Just A Friend?

Chapter Three

Sweety and Prabhas were practically inseparable when it came to basketball. Despite her curvier figure, Sweety was a force to be reckoned with on the court, and Prabhas was no slouch either. Together, they dominated every match they played, earning themselves a reputation as the unbeatable duo. Their friendship had deep roots, stretching back to their childhood days, which meant there were no boundaries between them. They were best friends, partners in crime, and the cause of envy for more than a few students at college.

Though Prabhas hadn't yet found his own love interest, Sweety's heart was already fluttering for someone—Ram, the college's resident "chocolate boy." Handsome, charming, and the subject of every girl's daydreams, Ram was the epitome of perfection in Sweety's eyes.

One day, as they were lounging in the canteen, recovering from another victorious game, Sweety's attention was suddenly caught by a sight across the room. She spotted Ram, engaged in a casual conversation with some students. Her eyes widened in excitement, and she nearly jumped out of her seat.

"Prabhas, look! Look there!" she practically squealed, her voice rising several octaves in excitement as she nudged him urgently.

Prabhas followed her gaze with a sigh, already suspecting who had caught her eye. Sure enough, it was Ram, the campus heartthrob, engaged in conversation with a group of admirers. Instantly, his expression soured, annoyance flickering in his eyes. Ram was the type of guy who made every girl swoon, and Prabhas couldn't stand him for it. He wasn't jealous—he just didn't like how everyone fawned over Ram. He turned back to Sweety, his irritation plain as day.

"Ram? What now?" he grumbled, his voice dripping with annoyance.

Sweety, however, was oblivious to his sour mood, her eyes practically sparkling as she ogled the object of her affection. "Oh, just look at him, Prabhas! He's so handsome! How does he manage to look like that all the time? Oh, I hope he's still single..." she sighed dreamily, lost in her own little world.

Prabhas shot her a side-eye, trying to hide the smirk tugging at his lips. He knew exactly how to bring her back down to earth. "Don't worry," he said, his voice laced with mock sympathy, " even if he is single, do you really think he'd go for an 'butterball' like you?"

Sweety's dreamy expression vanished in an instant, replaced by a glare that could cut steel. That earned him a swift smack on the back of his head, strong enough to make him flinch. "Ouch!" he yelped, rubbing the spot where she'd hit him.

"Idiot! You wouldn't understand what it feels like unless you've experienced it yourself!" Sweety shot back, her cheeks puffing up slightly in a mix of annoyance and embarrassment.

"Yeah, yeah," he replied, rolling his eyes with exaggerated disinterest. "Let's see about that when I finally find someone worth falling for."

Sweety gave him a long, sideways glance, trying to hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "When that day comes, I'll be right here to say, 'I told you so.' And don't worry, I'll help you get the girl. Just make sure she has a good sense of humor because she's going to need it, dealing with someone like you."

Prabhas couldn't help but laugh. "Deal," he said, shaking his head. "But until then, can we focus on something other than Mr. Perfect over there? I'd rather not spend the whole afternoon listening to you drool over him."

"Fine, fine," Sweety conceded, her mood lightening as she joined in his laughter. "But just so you know, when Ram finally realizes how amazing I am, I expect you to be my biggest cheerleader."

"Only if I get to wear the pom-poms," Prabhas shot back, wiggling his eyebrows.

They both burst into laughter, the tension from moments before melting away.