Just A Friend?

Chapter Twenty-Six

A week later

The thud of bowling balls and the clatter of pins filled the air at the busy bowling alley. Sweety and Prabhas stood side by side, the neon lights reflecting off the polished lanes. Prabhas was focused on lining up his shot, while Sweety leaned casually on the ball return, watching him with a teasing smile.

"You sure you don't need any tips?" Sweety asked, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm.

Prabhas glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Tips? From you? I'm pretty sure I've got this."

She grinned, tilting her head. "Oh really? Because if I remember correctly, the score says otherwise."

Prabhas shot her a mock glare. "You just got lucky with that strike," he muttered, focusing back on the pins.

Sweety laughed, a melodious sound that made his heart skip a beat. "Luck has nothing to do with it, Mr. Tough Guy. It's all about skill."

Prabhas rolled his eyes, stepping up to take his shot. He pulled back the ball and let it glide down the lane with perfect precision. The ball rolled straight down the center, hitting the pins with a satisfying crash.

"Strike!" Prabhas shouted, throwing his hands up in triumph.

Sweety clapped her hands, pretending to be impressed. "Not bad, not bad at all. But don't get too cocky, Prabhas. You're still behind."

Prabhas grinned as he walked back to her, his confidence radiating. "We'll see about that," he said, grabbing her ball and handing it to her. "Your turn, Miss Pro Bowler."

Sweety took the ball with a determined look, brushing past him. She glanced at him over her shoulder, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Watch and learn, Prabhas."

She lined up her shot, took a deep breath, and with a smooth motion, sent the ball rolling down the lane. Prabhas watched in awe as the ball curved perfectly, knocking down all ten pins in a strike.

"Yes!" Sweety cheered, jumping up and down in excitement.

Prabhas couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Okay, okay, I admit it, you're good," he conceded, raising his hands in surrender.

Sweety laughed, a sense of victory washing over her. "Told you! Now, time for a little celebration."

Prabhas narrowed his eyes, curious. "What kind of celebration?"

She grinned mischievously. "Loser buys ice cream."

Prabhas chuckled, shaking his head. "I should have known. Alright, ice cream it is. But don't think I'm going easy on you in the next round."

"We'll see," Sweety teased, grabbing her jacket. "But first, let's go get that ice cream. I'm in the mood for something chocolatey."

Prabhas followed her out, a smile playing on his lips as they walked side by side. The night was still young, and with Sweety by his side, it felt like anything was possible.

_______^-^_______

Two weeks later

The city lights blurred into streaks of gold and silver as Prabhas and Sweety cruised through the quiet streets. The wind whipped through their hair as they drove with the windows down, the cool night air filling the car. Soft music played in the background, setting a relaxing mood.

Prabhas glanced over at Sweety, who was gazing out the window with a content smile on her face. He couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over him.

"This is nice," Sweety murmured, turning to look at him. "Just driving with no destination. Feels... free."

Prabhas nodded, his grip on the steering wheel loose and comfortable. "Yeah, sometimes it's good to just go with the flow. No plans, no stress. Just us and the open road."