Chapter 20 - Reunion Part 1

Note:

I know I know okay. I let this story sit down for almost more than a month and I'm so sorry about that. My November was such a busy month for me since it was my last month on my work. And when it's the last month, there's much stuff to do, alongside university work. Ughh and to put a cherry on top, the last November, in my native country, Honduras. We were hit by two hurricanes. I am lucky enough, that my house didn't get flooded, but the electricity came and went. So, it was really a handful of a month. But anyway, today I brought these amazing series back. So, if you like it, please share it.

It was a sunny day, with some clouds emerging through the sky. The sun wanted to show its whole potential but the clouds were forcing it to stay behind them. As if they were saying they were the only important thing in the sky. The wind, as well as the clouds, was also covering the direct hot weather, that the sun wanted to give to the town. Intertwining on people's hair as they walk, making the pages of the book move at their own accord.

As Kaneki was moving next to the window, to close it down. Expecting a storm to come. He surprises as he notices the grey sky being plastered all over the town, and yet it wasn't cold. It was the opposite, it was warm with some air blowing in the sky. Is quite unexpected to see this kind of weather in Japan. Kaneki smiles as he slides the wooden slide to the left. He looks at the corner of the wooden window and grabs a handkerchief, he had in his apron's pocket. He takes in his hand and makes it smaller to wipe some of the dust that was receding on the window wooden frame.

As soon as he was satisfied, Kaneki turns around and earn a small vow of the client whose pages were moving. Kaneki gave a small vow back and smile at the customer. As he looks around the cafe, he notices some people were just drinking their drinks normally. Others were just reading in a peaceful manner. Kaneki moves to the second floor of the cafe. As he walks by, he encountered Irimi, who just gave him a small pat on the back. As she came back with a stray of used cups and plates. Kaneki flinches at her sudden approach.

As soon as he got to the final room of the cafe. Where they were located his favorite and yet "unique" group of teenagers he has ever met. His eyes widen up, as soon as he stood there in the entrance. 'They really are taking this project seriously', Kaneki thought to himself, as he observed them from afar.

Kukie and Hsiao were talking, while Mutsuki and Aura were aggressively typing on their laptops. Shirazu and Saiko were making some hand movements, while they talk with each other. Kaneki chuckles to himself and gazes at the ceiling. Remembering all those memories he had when he was in Highschool. Sure, some of them weren't that good, but he will be lying to himself. If he said, he didn't have fun with his best friend.

Kaneki stops looking at the ceiling and rushes back into his pocket. He grabs his cellphone. Kaneki mutters, "don't stress too much!" back at the group of kids, while he leaves the room. They all collectively gasp, as the recognizable voice, wasn't there anymore with them.

Kaneki guides himself into a room, he checks before coming in and slowly nods to himself. Clear. Kanki taps on his cellphone and just when Hide's name appears on the screen. Kaneki put his cellphone on his left ear.

"Hide, hi! I missed-"

"Awww, I missed you too, sweetheart!"

Kaneki flinches, as he shakes his head. He glances back at his cellphone screen. Mouthing the words of 'what', through his lips. He tilted his head to his right side.

"What happen sweetheart? Did the cat got your tongue?"

Kaneki flinches once again, heart beating fast, as sweat started dripping from his forehead. "Nishi-...um…" Kaneki cut his name off. As he started breathing hard, almost as if he was entering a hyperventilation state. He wasn't used to strangers calling him those nicknames.

Kaneki scoffs, as he put a hand on his chest. "...-So um… is Hide there?"

"Wow….. not even a greeting? Where are your manners, Kaneki? Did your mother ever teach you some?" Kaneki panicked look at everything in the room. "No… um...I'm sorry…. I'm really sorry..."

"Hahahahaha…. I'm just messing with you, Kaneki. So, what's up?"

Kaneki sighs as he passes his cellphone to his right ear. "Well… I was asking where was Hide…"

"Mmmm… wait…" Kaneki turn his head a little, he could hear well, he hears some ruffle noises in the background. He was also picking like someone was walking. "Welp… yeah…. He is so dead…" Kaneki widened his gaze and put his free hand in the air. "What?"

Nishiki sighs by the other end of the phone. "Relax…worry boy. He is dead asleep on my bed. Hashimoto sensei can really be a handful sometimes…" Kaneki nods. "I thought he was free since he told me his project was due yesterday…"

"Well.. that bastard of Hashimoto. Has three stages of handling projects. The first stage is the rough draft, the second stage, is the pre-finished project, third stage, is the final project… and by the looks of it. Hide is still on the second stage…"

"Well… umm tell him I call him and that i-"

"Yes, I know. All the kisses for him… I know, I know. But none for me, since he is your favorite"

"Nishiki senpai, I told you I have nothing against you. It's just, I'm not ready to be in a relationship just yet…"

"Right, right… I will tell him you call, bye!"

"Nishiki senpai...i-"

But Kaneki was cut midsentence. Leaving him on the expectation of a response, from the other end. But as one-minute passes by, Kaneki still is holding the phone by his ear. Kaneki's gaze went down, as he put his cellphone back in the pocket of his waist apron.

As time went on, the hours pass by as he serves his normal shift hours. And as soon, as he realized his shift was over. Putting his apron back on his locker and grabbing his backpack. He exited the staff room, as he waves goodbye at both Koma and Irimi.

As he was walking towards the exit, he started thinking if he could buy something for the people in his house. He already got his monthly pay, so he wanted to treat them to something good. But what? That kind of thought wanders around Kaneki's mind when he exited the store. He had in mind, maybe buying a cake? Maybe inviting them to a hotpot and buying some expensive meat, perhaps?

Kaneki was so emerged in thought, that he didn't notice he bump into someone's chest. Kaneki opened and close his eyes in a rapid state, registering what was happening to him. Kaneki's heart slightly pounding fast, as he tries to move away from the chest he just bumps into.

Kaneki moves his gaze to look at the person he bumps into. Heat rising over his head, as he tries to form a great apology. But his eyes were surprised. His heart stops beating fast, and the heat rising over his head, was slowly fading away. Because the person, who he bumped into, was no other than, Take Hirako, who was just staring at him.

Hirako was wearing a brown coat, who was open, exposing a blue formal button shirt, along with some black formal pants. Kaneki stares at him and quickly bow at him, muttering an "I'm sorry…" Hirako shrugs his shoulders, and ask if he was busy.

Of course, he replied with a no. And just when he muttered the word 'no', he was being dragged by Hirako into his car. Kaneki didn't have a proper reply to say to Hirako. He didn't know where he was going, but he trusted Hirako.

As Hirako was driving through the city. Kaneki glance at Hirako, who didn't utter a word. The only thing he had said to him when they enter the car was, "I know, I did something wrong…" In which case, Kaneki didn't know why Hirako was apologizing, but he nodded at the time. After all that weird conversation happened between them, Hirako didn't mutter a single word. He wanted to initiate small talk with him, but it seems like Hirako didn't want it to. Is not like he told him, not to talk.

But Kaneki knew this atmosphere very well. Especially since both his mother and Hide had them on several occasions. His mother trying to overcome the pain of taking her opportunity job. Or Hide trying to hide the fact, some mean comments towards both of them didn't affect him. He knew, that face very well. The face of hiding pain, but trying to endure it, for the people in front of you. After all, he was the master of that technique.

Of course, it is sad, that he has to lie about what he truly feels. But Kaneki has learned on various occasions, that only because you have a problem, it means you're the only one suffering. Because it's wrong, when you're suffering, they are a ton of people who are suffering as well. The only thing, that you can do in this situation is to move on with your life and smile at society. Of course…. He knows that's a toxic mindset to get behind. But he doesn't like it when people spend much time on his pain. It rubs him, the wrong way.

Kaneki was so deep in thought when he realized the car stopped moving, and his face flinches a little when Hirako mutter, "we are here". Kaneki shook his head a little, to step outside from the car. As soon, as he closed the door of the Hirako's car. He just took a view of the house, where he was, and fastly wanted to get in the car. Of course, Hirako stops him and drags him. Kaneki couldn't believe where he was.

Kaneki trembles when he walks into the outside parking lot of the house. Kaneki nervously glances around him and look at the other houses near him. They all have the same thing in common and Kaneki didn't like it. Is not like, he hasn't seen this kind of house before, or that his own house wasn't that elegant.

Normally, normal houses that he has seen. They always have two levels at most. They didn't have their own parking lot. They had a garage. But these houses have them outside. So, normally seeing this, made him uncomfortable. Another thing, almost all the houses tend to be really close to one another but in this one, they have a huge distance between one of the other.

All the houses he was looking, they all went to three levels, had glass windows, elegant colors that adorn their outside walls, some beautiful outside rich gardens. That is something, that he wasn't used to. As he stays there admiring the houses from the neighborhood. Hirako put a hand on his shoulder. Kaneki flinches and looks towards him, with a nervously smile. "Is this your first time coming to Denenchofu?"

Kaneki froze right there, on that instant. Geez, no wonder he was feeling so out of place. Of course, he won't feel good here! Is Deennchofu, for goodness sake! Hirako slightly moves his head to the side, his eyes squinting to look at Kaneki's face. Hirako sighs and pats Kaneki's head. Hirako moves his face near Kaneki's ear. While Kaneki was still in shock mode. "If you feel…." Hirako whispered in Kaneki's ear.

That made Kaneki revert back to his normal state. Opening his mouth, and slowly heating up, Kaneki look at Hirako, who was staring back with a deadpan look on his face. "Um…. w-what? W-what?" Kaneki mumbles his speech towards the man who was in front of him. Hirako step back and adjusted his coat while keeping eye contact with Kaneki. "I said…. If you don't feel comfortable being around here, we…. I mean…" Hirako stutter his words as he looks away from Kaneki to his right side.

Kaneki who was watching Hirako, blink several times, mouth slightly open. "I don't…. I mean…." Kaneki stutter. Hirako's gaze follows Kaneki's voice. "-I mean…. Is not like I hate it here… I… mean…." Kaneki drops his gaze, his heart beating fast, as he felt the heat rising up, once again. "I would never hate anything you…. Umm do, Hirako san…" Hirako flinch and move his head to look properly at Kaneki. His eyes widen up, his hand slowly rising up. Hirako's hand went into Kaneki's face, while Kaneki slowly raises his head.

Kaneki's heart beat faster, as he saw Hirako's hand slowly coming to caress his cheek. Kaneki closed his eyes, as he felt a wind pass between them, touching both of them. As if like it was breaking them apart, but Hirako's hand still kept on moving, while the door of the front house opened.

Both of them, jump from they were standing and look at the front door. Kaneki blinks several times, as he closes his mouth. He looks between Hirako and the upcoming and yet familiar manly figure, who was walking towards them. "Oi, Hirako and Kaneki are here!" The man shouted as he looks back, at the front door. He then proceeded to walk towards them. "Wow….. the world is truly small, isn't it? Hahahahaha!" The man, laugh as he put his arm, on Kaneki and Hirako's shoulder.

Kaneki widens his gaze, and stiffen his shoulder, as he felt the big impact of Shinohara's arm around his neck. Kaneki moves his gaze to look at him. "It truly is a small world…." Shinohara looks at him, with a big smile on his face, then proceeded to look at Hirako. Hirako moves his eyes to look at Shinohara. Shinohara wiggles his eyebrows and quickly moves his gaze to look at Kaneki and back at Hirako. Hirako furrow his expression and rolled back his eyes. Shinohara grin to himself, he then let go of their shoulders, while they entered through the entrance.

Kaneki and Hirako both said, "sorry to interrupt", while they took their shoes off and put on some sandals to enter the house. Kaneki's eyes scan the house, as he walks alongside Hirako. The walls of the house were white, just like outside, the floor was grey wood-look flooring. Kaneki made a small nod to himself, noticing how well balance the colors are in this house. He also noted, that all the furniture of the house, had pretty heavy undertones. Like the couch was grey along with some black and dark blue pillows. The house also had a lot of wooded furniture that was accompanied by various types of plants.

It quite surprised him a bit. He expected this kind of house to have elegant and extravagant furniture. Like having statues or some expensive paintings that adorned the wall. But this house didn't have any of that. It almost felt like, he was welcome in this house. That good balance color that the interior of this house had, along with the soft and calm furniture placement. It made Kaneki realize, that he been in this place before. The familiar yet so strange background this house has was so comforting to Kaneki.

As they walk behind Shinohara who has guided them from the main living to the second living room. Kaneki glance at two men who were seated on a black couch, one holding a cup that looks like it has, red wine and the other men, had a green cup. Kaneki raised one eyebrow, as he inspected while they walk towards them. He knows these men from somewhere, but from where? As he began scratching the back of his brain, trying to find his answer.

Shinohara quickly shoves Kaneki to the front. "Gentleman, this is Kaneki!" Shinohara moves a hand towards the man, holding a cup of wine. "This is Houji Kousuke!" Houji smile at him, and quickly made a vow at him. Shinohara moves his hand, towards the other man. "And lastly, this is Mado Kureo" Kaneki couldn't register what was happening, so the only thing, that occurred to him was to vow towards them. "It really is a small world, hahaha!" Shinohara said. The two older men smiled at him, Shinohara guides him to a seat beside him. While he did some small talk with the two familiar men.

Kaneki smile at them, while they talk with each other. Kaneki turns around to see if Hirako was around, but he was no longer around. Kaneki focuses his gaze to look everywhere but there was no sign of him. He looks through the hallway that entered the second living room and then back to the side view of the living room. There was a glass wall, that view of a great and beautiful backyard garden.

There were a ton of medium rocks that were situated next to a pathway of mini rocks that led to some wooden chairs that were next to some wooden garden tables. On the right side of the garden, he saw Hirako who was walking from a hidden hallway. It appears he was talking with someone. Kaneki couldn't figure it out, but there was another figure who was hidden by Hirako's left profile. As they walk to the center of the garden, the other figure came to light.

Kaneki widened his gaze and let out a small 'gasp'. The figure who was talking with Hirako was no other than Arima. Kaneki felt his breathing becoming short by each second, heart beating fast. Kaneki wondered, 'why Arima was here?' Perhaps… this is Arima's house? Is this… the so-called reunion Hirako talks about?

While the three older men talk, Kaneki couldn't stop looking at him. Arima, whose face moved a slight to the left, while talking to Hirako. Arima's gaze stops looking at his side, while he slowly moves to look to the front. Both of their eyes connected. Kaneki felt super embarrassed but at the same time, he still wanted to look at those beautiful grey eyes. But it almost felt like, he wasn't alone, because even though he couldn't read Arima's mind. He also felt Arima's gaze softened, while he stares back.

Arima didn't have an expression, he was just staring, while Kaneki just stares in awe, mouth slightly open. It almost feels like Arima was inviting him, to go where he was, with just his eyes. It feels like the two of them, were the only living souls wandering in the house, and the only thing separating them was a thing wall of glass. But all the staring stopped when Shinohara put an arm around him. Kaneki flinches and faces Shinohara. "So, Kaneki, I was talking with Houji, on how you met with Seidou…"

Kaneki widened his gaze and look at Houji. "You know Seidou?" Houji put the glass of wine, he had in his hand, on the table. "Yes, he is my kouhai... "

"Wait…. Are you… perhaps a sergea-"

"We are police lieutenants," Mado said.

"Oh…. that's…. Wow!" Kaneki said as he smiles, just to look back at the garden. He widened his gaze, just to see that Arima and Hirako were no longer there. Kaneki let out a tiny 'gasp', which in question made the three older men follow, where Kaneki was looking. Houji let out a small chuckle. "Hey, Shinohara didn't you said that you knew him, because he went to your local gym?" That caught Kaneki's attention, as he turns around to look at Shinohara. "Yeah, he even fainted the first day! It was really the first experience, isn't that right, Kaneki!?" Shinohara elbow Kaneki.

Kaneki just chuckles… 'God, this man is strong', Kaneki thought to himself. As Kaneki stop giggling. The room went quiet.

"Are you going to ask me if I am related to Akira, or not brat?" Mado said as he looks at him with an unusual smile. "How can he deduce you're Akira's father when he doesn't know you…" Shinohara says.

"Yes… or that Akira doesn't resemble you…", Houji chimes.

Kaneki widened his gaze, as he saw Houji and Shinohara making fun of the older man. Who was just looking down. The man faces upward and started laughing. "Haha, you're right, she resembles more my wife, rather than me!"

"Wait no, I don't think so… Amon has told me, that she makes your expressions when she gets mad or gets really excited for a case…." Shinohara says.

"Like father, like daughter!", says Mado. The three older men just started laughing. Leaving poor Kaneki, just connecting the dots, on why these men know him that well. Houji, who looks back at Kaneki, who was just smiling nervously, grins to himself. "You know, Kaneki…. I still remember that time, when you said, you were madly in love…."

Ah! This is the worst, he almost feels like he was been interrogated by his older family members. Kaneki flinches and puts his hands in the air.

"Um… eehh... I, where… or when..?" Kaneki started sweating, at a faster pace than usual. He removed his gaze, to look elsewhere. Shinohara just smile at him and patted him on the head, while removing his arm from Kaneki's neck. "Relax… just inhale and exhale", Shinohara said, as he winks at him. Kaneki widened his gaze to look at Shinohara, then quickly move to look at the two older men.

Mado just stares at him, while he lockdown eyes with Houji. He proceeded to let out a breath and touch his chest. "Oh… no….." Kaneki slowly opens, realizing the great mistake he has done. Houji and Shinohara just laugh, while Mado just kept staring at him. Kaneki rapidly vows at them. "I'm so sorry! I didn't realize it was two of you!"

Houji just kept smiling at him and waves a hand at him. "It's okay, it's okay…. It's not like we are mad, you don't remember us from that day. In fact, I am shocked that from just one hint that Shinohara gave you, you remember us. Your mind is really impressive."

"Yeah! And Mado here", Shinohara said, as he signals his hand towards Mado. "He thought, you will remember them since, in their words, you were panicking and made a mess out of yourself. So, his theory was, can someone remember a certain moment they did, just by a trigger word or a trigger event." Shinohara said.

"It's not a theory, Shinohara. It's a fact. Many people who have been the witness of traumatic events can tell you that!" Mado said as he raised his hands in the air. "Alright, calm down. Nobody told you, you're wrong." Houji said as he patted Mado on the shoulders. Mado side glance Houji then he looks at Kaneki, he points a finger at him. Mado began smiling, his smile getting wider and wider. Kaneki lock eyes with him, keeping his mouth shut. "But, my theory was correct. People's memory can also be triggered by embarrassing moments!" Kaneki put a hand over his face, his whole face begins heating up.

"Well… that's obvious but since you don't get embarrassed. You won't get those kinds of memories" A familiar and yet surprising voice came into the living room. Kaneki still with his hand over his face, slowly distances his finger apart, to see the upcoming figure, who was coming from the outside garden. Kaneki's body still flexing down, just following his figure with his eyes.

"Wow, Hirako you sure are becoming bolder by each second," Shinohara said, as he patted the seat next to him. Hirako looks at Kaneki, and just patted him in the back, with a deadpanned look on his face. Kaneki put himself together and remove his hand from his face, while he looks at Hirako. Hirako shakes his head in response at Shinohara. "I'm going…"

'Wait…? Hold on… he is leaving already.' Kaneki thought to himself. "Where are you going?", Kaneki blurted out, with a worried expression on his face.

"Oya?" Houji said, as he raised one eyebrow and look at Shinohara. Shinohara wiggles his eyebrows, in the direction of Kaneki. Mado just smiles, with that same weird smile, he always has. Kaneki, as soon as he realized what he said, put a hand over his mouth, heart once again beating fast.

Hirako just looks at him and then back to his front, "Either way, I'm going to the store. I need to buy more meat for the barbecue…"

"Wait, you forgot your contribution to the party?", Shinohara said, as he raised one-eyebrow to look at Hirako, moving his head to the side. "That's really unexpected coming from you, Hirako. Normally, you always come early and with all the things we ask you…." Houji chime in, then quickly glance at Kaneki. "Or perhaps… you are into someone and that someone is making you forget?" Houji said, in a teasing tone. Mado just a small laugh. Hirako looks to the ground, and furrows his expression, as he bites his lip. "Are you going to ask for anything, if not? Then, I'm going."

The room turns all quiet. The three older men, not wanting to bother Hirako and just turn their gaze to look at Kaneki. Kaneki, who was just staring in embarrassment but at the same time with a worried expression, soon was gone when Hirako wanted to turn around, but he didn't. "Kaneki, Arima is outside, under the Sakura tree, he wants to talk with you…"

Hirako mildly turns his gaze to look at Kaneki's expression. His eyes widened up when he saw Kaneki's eyes light up. Hirako bitted his lip once again and turn his body, to the front. Kaneki stood there, looking to the ground, as the three older men just stood there watching all unfold. The front door made a shutting sound. Making Kaneki realize, he was staring at the floor and then moving his gaze at the three older men.

Kaneki put a hand over his head, and vow at them. Shinohara just shakes his head and pointed a finger, over the glass wall, that leads outside the garden. "Go, we, older men, still have some talk to do.." Kaneki once again vows and walk himself towards the garden. As soon, as Kaneki was in the garden, they all look at each other. "I never realize, that boy had a cold heart.", Houji said, as he folded both of his arms around his chest.

"When you're like that, you tend to ignore everything around. He is not being weird, he is just being a human, with normal feelings." Mado said as he grabs a sip of his tea.

Once Kaneki was in the garden, he realized, how part of the garden was all trim and some of them had rocks, with tables and chairs. He looks around to spot the Sakura tree, but he didn't see it. He walks his way to the right side of the garden, to see a black wooden small gate. Kaneki look above the hallway, and in front of him. There were many crops plant, he didn't know which one is who, but he knew that some of them were vegetables and some of them were fruit. Since Fueguchi san has her own crops in her backyard.

He moves his body to look further from the crops, but he knew the tree wasn't there. He walks his way to the left hidden hallway of the garden. When he walked through the middle, he felt some eyes piercing unto him, but he didn't care. He was so excited to see him. As soon, as he was on the left side, he looks at the ground, where there some pathway of mini rocks making a line, to each side, there were many different kinds of flowers planted. Kaneki took notice that Arima took good care of his garden.

Speaking of which, all this time Kaneki has been looking to the ground. Since, ever since he was in front of the hallway, he had noticed the big Sakura tree, which hasn't bloomed yet, and the angel who was resting above it. But he knew. He deep down knew he wasn't prepared to faze him. His heart beating fast, by each step he took forward, eyes gazing down, still acknowledging the angel was there, but his soul wanted to stop him.

But something inside him, told him, that the angel knew what was going on with him. Since he kept quiet when Kaneki entered and just waited for his arrival towards his side. Eyes closed pretending to be asleep but smiling as big to welcome the new visitor. As soon, as Kaneki was in front of him, Kaneki took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes.

His cheeks began heating up, as his eyes rested on the angel resting on the Sakura trunk, his wings resting from all the flying he had done. Kaneki wanted to approach him, but he was afraid of himself. How can these harmful and dirty hands have the audacity to touch such beautiful, and yet delicate feathers.

Kaneki shakes his head to the side, knowing he was worthy of touching him. As soon, as he turns around, a soothing and warm voice calls out to him. "Don't go, stay here with me." Kaneki returns his gaze to look, at the figure, whose eyes were deeply staring at him. The figure patted his right side, as he was welcoming him in heaven.

Kaneki slowly approaches him and sits down next to him. "Hello, we meet once again…" Arima turns his face to look at him. Kaneki smile, as he lowered his face. "Yes…. Hello" Arima, move his body and move his right shoulder up. Arima glance at Kaneki, whose eyes were staring in disbelief at him. Arima just shook his head, and move his shoulder upward. Kaneki put his hands on his face, mouth opening. Kaneki furrows his expression, as he shut down his eyes. Arima took Kaneki's hands, from his face and directly smile at him. Kaneki took a deep breath, body shaking and slowly rested his face on Arima's shoulder.

Kaneki's heart pounded really fast, as each second pass by. Eventually, ever since Arima started talking about books, they both had read. It made him feel more at ease in the company of Arima. He doesn't know how many minutes passed when talking to him. If he could have a wish, he could want this day to never end. Wind blowing passing through, clouds getting intertwined with each other.

After many discussions of books. Shinohara had to call them out since the meat was already. When Shinohara calls out their names, both of them flinch and look at each other in a surprising manner. Arima just made a tiny smile, while Kaneki just gazes down, while he plays with his hands. Arima took notice of Kaneki's hand movements, that he intertwined his hands with Kaneki's. Kaneki made a small gasp sound, he slowly looks at Arima. Who was just looking at him, with a reassuring smile.

When they got up, Kaneki helps Arima folding the white blanket he had on the floor. As the two of them walk alongside, to enter the center part of the garden. Kaneki took notice, there was the barbecue, still grilling meat, smoke coming out of it, while Mado and Houji sat on a table, with plates. Shinohara was laughing, while he moves the meat. As they both walk towards Shinohara, Arima squints his eyes and observes his scenery.

"This is rare, where's Hirako?" Arima said as Kaneki nodded to himself. 'That's right, he was here before, where is he?' Kaneki thought to himself. "He said, he didn't felt well, and oh, your backpack is in the living room, Kaneki," Shinohara said, as he looks at Kaneki. Kaneki smiles at him and nods. "Alright, this rib is going to be almost ready…"

"I wonder if he got upset, about what I told him…" Arima said as he sat down on a nearby chair. Putting the white folded blanket on the table. All of the people who were there, look at him. "Oh gosh, what did you tell him? Sometimes you can be really cruel…" Houji said, as he shakes his head. Arima looks at him from his seat and then back at the ground. "Well… not too long ago, we arrive from our trip from America. He suggested drinking some tea together at his house, but I told him, that I didn't need it. Since I was going to come really exhausted"

"Sounds reasonable…" Shinohara said.

"But when we arrive, something in my mind told him to go, you know, as a friend would. But he decided not to do it, and when I called him, on why he cancel me, was because he was tired." Arima said as he intertwined his hands together, leaning back on the chair, one leg crossed. "But the thing that invalidated his answer, was his grandpa."

"Grandpa?", said Houji. Arima nodded. "I called him, since I, obviously was worried about him. He is one of the people I have known ever since highschool. So, his grandfather told me, he had someone over to drink tea and he had the audacity, not even introducing it, to his grandfather. So, naturally, I, as a friend, confronted him about it. If you really have a partner, but you are afraid of even showing it, to your family, is that person even your partner?"

"Mmm… you're not wrong…", Shinohara says, as he turns off the barbecue grill machine. "So…" chimes Houji, as he turns his body to look proper at Arima. "-Is that all you talk about?" Arima sighs, as he locks eyes with Houji. "Not at all, that exchange was yesterday, but today, I gave him a lecture…" They all chuckle. "As expected of you….", says Houji.

Arima raise one eyebrow and tilted his head, and gaze at everyone. "What do you mean by that?" They all stopped, while they look at him. "Doesn't matter now, and then?" Shinohara says as he sighs. Arima, with his eyebrow raised, lowered it down and lowered his gaze. "I notify him if he was serious about that person. First, he needed to inform the person he is interested in. To decide if they really are interested in him, in the first place. You can just anticipate your feelings to work in a relationship. After all, your obligation is to think about the other member of the relationship, not just yourself." They all made a shake of their head, in agreement.

Kaneki felt horrible, was he the reason why Hirako couldn't introduce his partner to his grandpa? Since all that time, he was with him, and maybe because he couldn't cancel him, he couldn't introduce his partner? Kaneki's heart sunk. He felt like an asshole, no wonder Hirako had told him that earlier, he felt sorry for what he did…

As soon as Kaneki was thinking about it, he took a quick glance at Arima. Who, at this moment was analyzing all his demeanor. Arima's eyes were locked on his eyes, his face tilted to one side, his left hand resting on his cheek, with a blank but analytic expression. Kaneki slowly opened his mouth. At that moment, he realizes something, perhaps he was wrong and the reason why Hirako was…..

Oh no…. Hirako… Oh no….

"Oh, dear…", came the voice of a woman from inside the house. Everyone put their attention towards the new figure upcoming. She is an attractive middle-aged woman, with light-colored hair, past her shoulders. She was wearing a plain black dress shirt, along with a long beige skirt. She was walking in a fast manner, with a good posture and a huge smile on her face. "Yua chan, what happened?" Shinohara says as he approaches the woman. The woman looks around and bows at everybody there, they bowed back. She tilted herself upward, while Shinohara lowered himself. "There's a call for Arima…"

"And you needed to tilt yourself, to say that to him?", Mado says. As soon, as he says that, Houji elbow him. Mado just stares at him, with the same expression he has. The woman blushes, as she puts both of her hands in front of her opened mouth. "I'm sorry, it's a habit of mine"

"Pay no mind to him, Yua san. May I go to the living room?" Arima says, as he stands up and walks towards them. Yua nodded and smiles at him. It's so rare that you receive a call here…" Shinohara says, in the upcoming figure of Arima. Kaneki tilted his head towards one side. "Why he lives here, doesn't it?" They all look at him, in a questioning manner.

Kaneki flinches and looks at everybody confused. "Um.. sorry, Kaneki, but this is my house," Shinohara says, as he scratches the back of his head while smiling at him. "What, really?" Kaneki opened his mouth, eyes widening, furiously looking at everybody.

Arima who was now entering the living room stops his walking and looks back. "Do you see me as someone owning a big house…" Kaneki flinches and locks gazes with Arima. Kaneki looks at the floor, while blinking several times, then looks back at him. "Not… not really…" Arima nods, as in he was saying, 'there you have it.' Arima quickly smiles at him and walks inside, figure disappearing among the furniture.

All the adults just laugh, into the random conversation they had. Yua, Shinohara's wife introduces herself and made Kaneki sit down on a nearby empty chair. Yua along with Shinohara help serve the food that was ready. Kaneki excuses himself, so he could wash his hands. Yua indicated to him, where the bathroom was. Kaneki vow at her, while he guided himself, where the bathroom was, he cursed himself, for being this stupid.

As he entered the bathroom, Kaneki's phone receives a notification. Kaneki flinches and widened his expression. That's right, he didn't tell his mother he was coming to eat dinner with these people. He better tell her, or else he might not know, how The White Suits or Miza for that matter are going to react to this.

Kaneki grabs his phone, soon opening the message application. Not bothering on answering the new message he received, he texted his mother instead. As soon, as his mother replied to his text. He sighs in relief. Kaneki tap on the unread message he had.

To: Kaneki

Subject: We are coming

The pierrots

Kaneki furrow his gaze and started sweating. His breath shaking, there was a photo along with that text. Kaneki shakes his head. There were many thoughts passing through his mind. What if this just another attempt at terrorizing people, just like they did with Saiko? Ugh… Kaneki wanted to vomit. Kaneki clenched his fists and decided to open the image.

Kaneki opened his mouth and close it once again. He seriously wanted to vomit now. The photo. That place. That sign. Those vending machines were broken into pieces. Kaneki let out a tear out of frustration. Kaneki wanted to tear his cellphone apart, of the anger he was building right now. He looks at the picture once again, and the sign of "meet me there." Was all scratch up with black graffiti and instead was "Let's not meet us there, you liar!"

Note:

I know, Shinohara's wife didn't get an official name. So, in order of the recent events, I gave her the name 'Yua', meaning "Binding love and affection." The reason for putting her that name is because ever since she was in the headcanon Tokyo Ghoul story, she was presented as being, a brave woman, who care for her husband and as well Suzuya, since it was implied, she also cares for him, as another son.

Btw, did you guys like the new drawing?. I love how the illustrations are getting better and better with each chapter! It makes me so happy. If you guys would love to give me a follow on my socials.

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