Just A Friend?

Chapter Twenty-Two

Sweety stood in front of the mirror, carefully brushing out her hair as she got ready for dinner. She had picked out a lovely dress—nothing too fancy, but just enough to make her feel good. The dress accentuated her graceful figure, and the soft color complemented her complexion perfectly. As she hummed to herself, enjoying the process of getting ready, she didn't notice Kavitha sneaking up behind her.

Kavitha, her college junior and one of her closest friends, was peeking around the door frame with a mischievous grin. Despite being a year younger, Kavitha always played the role of the protective big sister. She had this innate tendency to look after Sweety, whether it was about what she was eating, what she was wearing, or, most importantly, who she was meeting.

"Sweety, where are you going all dressed up like this?" Kavitha finally asked, making her presence known as she stepped into the room, her arms crossed with playful suspicion.

Sweety smiled at her reflection but continued applying a light touch of lipstick, trying to play it cool. "Just going out, Kavitha. No big deal."

Kavitha raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "No big deal? You're practically glowing! Come on, spill it. Where are you going? And with whom?"

Sweety turned to face her, still smiling but giving her a deliberately vague answer. "Just a casual dinner, nothing special."

Kavitha narrowed her eyes, sensing there was more to the story. "Aha, and this 'casual dinner'... is it with a friend? Or, you know... a friend?"

Sweety shrugged, enjoying the game a little too much. "Maybe a friend... maybe a friend... does it really matter?"

Kavitha wasn't letting this go that easily. She leaned in closer, her curiosity piqued. "It absolutely matters! Is it a guy or a girl? And don't you dare leave out the details. You know I'll nag you until you spill."

Sweety chuckled, turning back to the mirror as she finished getting ready. "Why does it matter, Kavitha? I'm just going out for a meal. Do I need to report every little thing to you?"

Kavitha pouted, crossing her arms again and tapping her foot impatiently. "Yes, you do! Because you're my best friend, and I care about you. What if this person has bad intentions? What if—"

Sweety interrupted her, smiling softly. "Kavitha, you're being silly. I'm a big girl, I can handle myself. Besides, it's not like I'm going out with a stranger."

Kavitha's eyes widened in realization. "Oh my gosh, so it is a guy! Sweety, you can't just drop that bomb on me and not give details! Who is it? How do you know him? Do I need to vet him?"

Sweety laughed, shaking her head. "You're too much, Kavitha. Relax, okay? He's just a friend... someone I've known for a long time. There's nothing for you to worry about."

Kavitha sighed dramatically, though there was a smile on her face. "I swear, if you're going on a date and didn't tell me, I'll never forgive you!"

Sweety turned to her friend, her expression softening. "I promise, if it were anything like that, you'd be the first to know. Right now, it's just dinner. No need to go all 'protective big sister' on me."

Kavitha rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her grin. "Fine, fine. But be safe, okay? You know I worry."

Sweety reached out and pulled Kavitha into a quick hug, feeling grateful for her friend's concern. "I know you do, Kavitha. And I appreciate it, really. I'll be safe, Promise."

Kavitha pulled back, nodding seriously. "You better!"

Sweety laughed as she grabbed her purse, feeling a mix of excitement and warmth in her heart. "Don't wait up, though!"