I seem to be working my life away. It's a good thing I enjoy my job. I don't do well when I'm alone, in my dark and lonely apartment. Memories of the past keep resurfacing. I shuddered at the thought. I walked to the back of the coffee shop and went inside the employees' restroom. I turned on the faucet and cupped my hands under the cold water, then splashing it on my heated face. My memories suck. The man's face, the man that kidnapped me and tortured me, keeps flashing in my mind. I splashed the icy water once more, trying to wash away the thoughts. I rolled my sleeves up to prevent them from getting wet. The scars on my wrist caught my eyes. I glanced down and marveled at the fresh, red lines covering the flesh on my forearm. I sighed and looked in the mirror. My snow white hair was falling over my eyes. I pushed my bangs to the side to get a better view at the monster before me. I could see the hollowness in the monster's eyes and the scabbed over wounds on the monsters arms. I watched as the monster's hands started to tremble. "I hate you," I whispered.

"Kaneki, hurry up in there. I need to pee." Touka's voice came from the other side of the door.

"Okay, give me a minute." I rolled my sleeves back down and dried my face off with a napkin. I caught myself right before I was about to look back at my reflection. There's no need. I know what my reflection will show. The lock clicked as I turned the knob and creaked open the door. Touka was standing there impatiently hopping back and forth. She pushed me aside and ran in. She usually acts so strong and malice, unless she's in front of me. Only I am allowed to see her soft side, only gods know why.

I walked back to the front of the barista and saw him. The purple haired man with a red tux. He always comes at this time of the night. He always orders the same things. And he always makes me serve him. He's such a bother. The man is also very weird. As soon as he glanced in my direction and his eyes spotted me, his whole face lit up. The man lifted a hand and did a small wave, like he was the queen of England. "Bonjour, my sweet Kaneki." I sighed and shuffled my feet over towards his favorite corner table where he waited patiently for me.

"Hello, sir. The usual, I presume?"

"Yes, and I would like for you to share a cup with me." I stared at the strange man, my curiosity was peaked. He usually just watches me work.

"I would love to," not, "but I'm afraid I must work. Maybe next time when I'm off."

As soon as the words left my mouth, I heard my boss speak up. "Kaneki, it's quite alright. There are no other customer's. You sit down and enjoy a cup."

I silently cursed as I nodded my head and walked behind the bar. I quickly fixed two cups of black coffee and walked back to my stalker, the mugs warming my hands. I placed them down and sat opposite of the man, wrapping my hands around my coffee. "So…" This is awkward.

The man took a small sip of his coffee and sighed blissfully, like it was the best thing in the world. He sat his mug back down and leaned forward, placing his chin on his intertwined hands. He glanced up at me through his long lashes and his violet eyes flashed with an intense look. "So, my dear Kaneki."

I shifted uncomfortably in my chair as he stared me up and down. What does he want? I had no clue what to say. I guess I could ask his name… "Since we haven't officialy met one another," I held my hand towards him, "I'm Kaneki Ken."

His hand immediately reached out for mine and wrapped around it. He pulled it up to his face and brushed his lips against my knuckles. My heart lurched at the shock that ran up my arm. His nose trailed along the top of my hand and a sigh left his lips. This man is so weird. I shifted again in my seat, wishing he would let go of my hand.

With my hand still wrapped in his, he glanced back into my eyes. "C'est un plaisir. My name is Shuu Tsukiyama."

In this moment, I had no idea my life was about to change dramatically.