Shubman's POV

Ishan has been giving me suspicious looks all day. He's doing that thing where he raises an eyebrow every time I walk past, like he knows something juicy. 

And honestly, I don't know how much longer I can keep this secret. He's already told me about asking Kriti out, and as a good friend, I feel like I owe him the same confession.

Besides, Ishan may play for Mumbai Indians, but he's always made time for me, and Abhay too. So, I figured today, when the three of us are meeting at a café, it's the perfect opportunity to spill the beans.

I get ready in record time, throwing on a faded beige shirt with navy blue stripes, paired with jeans and white sneakers. 

You know, gotta look like the casual cool guy who definitely didn't just spend 20 minutes rehearsing how to tell his friends about his new girlfriend.

When I get to the café, I see Ishan and Abhay walking in, both grinning like they know something's up.

 After a quick bro-hug, we sit down and order some food. I'm trying not to fidget, but my fingers are tapping nervously on the table like I'm playing some invisible piano.

"So, uh, I have something to tell you guys," I say, avoiding eye contact and playing with the corner of a napkin.

Abhay leans in dramatically, resting his chin on his hand. "Is it what we think it is?"

"I and Shobhana may or may not have started dating," I blurt out, and their faces light up like Diwali just came early.

"Oh my GOD! YES! MY SHIP IS SAILING!" Ishan whisper-yells, clapping his hands together like a seal who's just been given a bucket of fish.

Abhay grins like a madman. "Finally, bro! I'm so happy for you!"

I smile sheepishly, scratching the back of my neck. "Yeah, it just sort of happened. She's... well, she's amazing."

Ishan immediately narrows his eyes. "Sooo, it was her lips you tested that lip balm on, huh?"

I freeze, my brain doing a full reboot. "I mean... kind of?"

Abhay smirks, leaning back in his chair. "Ooh, someone made out!"

"We didn't make out!" I exclaim but then pause. "But if Ishan hadn't knocked on the door, well... maybe we would have."

Ishan slaps the table. "Our boy has grown up!" he says, clutching his chest like he's watching his kid graduate. 

Abhay and I can't help but laugh.

"Alright, alright, enough about me," I say, eager to change the topic. "What's this big plan you've got for your date with Kriti?"

Ishan immediately straightens up. "Oh, bro, you're not ready for this," he says, and we all lean in as he starts explaining his grand romantic scheme.

Shobhana's POV

"Kriti, I need to talk to you," I say, walking into her room and flopping onto her bed.

She looks up from her book, raising a curious eyebrow. "What's up?"

"I'm dating Shubman."

Her book goes flying as she jumps up, screaming. "WHAT? DUDE! NO WAY!"

"Yes way," I reply, laughing as she tackles me into a hug. "Calm down! You're acting like I just told you I won the lottery."

"My best friend is dating a celebrity!" she exclaims, pulling away to look at me with sparkling eyes. 

"Tell me everything. How did it happen? Did he kiss you? How was it? Did the world stop? Were there fireworks? Does he taste like mangoes?"

"Woah, woah, slow down!" I say, holding up my hands. 

"Yes, he kissed me. No, there weren't fireworks—okay, maybe a few fireworks. And I don't know if he tastes like mangoes, but his lip balm is suspiciously fruity."

Kriti gasps, grabbing my arm. "DETAILS. NOW."

"Well, it was after the KKR match. We were talking in his room, and then he just... kissed me. Out of nowhere."

She smirks, wiggling her eyebrows. "Did you kiss back, or were you just standing there like a statue?"

"Oh, I kissed back," I say, grinning. "He's got skills, let me tell you."

Kriti squeals, practically bouncing. "Okay, I'm officially jealous. But wait—did you tell him you like him, or are we still playing coy?"

"I told him, and now we're official," I say, and her jaw drops. "But we're keeping it a secret for now. So, don't go shouting it from the rooftops."

"Fine," she says, pouting. "But only because I have bigger problems right now."

"Like what?"

"Like the fact that I have no idea what to wear for my date with Ishan tonight!" she wails, flopping onto the bed dramatically.

"Relax, woman. I've got you covered," I say, pulling her up. "Let's raid your closet."

We start sifting through Kriti's wardrobe, which is mostly filled with oversized T-shirts and jeans. "Seriously, Kriti? Where are your feminine clothes?"

She shrugs. "I like comfort!"

"Comfort doesn't scream date night!" I say, tossing her clothes onto the floor in frustration. Finally, I find a dusty coral maxi dress with tiny floral patterns. "This. Wear this."

"But it's so... girly," she says, wrinkling her nose.

"That's the point!" I snap. "Now pair it with some nude heels and light jewellery. I'll do your hair."

"And what are you wearing for your next date with Shubman?" she asks, smirking.

"Oh, I don't know," I say, pretending to think. "Probably something casual, like my boyfriend's hoodie."

Her jaw drops. "You're stealing his hoodie already?!"

I wink. "Perks of dating a cricketer."

We both burst out laughing, and I help her get ready, all while plotting how to make Shubman regret ever introducing me to fruity lip balms.