Touka grumbled audibly as she walked past Kaneki, who was busy grinding coffee beans and making sure there was just the correct amount. Around them, Anteiku was abuzz with the constant chatter of the human patrons and the occasional clinking of porcelain cups against platters. The day was dulling into afternoon and sunlight poured in from the windows, lighting up the cafe. She slid into place in front of the sink, rolled up her sleeves and began to wash the cups, making too much noise for justwashing up.

Kaneki perked up from his spot and looked over his shoulder. "Touka? Are you okay?"

Touka's brows furrowed deeper and her mouth pulled into a frown. She ignored him and turned on the tap.

"Touka?" Kaneki prompted again. He had turned his body towards her now, obviously finished with grinding the beans. "You don't seem too happy today."

Of course I'm not, Touka scoffed to herself, more pissed than ever. Her teachers had worn out her patience today in school, giving her an impromptu detention and too much homework when all she wanted to do was to curl up on her bed while blasting J-rock, oblivious to the world.

A comforting hand was placed onto her right shoulder. Surprised, she turned around to see Kaneki looking earnestly into her eyes, forehead creased in concern. His eyes looked through hers, and honestly, if it wasn't for its sincerity and calm, it would get on her nerves.

"What?" she snapped. He seemed unsurprised.

"Are you okay?" He repeated his question, then pressed on. "Did something happen at school?"

She stiffened. Of course he'd want to know. Slowly, she shook her head and continued to ignore his presence.

"Hey, if it helps," Kaneki continued gently, "you can always talk to me about it."

Touka sighed internally. She was going to be persuaded into this, wasn't she?

"Nothing happened, okay," she replied. It came out harsher than she'd intended, but brushed that detail off.

"Touka," he said gently."Look at me?"

She paused washing cups. What more does he want, she wondered, but faced him nonetheless.

Kaneki was wearing a bright smile, practically beaming at her. His smile reached his eyes, curving over his cheeks, and the tilt of his head was too endearing.

She was stunned.

"Are you happy now?" he asked her after a moment's pause, bright smile gone but the twinkle of his eyes still present. The corners of his mouth were still uplifted.

Touka scowled and turned away from him, trying to fight the smile blooming on her face.

"Touka~" Kaneki said, bounding over to the other side like a puppy. She shrugged his touches away. Undeterred, he peered at her face looking down at the sink.

In the water of the sink was a reflection of a shy smile.


a/n reviews and (especially) constructive criticism greatly appreciated!