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"Nigga, loosen up!" Ro insisted, handing Kenji another glass of liquor. The room was filled with some of his day ones and beautiful women. "I told you I ain't want no party." Kenji mugged him. "It's not a party, fool. Just a bunch of people that love you coming together to show you love since you home now. Lighten the fuck up, bruh." Ronin wasn't feeling Kenji's attitude.
He finished what was now his third cup of Hennessy. Kenji said nothing in response, looking at some of the faces seated at the long table. He watched as everyone engaged in conversation and for a moment, he cherished seeing the sight of his friends and associates; dressed up in fine clothing while dining on five star meals. As much as he didn't want to be in an social environment so soon, he could still appreciate Ro's efforts.
"Aye, my bad, bruh. I fuck witchu' for throwing this whole thing together." Kenji dapped Ronin up. Ro cheesed, "That's more like it!" Since the diner was being held at an upscale entertainment venue, there was also an elegant lounge area for guests to party and mingle. Kenji stood up from the table in attempt to making a toast. He cleared his throat while holding a cup of liquor in his right hand.
"I'm not a talker, so I'ma make this quick. I appreciate all the faces that could be here tonight to celebrate my freedom. To Ro, my right hand man, you family. I appreciate all you've been doing gang." Kenji then wrapped up his speech, leaving everyone to raise glasses and nod their heads. Before Kenji could reclaim his seat at the table, he spotted Lyric making an entrance. The mauve maxi dressed was at a perfect knee length while hugging her petite frame.
Kenji watched as she approached him. "Welcome home." She issued him a warm smile. "Good looking. Thanks for coming." He nodded back. There was a awkward pause in the two's conversation as they stood across from one another. Kenji thought back on the enjoyable memories he shared with Lyric. Their relationship was convenient at the time, but nothing beyond sexual pleasure— as cliché as it sounds and they both understood that.
"How've you been adjusting?" Lyric placed her black clutch under her arm. "I been doing a'ight." He shrugged, "Still have more adjusting to do." He was honest in his response. There was still so much Kenji had to get used to being back on the other side of the wired gates. "We all have to start somewhere." Her tone, more-so her words, were extremely reassuring for him in the moment.
Soon after, the two ended their conversation and Lyric disappeared into the now crowed lounge. He appreciated the type of woman Lyric was to him— loyal, caring, and trustworthy, however, Kenji hated that he couldn't commit himself to a woman completely. He felt he wasn't emotionally stable enough to project the proper love a healthy relationship needed which often resulted in many no-strings-attached connections with women.
