Author's note: Here's the eleventh chapter! I managed to write it today and so far, this is the longest one I wrote. :) There's a bit of a fluff in this one and I also wanted to show how closer they've become and how they've changed and all that. I'm sad that the story is coming to an end, probably the next chapter will be the last one. I'm thinking about writing sequel to this story, once I finish it, so you can kinda expect that. It all depends on how much time I'll have, because I'm working on a new ones as well. :D
As always, apologies for any grammar or spelling mistakes and characters' OOCness.
Disclaimer: I do not own Tokyo ghoul, nor any of the characters, they belong to Sui Ishida.
'Inner thoughts'
I hope you'll enjoy reading and that you'll like it! :D
Love, Shiori
Touka's POV
Yesterday, Touka was lectured by her boss for being so late. She lied to him telling him that her professor at school held them up longer and she couldn't possibly be on her work on time. That managed to make her boss forgive her and he told her that the next time, when similar thing happens, she should call them or text them and let them know that she'll be late.
'That makes sense.'
When she got home that night, she was welcomed by her brother and his best friend. She said hello to them and went to her bedroom. She wanted to take a bath and sleep well. Taking her pajamas, she went into the bathroom and filled the tub. Taking her clothes off, she stepped in and let herself relax.
'Now this is amazing.'
Touka closed her eyes and let her mind wonder to her crush. She was trying to imagine what they'll do apart from visiting Uta.
'Is it going to be okay if we do something else apart from that? Should we go to Anteiku, when we're already meeting there and have something to drink? Or maybe it will be better if we go somewhere else? I should probably text Uta that we'll be stopping by.'
She shook her head, shaking those thoughts away. The whole point was to relax and thinking too much wasn't helping. Touka was startled by the knock the bathroom door.
'Did I fall asleep?'
"Touka!", she heard her brother calling to her. "Are you alive? You've been in there forever."
"I'm fine, Ayato. I was just taking a bath and fell asleep.", she answered.
"You should sleep in your bed, not in the bath tub. You'll catch a cold."
"Yes, mom."
She got out of the tub, toweling herself dry. Then she put her pajamas on and went out of the bathroom.
"Finally! I was going to piss myself."
'So that's what it was all about.'
"Oh, shut up. You are a guy, you can do that anywhere."
"Whatever.", he said, going inside.
She sighed and went to her bedroom. Crawling in her bed, she pulled the covers up to her chin and closed her eyes.
Kaneki's POV
"Man, where were you all day?", Hide asked him yesterday when they were walking home together.
"I was at out chemistry professor's office."
"And you were studying that whole time?"
"Yes. Can you even believe that it, I even dreamed about the formulas. It's just so overwhelming."
'I can't wait for it to be done.'
"That's crazy. You should take a break."
"I am taking a break. Tomorrow.", Kaneki grinned.
"That's right!", his best friend grinned as well. "What are you going to do?"
"We're going to her best friend's studio and I don't know if we'll do anything apart from that."
"What do you mean?"
"I was thinking that we should go to the Anteiku, since we're already meeting there, but I'm not sure if she'll be okay with it. I don't know what she planned."
"I think she'll be okay with it. You can always plan something out and suggest it, if she doesn't have anything planned."
"You're right, I will."
They kept chatting, until they had to go their separate ways. When he got home, he ate and went to his bedroom. He had to finish those exercises and he wanted to get it out of the way.
'This is so easy.'
He got them done quickly and hearing his mother coming inside the house, he went downstairs.
"I'm home.", she said, taking her shoes off.
"Welcome home. How was it at work?"
"Fine, as always. How are you? Did something good happen?", she asked him, going to the kitchen and he followed her there.
"Yes and now. My professor is putting a pressure on me, because of the contest, but I've already learned everything, so I know I'll do well. And I'm going out tomorrow. I probably won't be home all day."
"Don't pay to much attention to him. If you've learned everything, you shouldn't be bothered by what he says. Are you going out with Hide?"
"No, I'm going out with Touka."
"Touka? Is that a girl you mentioned that is in your literature class?"
"Yup. I'm going to meet her best friend. He's an artist."
He mother was looking at him strangely. "Are you going on a date? Because it sounds like that to me."
"I don't know and I don't care."
"Okay.", she said and went to the cooker to make them dinner.
They ate in silence and then Kaneki went to the bathroom. He took a quick shower and then went to bed. He wanted to be rested for tomorrow.
Touka's POV
Touka woke up at nine o'clock. She really did sleep nicely and she felt great. Getting out of the bed, she went into the bathroom, took a shower and dressed up. This was the first time that she worried about what she should wear. Usually, she would put on the first thing she grabbed.
'Screw this, I'll wear what I usually wear.'
She put on jeans, t-shirt and jumper.
'It looks decent.'
She went downstairs into the kitchen and made breakfast for her brother and herself. Touka ate slowly, there was no reason for her to rush. After she finished her meal, she went into the living room and sat on the couch watching the tv.
Around 10:30 her brother got up and joined her. They small talked and then it was time for her to leave. Touka went upstairs to take her small purse, putting in the wallet and her phone. Then she went downstairs again and put her sneakers on.
"Have a nice day!", Ayato shouted from the living room.
"Thanks.", she said and went outside.
She decided to take a bus to Anteiku. It will be faster and that way, she will make sure that she's not late.
Touka was surprised that she was not nervous at all, though she was excited. This is the first time they are meeting outside school. When she got to Anteiku, she looked at her phone.
'I'm twenty minutes early. I guess better early, than late.'
She put it back in her purse and waited for Kaneki to arrive.
Kaneki's POV
Kaneki got up at ten o'clock.
'I really slept in.'
He an hour to get ready and leave. Getting out of the bed, he went to the bathroom to take a shower. When he was done, he went into the kitchen and ate the food her mother left for him. It was half past ten when he finished it and he rushed to his room to change his clothes. He put on a long sleeved shirt with hoody and jeans. Taking his wallet he put it into his pocket and his phone in the other one. He went downstairs, put his sneakers on and went outside. Kaneki had to run to the station, because he was just about to miss his bus.
'I can't be late.', he thought as he was running.
Getting there just in time before the driver closed the door, he took his seat. He took his phone out at looked to see what the time is.
'I will be early.'
Kaneki got off the bus and walked to Anteiku. He was surprised to see that Touka was already there.
'She's early, too. How long has she been waiting?'
"Hi.", he said as he approached her.
"Hi."
"Were you waiting for a long time?", he asked her.
"Actually, I just got here, like five minutes ago.", she smiled at him.
"That's good.", he felt relieved. "So, shall we go?"
"I was wondering, if you want to go inside, before we go to Uta's studio.", she fumbled with her words.
Kaneki started laughing.
"What is so funny?", she glared at him.
"I was thinking the same thing. If you didn't suggested it, I would.", he answered honestly.
Touka started laughing as well. "Then we're going in."
Kaneki nodded his head. The minute they walked in, Nishiki came to greet them.
"Welcome to Anteiku! Here's your table.", he motioned for them to follow him.
They didn't say anything, just followed him. When they were seated, Nishiki gave them the menu. Touka lifted her head to look at him and saw what she thought she'll see. He was staring at her with a smirk on his face.
"I'll have strawberry tea.", she told him closing the menu. "Alright. Have your boyfriend decided?", he asked mockingly.
"Nishki!", she said a bit louder threateningly.
'Boyfriend? Do we look like a couple?'
"I'll have a green tea.", Kaneki answered his previous question.
"Okay. I'll be right back.", he walked off to make them their teas.
"I'm sorry for his behavior. He is a jerk. Don't pay attention.", Touka told him.
"It's okay.", he smiled at her.
Nishiki was soon back with their order. The moment he was in front of their table, Touka furrowed her brows.
"There you go. Enjoy your teas!", he told them giggling, walking away.
'What's with this guy?'
Kaneki sipped his tea, when Touka took his cup from his hand and smelled it. He looked at her confused.
"I'm just checking if he poisoned it.", she explained returning his cup to him and then sniffed hers.
He started laughing.
"Hahaha, you're so funny.", he said still laughing.
"I'm serious! That guy is evil! Pure evil! Stop laughing.", she blushed, as if she was embarrassed.
"Alright, alright.", he put his hands up in surrender. "Are you sure your friend won't mind me coming as well?"
"Why would he? I already told him that we're coming and he said fine, so there's no problem.", she smiled reassuringly.
They finished their drinks and went to pay for it. Touka wanted to pay for her drink, but Kaneki stopped her.
"It's okay. I'll pay.", he said, pulling out his wallet and paying.
After that, they went out and started walking to Uta's studio. They got there after fifteen minutes.
Touka opened the door and told Kaneki to come in. He did as he was told.
There were canvases everywhere, a few desks and chairs and behind the counter, there was another desk with a computer and masks that were hanging on the wall. A guy, who he assumed was Uta, was sitting at the computer, typing something. When he heard them, he turned around and got up, to meet them.
"Yo, Touka!", he walked towards her and gave her a hug.
"And you must be Kaneki. I'm Uta, nice to meet you!", he offered him his hand.
"Yes, I'm Kaneki. Nice to meet you, too.", he accepted his hand.
"So, you finally remembered that I exist. I haven't seen you for a month.", he looked at Touka.
Kaneki tried to imagine not seeing Hide for that long and he failed.
'Now that I think about it, we were never apart for that long. But then, we go to the same school and we are of the same age and they are not.'
"I was busy. I texted you at least."
"Yeah, yesterday and two week before that."
"Oh, come on. Don't make such a big deal out of it.", she punched him in the shoulder.
'They look really close, even though they don't see each other that often and maybe talk. I wish I could be that close to her someday.'
Kaneki felt a bit jealous of Uta, but he pushed those thoughts away, because he knew that it was childish and there was no reason to feel like that, just because her best friend is a male.
"How do you even manage to get along with her, Kaneki? She's so difficult and antisocial, and weird, and stubborn, and boring.", Uta was now looking at him.
"Hey!", he heard Touka protest.
"I don't really mind.", he said honestly. "I find that interesting about her, I think that's what makes her unique and different from others.", he smiled as he said it.
Touka's face went red in an instant and Uta stared at him in shock.
"You're crazy you know that?", he said to him. Kaneki just laughed.
"Maybe. You must be crazy, too, 'cause you've been her friend for a long time."
"I like him, Touka. You have my approval.", he patted her on the back.
'He is approving of me? What for?'
"I don't need your approval.", she said harshly.
The three of them talked what seemed for hours. They talked about what was going on in Touka's life and Uta's life in the time they haven't talked, then about literature, then art overall and many other random things.
"Oh, yeah, I need to ask you for a favor, Uta.", Touka spoke.
"What is it?"
"Could you make us two masks?"
"Sure. For what occasion?", he asked her, taking his sketchbook and pencil.
"For a ball.", she answered.
"For a ball?!", both Uta and Kaneki asked at the same time, surprised.
"Yeah, haven't you heard?", she turned to Kaneki. He just shook his head. "The Valentines coming up and our school will hold a party, like a ball party, or masquerade one, I don't know exactly, so I thought that we should go."
'She says this as if it is the most natural thing to do.'
"Um... I haven't heard about it."
"So you don't want to go? It's fine if you don't. I don't know why I even thought about going. I'm usually not up for things like that.", she waved her hand dismissing it.
"Actually, I think we should go. It can be funny.", he grinned. She nodded her head in agreement.
"Okay, so for the ball. Alright. When is it?", Uta interrupted their little conversation.
"On the 14th February."
"So that's on the next Friday. They'll be done in two days, is that okay?", he asked them.
"Yes.", they said at the same time.
"Alright!", Uta grinned and quickly sketched the design.
When they approved it, they talked for a bit longer and then, Touka and Kaneki decided that it was time for them to go.
They walked out of the studio. Touka pulled out her phone and looked what the time is.
"It's already six o'clock. I can't believe how the time flew."
"Really?"
'I can't believe we've been together for five hours. It seemed like it was just two.'
She showed him her phone.
'It really is six o'clock.'
"Whoa. Are you in a hurry to go home?", he asked her.
"No. Do you want to go anywhere?"
"I was thinking that we might go and eat something. Maybe ice cream or something sweet, whatever you want."
"Let's go get some ice cream, but can I pay for it?"
"No."
'How can I let her pay?'
"That's not fair. You've paid for the tea, at least let me pay for my ice cream."
"You really are stubborn.", he sighed in defeat. There's no use in arguing, he knew that she won't let him pay for it.
They walked in silence, until they got to the bakery. Going in, they chose the ones they wanted and went out. Kaneki took vanilla flavored one and she took the mix of chocolate and strawberry.
"They have the best ice cream ever.", Touka said satisfied with her cone.
"I agree. You like strawberries a lot?"
"I do. They are delicious. Do you want to try some? This mix is the best.", she offered him her ice cream.
He was debating if he should or not. She might get offended if he didn't, so he tried it.
''It's nice."
"Right?", she smiled. "Touka?"
'Calm down, Kaneki.'
"Yes?"
"Do you...", it was hard for him to finish the sentence. "Do you want to go on a date with me, to the ball?"
'What's wrong with me? What if I ruin our friendship like this, if she declines? I shouldn't have asked.'
He was looking at the pavement.
"Actually, I do.", she answered.
When he looked at her, he saw that she had a blush on her face and that she was smiling.
"You do, you really do?"
'Why am I so shocked?'
"Yup. Even this today feels like a date. I've never been on one, but my brother told me about his, so this looks like it."
"I'm glad. And you're right.", he returned her smile. "Shall we head home slowly?"
She nodded and they started walking towards the station. He went with her, until they got to her street.
"It's okay. I can go alone from here. Thank you for escorting me.", she looked him in the eyes.
'Were they always so sparkly? They look even more beautiful then before.'
"You're welcome. I'll go then. See you at school."
"See you. Oh, before you go, can you give me your email?"
"Sure.", he pulled out his phone and exchanged emails.
"I'll text you. Good luck on your contest."
"Thanks.", he said turning around to leave.
Suddenly he turned around and walked to her, kissing her on the cheek. It was like his body moved on his own. She was starring at him in shock, but then her expression softened. She gave him a kiss on the cheek as well and then left. He watched her leave, before moving to go home himself and lightly touching the place on his cheek, still remembering the feeling of her soft lips on his skin.
Touka's POV
Not long after she arrived, she spotted Kaneki approaching her.
"Hi.", he greeted her.
"Hi.", she responded.
"Were you waiting for a long time?", he asked her.
"Actually, I just got here, like five minutes ago.", she smiled at him. "That's good.", he seemed relieved.
"So, shall we go?"
'Will it be too much to suggest going inside for a drink?'
"I was wondering, if you want to go inside, before we go to Uta's studio.", she found it hard to say those words words.
Kaneki started laughing.
'Why is he laughing? Can't he see how hard it was for me to ask him this?'
"What is so funny?", she glared at him.
"I was thinking the same thing. If you didn't suggested it, I would.", he answered honestly.
'So that's what it is.'
Touka started laughing as well. "Then we're going in."
Kaneki nodded his head. The minute they walked in, Nishiki came to greet them.
"Welcome to Anteiku! Here's your table.", he motioned for them to follow him.
They didn't say anything, just followed him. When they were seated, Nishiki gave them the menu. Touka lifted her head to look at him and saw what she thought she'll see. He was staring at her with a smirk on his face.
'This is so bad, that look can only mean trouble.'
"I'll have strawberry tea.", she told him closing the menu.
"Alright. Have your boyfriend decided?", he asked mockingly.
'Boyfriend? Well, we probably look like a couple. Oh, God, he won't let me be tomorrow, after this.'
"Nishki!", she said a bit louder threateningly.
"I'll have a green tea.", Kaneki said, also closing the menu, returning it.
"Okay. I'll be right back.", he walked off to make them their teas.
"I'm sorry for his behavior. He is a jerk. Don't pay attention.", Touka told him.
"It's okay.", he smiled at her.
Nishiki was soon back with their order. The moment he was in front of their table, Touka furrowed her brows.
"There you go. Enjoy your teas!", he told them giggling, walking away.
She took a cup from Kaneki's hand, when he sipped at his tea, sniffing it. He looked at her confused.
'Who knows what he put inside.'
"I'm just checking if he poisoned it.", she explained returning his cup to him and then sniffed hers.
He started laughing.
"Hahaha, you're so funny.", he said still laughing.
"I'm serious! That guy is evil! Pure evil! Stop laughing.", she blushed, as if she was embarrassed.
'Can't he see it himself, that that idiot is shady?'
"Alright, alright.", he put his hands up in surrender. "Are you sure your friend won't mind me coming as well?"
"Why would he? I already told him that we're coming and he said fine, so there's no problem.", she smiled reassuringly.
'He shouldn't be so worried about this small things.'
They finished their drinks and went to pay for it. She wanted to pay for her drink, but Kaneki stopped her.
"It's okay. I'll pay.", he said, pulling out his wallet and paying.
After that, they went out and started walking to Uta's studio. They got there after fifteen minutes. She opened the door and told Kaneki to come in, which he did.
She used to spend lot of her time here, with her brother. At that period she thought about turning to art and she was good at it, but she soon after lost interest. Touka still drew from time to time and painted, but she decided to focus on her studies more.
Uta was sitting at the computer, typing . When he heard them, he turned around and got up, to meet them.
"Yo, Touka!", he walked towards her and gave her a tight hug.
'He is going to suffocate me.'
"And you must be Kaneki. I'm Uta, nice to meet you!", he offered him his hand.
'Thank God.', she thought when he let go of her and turned to her friend.
"Yes, I'm Kaneki. Nice to meet you, too.", he accepted it and they shook hands.
"So, you finally remembered that I exist. I haven't seen you for a month.", he looked at Touka, nagging her.
"I was busy. I texted you at least.", she tried to defend herself.
"Yeah, yesterday and two week before that."
"Oh, come on. Don't make such a big deal out of it.", she punched him in the shoulder.
'He is right. I am a the worst best friend.'
"How do you even manage to get along with her, Kaneki? She's so difficult and antisocial, and weird, and stubborn, and boring.", Uta was now looking at Kaneki.
"Hey!", Touka protest.
'I'm not that bad of a person.'
"I don't really mind.", he said honestly. "I find that interesting about her, I think that's what makes her unique and different from others.", he smiled as he said it.
Touka felt her face heating up in an instant and Uta stared at Kaneki in shock.
'What is he saying?!'
"You're crazy you know that?", Uta told him.
Kaneki just laughed.
"Maybe. You must be crazy, too, 'cause you've been her friend for a long time."
"I like him, Touka. You have my approval.", he patted her on the back.
'What is he, my mother or father?'
"I don't need your approval.", she said harshly.
The three of them talked what seemed for hours. They talked about what was going on in Touka's life and Uta's life in the time they haven't talked, then about literature, then art overall and many other random things.
"Oh, yeah, I need to ask you for a favor, Uta.", she spoke.
"What is it?"
"Could you make us two masks?", she noticed that Kaneki was looking at her strangely.
"Sure. For what occasion?", Uta asked her, taking his sketchbook and pencil.
"For a ball.", she answered.
"For a ball?!", both Uta and Kaneki asked at the same time, surprised.
'What's with that reaction? There's no need for that.'
She decided that she won't pay attention to it, she'll play it cool.
"Yeah, haven't you heard?", she turned to Kaneki. He just shook his head.
"The Valentines coming up and our school will hold a party, like a ball party, or masquerade one, I don't know exactly, so I thought that we should go."
'Okay, Touka, just play it cool. Just play it cool.'
"Um... I haven't heard about it.", he said.
"So you don't want to go? It's fine if you don't. I don't know why I even thought about going. I'm usually not up for things like that.", she waved her hand dismissing it.
'Why did I even ask.'
"Actually, I think we should go. It can be funny.", he grinned.
'It might be funny if we go together. It will be boring otherwise. When did I become so attached to him? Well, who cares anyway.'
She nodded her head in agreement.
"Okay, so for the ball. Alright. When is it?", Uta interrupted, attracting their attention again.
"On the 14th February."
'Isn't it logical.'
She raised her eyebrow.
"So that's on the next Friday. They'll be done in two days, is that okay?", he asked them.
"Yes.", they said at the same time.
"Alright!", Uta grinned and quickly sketched the design.
When they approved it, they talked for a bit longer and then, Touka and Kaneki decided that it was time for them to go.
They walked out of the studio. Touka pulled out her phone and looked what the time is.
"It's already six o'clock. I can't believe how the time flew."
'It looked like it's been an hour, or two.'
"Really?", Kaneki seemed surprised as well.
She showed him her phone.
"Whoa. Are you in a hurry to go home?", he asked her.
"No. Do you want to go anywhere?"
'I want to be with him for a little more.'
"I was thinking that we might go and eat something. Maybe ice cream or something sweet, whatever you want."
"Let's go get some ice cream, but can I pay for it?", Touka asked him.
'Now that I think about it, I haven't had an ice cream for a while.'
"No.", he answered.
"That's not fair. You've paid for the tea, at least let me pay for my ice cream."
'I'm not going to let him pay for everything.'
"You really are stubborn.", he sighed in defeat.
'So that means that I'll pay for my share.'
They walked in silence, until they got to the bakery. Going in, they chose the ones thay wanted and went out. Kaneki took vanilla flavored one and she took the mix of chocolate and strawberry.
"They have the best ice cream ever.", she said satisfied with her cone.
"I agree. You like strawberries a lot?"
"I do. They are delicious. Do you want to try some? This mix is the best.", she offered him her ice cream.
'He should just try, what is there to think about?'
She didn't understand why was he thinking so much weather to try it or not. Eventually, he tried it.
''It's nice.", he said.
'Of course it is.'
"Right?", she smiled.
"Touka?", he called to her.
"Yes?"
"Do you...", he stopped in the middle of the sentence.
'Is he going to ask me what I think he will?'
Her heart started beating insanely, she thought she'll die.
"Do you want to go on a date with me, to the ball?"
'He finally said it. Why is he looking down?'
Kaneki was looking at the pavement.
"Actually, I do.", she said.
He looked at her. She was sure she was blushing, but she still smiled at him.
'I'm so happy.'
"You do, you really do?"
"Yup. Even this today feels like a date. I've never been on one, but my brother told me about his, so this looks like it."
"I'm glad. And you're right.", he returned her smile. "Shall we head home slowly?"
She nodded and they started walking towards the station. He went with her, until they got to her street.
"It's okay. I can go alone from here. Thank you for escorting me.", she turned around and looked him in the eyes.
"You're welcome. I'll go then. See you at school.", he gave her a smile.
"See you. Oh, before you go, can you give me your email?"
'We've known each other for a while, I think it is fine to ask him for his email.'
"Sure.", Kaneki pulled out his phone and they exchanged emails.
"I'll text you. Good luck on your contest."
"Thanks.", he said turning around to leave.
Suddenly he appeared in front of her and kissed her on the cheek. She was starring at him in shock.
'What had just happened?'
Soon she came to her senses and looked softly at him.
'I guess there's no harm in kissing him back.'
Touka moved a bit and kiss him on the cheek as well. Fastly, she turned around and left. She lightly touched the place on her face, where his lips were just a moment ago, smiling.
End note: Thank you so much for reading! :D