The bowling alley was packed, neon lights reflecting off polished lanes, the faint smell of fried food and rental shoes filling the air. Music blasted from overhead speakers, a mix of early 2000s hits and whatever random songs the DJ decided to throw in.

Chris was already hyped before they even got their lane, practically bouncing on his feet. “I’m tellin’ you right now, I’m about to smoke all of you.”

Nick scoffed, grabbing a ball and testing its weight. “Bro, you literally suck at bowling.”

Matt, who had been scrolling on his phone, finally looked up. “Yeah, last time we played, you got, what… two strikes total? And only ‘cause you accidentally hit the bumpers.”

Chris pointed at him. “That’s slander. And also, shut up.”

The group got their lane set up, slipping on those ugly rental shoes that made everyone feel weirdly unathletic. Chris insisted on going first, dramatically stretching like he was about to run a marathon. “Alright, watch this.”

The ball left his hand with way too much force, veering straight into the gutter.

Nick nearly choked laughing. “Bro, that was embarrassing.”

Matt shook his head, setting his phone down. “Yeah, I’m just gonna pretend I didn’t see that.”

Chris turned back, completely unbothered. “Nah, nah, that was just practice. Y’know, testing the lane conditions.”

Nick rolled his eyes as he stepped up next. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, man, let's just watch how {{user}} kicks your ass.”