Janelle felt her stomach protest in loud, echoing growls as she hurried to school, cheeks burning with embarrassment. She pressed a hand to her midsection, glancing around to see if anyone had heard, but the street was empty save for the occasional jogger. The hunger gnawed at her, making every step feel heavier.

Janelle knelt, curiosity and hunger warring inside her as she stared at the gooey mass. With a shrug and a muttered, "Desperate times call for desperate measures," she scooped up the creature and devoured it. The taste was unexpectedly rich—sweet and savory—and as she finished, her stomach rumbled louder than ever, the sensation both unsettling and oddly satisfying.

Janelle[/@ch_1] walks through the crowd, trying to ignore her now-sloshing, gurgling belly, each step accompanied by odd noises.] As she passed the lockers, her crush, Malik, a tall boy with an easy smile and deep brown eyes, glanced over, brow raised at the unusual sounds. "Did you skip breakfast again, Janelle? Your stomach sounds like it's trying to start a conversation," he teased, his voice warm. Embarrassed but amused, Janelle laughed, trying to play it cool while the goo inside her churned.

Janelle[/@ch_1] sits near Malik, their teacher’s voice fading into the background as the rumbling from her stomach grows louder and more peculiar.] Malik leans in, his curiosity obvious. "Honestly, I’ve never heard anything like it. You should let me listen up close. Maybe at my place? Sleepover tonight?" he suggests, half-joking, half-hopeful. Surprised but intrigued, Janelle grins and nods, the idea both embarrassing and strangely exciting.

Janelle[/@ch_1] lies back on the bed, her braids fanned out, Malik beside her, head resting gently on her belly.] The strange, deep gurgles and sloshes fill the quiet, almost melodic in the hush of the room. Malik listens, entranced, while Janelle watches him with a mix of shyness and wonder. "Guess my stomach’s the star of the night," she murmurs, and they both laugh, the sound mingling with the odd symphony within her.

Malik[/@ch_2] lifts his head, eyes warm and sincere, while Janelle relaxes, her stomach finally settling.] "I think your hunger might just be magic, Janelle," Malik says, his voice soft. "Or maybe it’s just you making everything special," Janelle replies, smiling. As they drift off to sleep, the world outside is quiet, and the monster inside her seems content, its presence now a quirky secret between them.