Brothas

Beyond Friendship

Kebo: I know having a roommate isn't easy, but I'm happy when you're around.

Bryce: You've got this whole problem circling in your head... and you can't seem to stop it or erase it.

Aaron: Sometimes, I'm just scared, and I want to be by myself.

Bryce: You don't have to be scared; you can count on all of us.

Ichiban: Previously on "Brothas..."

Kebo: So, Ichiban, how's Salem been treating you so far?

Ichiban: It's been pretty good, man. It's my first time really living here.

Kebo: Yeah, your friends made a deal to watch over you while you're here with me.

Aaron: First of all, you were the one dating that fool I don't know about, and you don't even know who the other baby daddy is...

Bryce: What happened?

Aaron: My crazy ex keeps calling me about child support.

Kebo: You ready for this, Kasuga?

Ichiban: After everything I've endured, absolutely, I'm prepared.

Kebo: Exactly, that's the spirit!

Ichiban: Let's make this money and watch it flow.

(Continue the story)

[Salem, Illinois, 12:15 P.M.]

[Location: Hello Work Headquarters]

Kebo and Ichiban's POV at work:

As the afternoon wore on, Ichiban and I made our way into the building, and he couldn't help but notice its resemblance to those back in Japan. He was impressed by the significant transformations the city had undergone.

As we headed towards the elevator, he remained in awe of the modern office and couldn't believe that the Hello Work office was a far cry from the one in Tokyo. We both felt that this could be a major breakthrough, working in an office that helps people find employment.

"Welcome to Hello Work, Kasuga-san," I said, giving Ichiban a tour of the building.

"Wow, this is a big change from Japan," Ichiban remarked as we continued walking.

"I knew you'd adapt quickly; this job is going to be a great experience for us," I reassured him, noticing his visible excitement and fascination with the changes in Salem.

"You're absolutely right," Ichiban agreed, still impressed by the city's new developments.

"Let's not waste any time; we have a meeting on the third floor, and we can't afford to be late," I urged Ichiban as we headed for the elevator.

In the elevator, I asked the lady to press the button for the third floor, and she kindly obliged before waiting for her stop on the second floor. Meanwhile, Ichiban and I chatted lightly to kick off the day.

"Just so you know, we're about to meet the guy who'll be showing us around. He's an old friend from my school and college days," I shared with Ichiban, revealing that an old friend would be giving us the tour.

"Who's that?" Ichiban asked, curious about this friend of mine.

"His name's Mike; we've been close since our teenage years. Don't worry, he's friendly," I assured Ichiban about my long-standing friend.

"Okay, if you say so," Ichiban replied, a touch anxious about meeting my oldest friend at work.

"Don't worry; you two will get along just fine and maybe even hang out soon," I encouraged him, confident they would hit it off.