And… one thing. You look gorgeous."
At the wedding, Emre took the gift to the bride and groom. A girl stood there. Sofia frowned.
"Who is she?" she whispered.
"My askim," Emre answered calmly. "My love."
Sofia's heart dropped. She stared at him in shock.
He slid an arm around her waist, pulling her close.
"What happened? Don't like her? She's prettier than you, right?" he teased dangerously.
Then, looking at the shocked girl, he said,
"Tell her, Sofia — this girl rejected me once. Now she's shocked to see what I've become."
He handed the gift, said "bye," and walked out with Sofia.
In the car, Sofia finally burst out,
"What was that, Emre?!"
"I'll explain everything," he sighed. "Don't worry."
He drove to the beach, the night glowing around them....
CHAPTER:8
Emre sighed deeply and began speaking, his voice trembling.
"I proposed to her once… but she rejected me in front of everyone. At that time I was… ugly, Sofia. Too skinny, no weight at all. I looked weak… wore thick glasses… and honestly, I wasn't very smart either." He swallowed hard. "I'll show you an old picture—just wait."
Sofia watched him quietly.
"She humiliated me," Emre continued.
She said, "Have you seen yourself? Why would I ever accept someone like you?' And then… she left." His voice cracked.
Tears slipped down his cheeks.
Sofia's heart tightened.
She moved closer and gently wiped his tears with her thumbs.
"It's okay… she never deserved you," she whispered,
stroking his hair softly.
Emre broke down and leaned into her, his head resting on her shoulder.
Sofia wrapped her arms around him, holding him while he cried.
They sat together against the beach wall… the waves crashing behind them… the cold wind brushing past. Eventually, both fell asleep in each other's arms.
THE NEXT MORNING, Sunlight touched Emre's face.
He woke slowly — and froze... Sofia was sleeping in his arms, hugging him tightly,
her head resting on his chest.....
Her hair brushed his lips...
CHAPTER:9
He smiled gently....
She stayed… all night.
She listened to everything. She comforted me.
Why is she so good? So different? Sofia's eyes fluttered open. She blinked at him… then smiled shyly.
"We… slept here?" she whispered. She sat up quickly. "Oh my God, we really slept here!"
She hugged him again before pulling back. "I'm so sorry."
"It's okay," Emre whispered. "Don't worry. Come on, let's have breakfast."
"I can't," she murmured. "I told Mom I'd be home early. She's calling now. What do I even tell her?"
Emre chuckled softly. "Tell her you stayed at your friend Dilara's house. You watched a movie and fell asleep."
She widened her eyes. "That's a good idea… but Emre… this is my first time lying to her."
Her phone rang again. She picked it up quickly. "Mom… I was at Dilara's. She forced me to stay… yes,we watched a movie. I'm coming home soon."
After hanging up, she sighed in relief. "Perfect," Emre said. "Now let's eat." AT EMRE'S HOUSE Dilara wasn't home, so Emre brought Sofia to his house.
He had already bought a dress for her to change into. When they entered, his mother immediately noticed Sofia. "Who is this?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
CHAPTER:10
"Mom… she's my friend,"
Emre said, scratching his head.
"My best friend." His mother looked at Sofia from head to toe and murmured, "So this is the girl you say is pretty…"
Sofia smiled sweetly. Emre glared at his mother.
"Aunty, you're so sweet," Sofia said warmly.
"And you're beautiful." "I love daughters," Emre's mom said, hugging her.
"Come, my dear." Sofia hugged her back.
"Aunty, then consider me your daughter." His mother laughed.
"Emre! Take my daughter to your room."
THE ROOM SCENE:
Emre had already called and ordered a dress based on his guess — he didn't know her exact size. Sofia took a shower and came out in a bathrobe, wearing Emre's oversized T-shirt underneath.
"Emre…" she called softly. "I need help. Close your eyes." He walked in, eyes squeezed shut. "Don't open them,"
she warned. He nodded.
She turned around so he could zip up her dress.
As he gently pulled the zipper up, his fingers brushed her neck.
Her hair fell forward, exposing her skin. He opened his eyes a little… and froze. The dress fit her perfectly — hugging every curve.
"Emre!" she scolded. "I'm talking to you." "Huh?" He blinked. "Sorry… I— um…" She crossed her arms.
"Tell me… how did you know my exact size?" He couldn't look away.
"I guessed it… when I hugged you last night," he said quietly.
Their eyes locked. The air turned warm. The moment deepened.
CHAPTER:11
Emre smiled softly and said,"You only did what you felt was right. And honestly… you look beautiful. White dresses suit you a lot."
She raised a brow playfully."Oh really? Or have you secretly become obsessed with me?"
He laughed under his breath."Hmm… maybe. It's possible."
Just then, the maid knocked on the door."Emre Bey, ma'am is calling. Lunch is ready."
They went downstairs together. His mother looked at Sofia and smiled warmly."You look very pretty."
At that moment, Sofia was wearing a long coat, so her outfit wasn't visible. No one noticed that she had removed her makeup.
They sat at the table and began chatting. Sofia teased his mother jokingly,"Aunty, your son annoys me so much! And he's so handsome that girls keep throwing themselves at him. They flirt with him nonstop."
His mother laughed, and Sofia laughed along with her.Emre listened quietly.
"No, no, aunty," Sofia added quickly, smiling. "It's nothing serious. We're just good friends… like humdum."
Emre smirked."Nice tagline… humdum."
After lunch, Sofia stood up."Aunty, I had such a lovely time, but I should go now. Love you. Bye."
When she reached home, her mother looked at her curiously."You left with Emre… and came back with him?"
Sofia replied calmly,"Mom, actually Dilara had to leave for work, so I asked Emre to pick me up."
Her mother studied her for a moment, then nodded."Hmm… okay. Take Emre to his room. I'll arrange refreshments."
"Okay," Sofia said, taking him upstairs.
They were talking when Emre suddenly asked,"By the way, Sofia… have you ever been in love?"
Sofia paused."Hmm… I have. But not anymore. I moved on a long time ago."
"When?" he asked.
She looked at him quietly."Back in school…"
How, after joining university, Ruya had uploaded Sofia's old pictures on social media—pictures from the time when she was overweight—just to shame her.
One day, during class, Ruya even displayed those pictures on the projector.
The room fell silent. Everyone stared.Even Emre couldn't take his eyes off her.
Sofia stood up.
Facing the entire class, she said calmly,"That was my past. And this… is my future. These pictures show that I once loved Mertin. But now, you'll see my revenge."
She played the video—Mertin mocking her feelings.
The class erupted.
Students started throwing paper balls at him, shouting,"Shame on you!"
Sofia walked out of the classroom without looking back.
Emre followed her all the way to the parking area.
She hugged him tightly and broke down.
"No… no… I wanted to forget my past," she cried."Now everyone knows it. I don't want anyone judging me. I was dumb back then… but I'm not anymore. I don't want anyone to say anything about me."
CHAPTER:12
He gently brushed his fingers through her hair."Calm down… relax," he whispered. "No one is saying anything about you. You're an inspiration for people. Don't be sad."
They continued studying together.Time passed quietly… three whole years.
When Emre had transferred to the university, one year had already passed. Now, everything was finally complete. Somewhere between late-night studies, shared silences, and unspoken care, their friendship slowly turned into love.
One day, SOFIA came to his house.
"Aunty, it's me… Emre,where.." she called out.
Her mother smiled warmly from inside."My doll! Emre is here!"
Sofia rushed to her room, hugged him happily, and said excitedly,"Guess what? I topped with the highest grade!"
Emre had just come out of the shower, a towel wrapped around him.
She froze for a second."I—I'm sorry!"
He turned away but suddenly held her by the waist."Congratulations, ma'am," he said softly. "Now please… turn around."
She blushed deeply."No! First wear your shirt."
He smirked."Nope. First answer my question. Do you love me or not? Until you answer, I won't let go… and I won't wear my T-shirt either."
She tried to escape his grip."Let go, Emre!"
"No," he said firmly. "First the answer."
Sofia lowered her eyes and finally whispered,"Hmmm… yes.... I love you..... Now wear it..."
He smiled, put on his shirt, got ready, then returned holding a small ring box. He sat on the bed, looked straight into her eyes, and asked softly,
"Will you marry me?"
She covered her face with her hands, overwhelmed with shock and happiness. Tears filled her eyes as she whispered,
"Evetttt… yes!"
He lifted her by the waist, spinning her around in circles, laughing and shouting,"Finally! You're mine!"
Just then, his mother rushed into the room."Emre?! Why are you screaming like that?!"
He smiled brightly."Mom, I want to marry her. I proposed… and she said yes."
His mother laughed warmly."Okay, okay!"
And then… they got married.
Both of them lived a happy life together.....
END NOTE:
And so, after years of pain, tears, and silent battles, Sofia finally found the love she deserved. The girl who was once mocked, broken, and judged became a woman who chose herself—and was chosen in return. With Emre by her side, her past no longer defined her. Love healed what the world had once wounded, and together, they stepped into a future filled with peace, trust, and forever....
THE END.....