~Keiji POV~

Before I could find the individual who called me, I had to call Lala, just to tell her that I was gonna be a bit late because "something came up". I hated lying to her, but it's necessary right now.

When I dialed her number, she picked up immediately, kinda surprised about that.

Lala: Keiji?

Keiji: Yeah. Something came up. I'm gonna be a bit late. Can you be a bit more patient for me?

Lala: Anything for you, Keiji. Love you.

Keiji: Love you too, babe.

We hung up as I got on my bike and rode outside of my district.

I know for a fact that where I'm going is Mighty Warriors territory and I have a giant bullseye on my back. So, if any Mighty member tries to come at me, I'm ready to fight.

I was leaving the district and I finally made it to MW's territory, and being here made me feel uneasy. I felt like I was an outsider, even though I really am.

Once I parked on a block, I checked my phone and saw there was a message on there.

?????: Meet me in the alleyway across the street from you.

I looked over and there was an alley across from me.

Me, being the dumbass that I am, followed the directions and walked into the alleyway.

I don't know what I'm getting into, nor do I care, but I know that I'm gonna get jumped from behind sooner than later.

As I walked down the hall of the alley, I heard someone walking behind me.

Being smart, I took out the knife I had on me, brandished the blade, and swung towards the person who was standing behind me, but it took me off my feet and kicked the knife away.

?????: You gotta do better than that, Harada.

I then looked up to see who it was, and I was shaken to my core.

?????: Remember me? We fought in the container yard.

Keiji: Sarah, isn't it?

Sarah: Lucky guess. Need a hand?

She extended her hand, but I outright refused and stood back up on my feet.

Keiji: Well, this was a waste of time.

Sarah: Harada, I got something that'll be worth your while.

Keiji: No, thanks. I'm already taken.

Sarah: You think that's what this is about? That I have an infatuation for you?

Keiji: Why not? You called me here, it makes sense.

Sarah: You know what? This isn't about that, so let's get down to business.

I looked at my watch and looked at her for this statement, as I don't have a lot of time to spare.

Keiji: You got three minutes to tell me why I'm here.

Sarah: Okay, it's Ice.

Keiji: What about him?

Sarah: He wants to take over SWORD with Kuryu and Jangsang for the Casino Project. He's been working out a plan to take over your home, and he wants to make everyone bow down to him as he makes you and every gang in the District his bitch, and that includes your own, Sannoh Hoodlum Squad.

Keiji: How do you expect me to believe this from someone who's an insurance policy for Mighty?

Sarah: Because he's been abusing me since the fight at the container yard.

Keiji: Really? That's why I should believe you? Because he hit you for no reason?

Sarah: You have no idea how hard he strikes. Ever since the loss, he's been taking it out on everyone including me. At this point, I don't want him to lose, I want him to suffer like everyone else.

Keiji: Sorry to disappoint you, dollface, but I don't work with anyone who's the enemy. So you should go back to your boyfriend and forget that this conversation ever happened.

Sarah: Would you at least consider it?

Keiji: Said that many times to a couple people before I met with you, so you're not gonna pull that on me.

Sarah: You're missing the point, dickhead. I want out of Mighty because he's been an asshole since the loss. Not only that, he's been hurting me.

Keiji: You think for a second that I'm gonna believe a story like that? Then you must be Ray Charles from the way you talk about SWORD District and how you see it as inferior to yours.

I then looked at my watch and I saw that...

Keiji: Three minutes are up.

I walked away with a smirk, got on my bike, and rode off back to SWORD District, to Nameless City, to get Lala.

I mean, I wasted about 3 minutes talking to the enemy and I want nothing to do with her anymore.

If she thinks that I'm gonna buy whatever bullshit that's coming out of her mouth, then she's wrong. I'm not gonna waste my time with Mighty's insurance policy and listen to some sob story about Ice. I don't trust her, and anyone from Mighty Warriors who try to talk to me.

If anyone from that group tries to talk to me, I'm ready to throw hands. I'm just gonna throw down my vest and start swinging.

What I mean is that there are no rules to a Hoodlum Squad member when it comes to fighting. The bottom line is, if you're my enemy, I'm gonna fight you.

Also, I don't know what Cobra wants to talk to me about, but I'm pretty sure it has to do with my future with Hoodlum Squad. If it comes to that, I'm alright with it because I've been thinking about leaving the group.

Because of me not spending time with Sannoh and me SPENDING TIME with Rude Boys, I think it would be best if I left the group and do my own thing. Only time will tell if we ever talk.

Also, I just passed through Sannoh and I found a jewelry shop. I mean, it's been a year since Lala and I have been together and it only makes sense to get her something for our date tonight.

It's not an engagement ring or anything, I'm hoping to do that in the future, but for now, I want to start off with a Promise Ring.

As I was looking around, I was really thinking about what Lala would want and I found one that's simple, yet beautiful...

I asked for the ring, paid for it, walked out to my bike, and rode off to pick up Lala.

~10 Minutes Later~

When I finally arrived at Nameless City, I found Lala, smiling and waiting for me.

I rode over to her, stopped the bike, and smiled.

Keiji: How you doin', beautiful!

Lala: You charmer!

Keiji: Appreciate you waiting for me. Sorry it had to be a bit late.

Lala: You're okay.

When she got on the bike behind me, we were ready to go.

Keiji: Hold on tight.

She wrapped her arms around my waist as we rode off into Sannoh, looking to have some fun.

When we got there, I helped her off and we walked around, holding hands. I didn't care if people saw us as weirdos or anything because fuck them.

This was our date and we weren't going to take whatever bullshit they were gonna come up with, like, "Oh, booga booga! We don't likey! She's Rude Boy and you're Hoodlum Squad! You don't match!" Mothefucker, shut up!

We've known each other since school and it grew into a loving relationship after so many years, so people can just go fuck themselves if they talk down on us.

Anyway, we found a street food stall and managed to get our seats.

Lala had Takoyaki Balls while I had a plate of chicken fried rice. It was all good, I can't complain. However, I can't stop looking at her. She was too beautiful for me and I can't help myself.

After a while, she noticed and was a bit confused.

Lala: Is there something wrong?

Keiji: Your beauty challenged me to a fight and I lost.

She giggled and just playfully slapped my shoulder as I laughed a bit as well. I mean, I really love Lala and I really want her to be happy with me.

When we were done, I paid for everything as we walked around holding hands, just admiring the night sky.

After it started to get a bit cold, Lala held my arm and laid her cute little head on my shoulder. To show how much I love her, I just put my arm around her and put my head on top of hers.

I found an alleyway where I could give her the Promise Ring as it was all perfect timing.

Lala: Keiji, where are we going?

Keiji: Don't worry, it's just a little something I wanna give you.

Lala: You can give it to me later on.

Keiji: No, I wanna do this now.

Lala: I can wait a little longer—

I then showed her the ring as she stopped talking. I didn't go down on a knee since this was a promise ring, but she covered her mouth and started tearing up.

Keiji: You know, I was riding over to get you, I saw a shop, and I couldn't help myself, so I went in and bought you this.

Lala: Keiji, you really didn't have to.

Keiji: But I wanted to. You're the one for me, Lala. Why would I want to forget about you?

Lala: Oh, Keiji.

Keiji: Hold on. I gotta say my promise.

She was holding back her tears as I said my promise, from the heart. I smiled and said...

Keiji: Lala, since the beginning, you've been there for me as I've been here for you. With everything going on with SWORD and the Casino Project, I promise to look after you. I promise to love you with everything in my heart. I promise to be your knight in shining armor. And Lala, you've been the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I thank you so much for sticking with me through it all. Lala, Smoky's adoptive sister, and the love of my life, do you accept?

Right after I said "do you accept", she kissed me as I kissed back, just knowing that Lala is willing to stick with me to the end. Knowing how loyal she is to me and after the last year, I couldn't be more grateful.

When we released, she smiled and said...

Lala: Yes, I do accept.

I put the ring on her finger and walked back to my bike, holding hands as I saw that she was still taking in the fact that I got her this.

I helped her onto my bike after I got on, Lala held me by the waist, and I rode her back to Nameless City.

She even snuggled her head into the back of my shoulder, which felt good, and I'm not gonna hate her for that because she deserves it.

When I finally arrived, I got off, helped her off the bike, and I walked her back to her home.

As we finally got there, we looked at each other's eyes again, and we hugged and kissed once more.

When we released, she smiled as I did the same.

Lala: Good night, Keiji. I love you.

Keiji: I love you too.

We kissed once more before she walked in, waving at me as I waved back.

I eventually rode back to the diner, where Cobra and the others were, but they seemed suspicious about something and I don't know what it was.