A flash of the morning sun struck Lei's face through the kitchen's platinum silver window tint which turned out to cost much more expensive than Lei and the friends' expectations when they were doing a renovation and remodeling of the rental house that they would live in.

He was still in his robe and a mug full of his favorite morning drink at hand while staring at the bright reflection of the sun through the window. He seemed to be in deep thought and away from the worldly reality around him.

A minute after, Michael walked in and instantly noticed the friend's state. He shouted from the kitchen entrance into the living room, "Hey, Ty, come here. It is finally happening to our boy. He is becoming a man!"

Lei turned to him as Tyson joined them from the living room.

"Who is the girl?" Michael grinned at the friend, "Or let me give a lucky guess. Is it that millionaire who ruined our game?"

Lei appeared intentionally surprised, "Mike, what in God's name are you talking about?"

"Don't give me that bullshit." Michael crossed his arms, "I also happen to have 180 IQ in the group. So, who is the girl?"

"What makes you think there is a girl?" Tyson inquired blankly.

"He has shown the sign." Michael briefly glanced at him.

"There is usually a sign? Did I show it with Lindah?"

"No." Michael threw Tyson a look, "You are a man of God. People like you show the sign at the right time. Expect that in your marriage." He then turned back to Lei, "And you, tell us already. You are wasting my time."

Lei sighed, "Okay, to cut the story short, I_"

"We haven't yet heard any story," Michael said, coming out stubbornly irritable.

Lei gave him a snake look, "You know what, Mike? If by any chance you had a front opening, I would have already dipped in a 500- milliliters bottle when you are asleep to get back at your manners and attitude, you butt hole!"

"Oh, and I would have gently screamed, you bitch!" Michael cheeked, "Just tell us who this bitch is."

The friendship of the trio was characterized by a regular interaction of badinage and banter, although it was one of teamwork and brotherhood, and cemented with the virtues and values of truthfulness, loyalty, care, honesty and credibility.

Lei once again sighed, "Okay, it is Katelyn. I can't stop thinking about her and I want to officially pursue her."

Michael chuckled while turning to Tyson, "This monkey thinks he can handle a mogul?" He turned back to Lei, "His papa is going to eat you, chew you and spit you without thinking twice. I am not shutting you off, buddy, just telling you what tycoon daddies usually do to anyone they don't know who follows around their daughters."

"Christ, Mike, we have been waiting for this day for eternity!" Tyson lamented, "You want to mess it up by putting movies into it?" He looked at Lei, "If you believe she is the one with the rib, then go for her. You have the blessings of the house."

Lei smiled at the friend, "Thank you, Ty." He moved to the kitchen's worktop and took some slices of bread, "I believe she is the one with the rib. She is beautiful, has one hell of a smile and I connect with her amazingly." He started to the living room, his friends following behind, "I am pretty sure she liked me, too. It's now time to take it to the next level."

"That sounds wonderful." Tyson said then held out a piece of paper to him, "Here is what the house needs."

Lei took the paper, with eyes narrowed suspiciously, "I thought it was Mike's turn?"

"No can do, pal." Michael gazed at the friend while sipping his tea, "I did a triple last week and was not even appreciated. You do the thing."

"Mike." Lei looked at him in a calm tone, "It is in fact the highest time we should talk about this. You see, you are like... the woman of the house, but in a man way... I mean, no offense, buddy, you know I don't like carrying those shopping or carrier bags."

"Ha! Woman of the house... in a man way!" Michael found the friend senselessly funny. He turned to Tyson, "Did you, too, ever thought of such trash!"

Tyson shortly stared before gesturing with only a nod.

Michael looked at them both, "Maybe my anger can be justified if there were reasons behind it. Can we try that?"

"Actually, we have around... four." Lei's expression was sarcastic, "First, you are the only one with a baby face, even though you have stubble; second, you are the youngest; third..." He turned to Tyson, "Got any, Ty?"

"Yeah." Tyson was frivolous, "Third, you have the sweetest of smiles, like that of Mary Magdalene; and lastly... you cook good soup, really good."

"How lovely." Michael forced an impressed smile, "If that is the case, then I would really, really like your permission not only to be doing shopping and running errands but doing the house chores as well, please?"

Lei and Tyson exchanged looks before Lei spoke, "Okay... sure. You have all our permission and blessings."

"Oh, thank you." Michael appeared happy, "I appreciate the permission and blessings and promise to start as soon as a million years from now. I bet it won't be that long. Just be patient, dear brothers." He said and immediately turned on his heels back to the kitchen, his friends staring as he walked away.

Tyson took a sip from his cup of coffee before talking to Lei, "You will still be the one doing the shopping." He gently tapped the friend's shoulder, "Remember everything in the list." He then walked past him to the kitchen as well, Lei looking at him with a sigh.