Brothas

All I've Got

[City: Salem, Illinois, time currently was 10:15 P.M.]

[Location: The Steam Plant Restaurant]

Ichiban and Kebo's perspective at inside of the restaurant:

As the night drew in, Ichiban and I savored a romantic dinner at the Steam Plant Restaurant, just the two of us. That's when Majima burst out of nowhere, hell-bent on ruining our intimate moment.

Luckily, the security guards swooped in and ushered him out of the restaurant. 

As I prepared to leave for my penthouse, I let Ichiban know I was calling it a night.

But he stopped me in my tracks, his eyes aglow, and approached me. To my astonishment, he dropped to one knee and presented me with a breathtaking friendship ring. Despite our three-year bond, I was totally caught off guard and struggled to find the right words.

Ichiban remained on bended knee, eagerly awaiting my response. "What do you say, man? Will you take our friendship to the next level with this ring?" he asked.

I was overwhelmed by the significance of the moment, and my astonishment spilled out: "Ichi, is this real? Is this happening?"

With a sincere grin, Ichiban reassured me, "Absolutely, man. Let's make it official." He added, "Plus, everyone's staring, Kebo."

I shrugged, realizing other people's opinions didn't matter. "I don't care; let them stare. I'll be the one wearing the ring."

Still on one knee, Ichiban eagerly awaited my answer, "So, is it a yes? I've been waiting, bro."

As I tried to gather my thoughts and respond to Ichiban's proposal, I couldn't help but be captivated by the ring's beauty.

Our curious neighbors at the nearby table couldn't resist eavesdropping, and I turned to them, irritated, saying, "Can you guys please mind your business and enjoy your meal?"

Ichiban chuckled and reassured me, "Don't worry about them, let's just ignore them."

Once I had gotten cozy in my seat, I was left speechless again. Ichiban's unexpected display of friendship had me wondering about his motives.

I turned to him, curious, and asked, "Ichiban, what's behind your desire for me to accept this ring?"

Ichiban's expression softened as he took a deep breath, his sincerity radiating from his words, "You're my best friend."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued, and asked, "How can you be so certain?"

Ichiban's explanation poured out from the heart, "You've always had my back, believed in me when others doubted, and inspired me to be a better person." His voice cracked as he continued, "My life changed the day I met you."

He opened up further, "You've brought so much light into my life since you took me under your wing and made me part of your world. I'm forever grateful."

The audience couldn't help but let out a collective "Aww" as Ichiban laid his heart bare.

Ichiban's words flowed on, "Without you, the sky seems dull, my blood runs cold, and our house feels empty." Tears now brimmed in his eyes as he spoke, "I can't imagine life without you, man. You mean everything to me, Kebo. I'll do whatever it takes to be the best friend you need."

As Ichiban's words struck a chord, a tear formed in my eye. I couldn't help but smile, my emotions welling up, as Ichiban's words resonated deeply.

Overwhelmed, Ichiban dropped to one knee, his voice shaking and tears streaming, "Please, please accept this ring." He sobbed, "I can't imagine life without you, dude."