Disclaimer: I do not own anything except my OC. Everything else belongs to the original creator
Chapter 10
Kaneki's Pov
I washed my face, but I couldn't bare looking up at the mirror in fear that I'll see the unforgettable eye that haunt me. Splashing more water across my face, I couldn't help myself from thinking, I swear I'm going insane... I sighed, drying myself before my mind wondered back to what I recently discovered, At least I found out I can have coffee...
I leaned over the sink, my eyes stared down at nothing in particular as my thoughts wondered back to what I wittiness, Then after everything that I saw from Touka... Shutting my eyes, I felt my fingers curl around the rim of the sink, I ran into another ghoul...
Frowning, I slammed my fist against the surface before I found myself sitting on the floor while my back pressed against the counter and my eyes flickered down at the ground, Am I surrounded by ghoul!?
Flashback:
After running into Touka, I ran back to my place for a moment and during that time... I had a fit of rage as everything seem to keep falling apart. I somehow managed to drink a cup of coffee and then it finally hit which I finally realized that coffee never left a bad taste in my mouth like many types of beverages that weren't water.
I finally found out that coffee never tasted terrible and I can actually drink it... How could I have missed that detail since I had some with Hide earlier then many times after I left the hospital. Glancing down at the bag in my hands since I ran to a nearby market to buy more and I ran into a young man who suggested a brand of coffee to me.
Sighing, I looked down at the bag and my shoulders hunched slightly since I never bought this much before...
I froze the moment I caught a scent that made my whole body freeze. Whatever the smell was it made my stomach growl and my eyes widen because it could be something that I could actually eat.
The next thing I knew was that I was running towards the scent as if it was my last hope, but then I stopped myself immediately and I grabbed my head while my eyes widen. I realized that the last time I felt like this was when Yuzuki left my place the night I was released from the hospital and now my body is reacting the same way.
Shaking my head, I bitterly thought to myself while muttering under my breath, "No! Last time it was from-"
Yet I remembered that I continued to follow the scent which only brought my to a dead corpse in an alley and to make things worse was that I stumbled upon a ghoul eating the corpse.
My eyes widen when I realized what I walked into, and I wanted to vomit the moment I fully grasped that I followed the scent of a human corpse. Stepping away as my voice trembled, "I can't- No! What's wrong with me?!"
Glancing towards the ghoul that finally notice my presence stood, but within a second someone attacked the ghoul and my eyes widen at the sight of the now deceased ghoul. Darting my eyes over to the attacker, I noticed it was the same guy who offered his option about the brand of coffee in the market, but my mouth dried the moment I realized he was a guy too.
He narrowed his eyes dangerously at me while raising a brow and he snarled when he took a step closer to me, "No other ghoul is allowed to feed of my grounds!"
I saw how his eyes glowed dangerously behind the glasses that rested on his, but he seem to be taken back for a moment while muttering, "Oh it's you..." Tilting his head, a smirk crossed his lips and he quickly threaten me, "If you were human then I would've eaten you by now."
Growling, he stepped forward as he shouted, "But this is my grounds, so beat!"
I ran off, not saying another word nor looking back and I felt the need to just run until I couldn't run anymore. I couldn't believe how I managed to get myself tangled up this stupid mess and surely I can't even find a solution, but I was glad the moment I reached my place.
"Why... Why me...?" I felt my eyes tear up, covering my face as I tried to properly form the words, but nothing came, "Then-"
My eyes widen when I recalled something important, standing up to my feet as my hand grabbed the sink, "Yuzuki?" Straightening myself as I began to wonder if the idea could actually work, "She's friends with Touka and everyone in Anteiku, so probably Touka could help me with being a ghoul..."
Facing the mirror, I lowered my eyes for a moment, If Touka could pull off as a normal waitress while being a ghoul then maybe she could help me?
My brows furrowed as I wondered if her connection with Touka could work out in my favor, but the thought of it was simply crazy. Yet I was running low on what I could actually do, I mean, she's Yuzuki's friend, so she won't hurt me... Right?
Narrowing my eyes, my fingers tightly gripped the rim of the sink as the thought crossed my mind, Then why does Yuzuki hang around Anteiku if Touka is a ghoul?
My eyes widen slightly as I tried to make the whole situation make sense, but I couldn't fully grasp what was going on, Does she know about Touka and hasn't said anything...?
A sigh escaped my lips, glancing over to the eye patch that I got along with the coffee last night and I grabbed the material within my fingers. Closing my eyes for a second before shook my head, But I think this is the only way if I want to work with what I got
Placing it over my left eye, I tied the stings tightly, Maybe I can fix this
Staring at the mirror before me, I studied how the patch rested across my eye and I frowned to myself for a moment. I hated the look, but I can't let anyone see me if my eye turned red. Lowering my eye, This is the best thing I could do for now...
Leaving the bathroom, I looked over at the place and I saw how I forgotten to clear the place up after my little scene. Sighing, I knew I'll have to return home and clean it up, but now I had to see if I can figure out a possible solution to this terrible dilemma I've gotten myself into.
Collecting my phone, I scrolled through it as I reviewed everything and I noticed that I still haven't gotten any messages from the girl, She still didn't answer anything since yesterday...
Narrowing my eye slightly, I began to worry for her, but at the same time I found myself worrying to what she'll say the moment she notices my eye patch. Even worse, how do I explain to Hide the moment he sees me like this. Shaking my head at the thoughts, I know I'll deal with those problems later, but for now I had something to do.
Glancing down at my phone, I closed the screen while releasing a heavy sigh as I collected my jacket, Is she fine? If I ran into ghouls in just a day then maybe she-
"No..." I muttered under my breath as I tried to reassure myself, but in truth I don't know anything anymore. Yet I found my own words to comfort me even if it's for a moment, "She's fine."
I spotted Touka in front of Anteiku in her uniform and I quickly ran up to her, "Touka!" I stopped in front of her as I bowed my head, shutting my eyes as I basically begged, "Please teach me how to be a ghoul!"
Not lifting my head to see her expression, I continued to explain the things rushing through my mind, "Everything has just been going terrible ever since I've became like this and I-" I paused for a moment before continuing except this time she finally spoke up before I finished my sentence, "I don't know what to do and I'm having trouble with-"
"Huh?" By the tone of her voice, I knew she was irritated and she bit back, "You idiot, you don't say shit like that out in the open no matter what."
I glanced up to her to see a dangerous look within her eyes, "But will you-"
"Why?" Touka narrowed her eyes down at me while her voice harden as she tried to hold back, but I took notice the pain in her voice, "You were human right? So tell me how does some food taste like such as cake because all of you seem to really enjoy it"
"To me it makes me want to puke," Chuckling dryly, running a hand through her hair as she glared at me again, "Then you say you're having trouble... Don't make me laugh..."
I looked down and I stared at the ground while she continue to lash out at me, "I've been going through trouble and terrible things since I was born!" Throwing her hands down beside her, she snarled while her fingers curled up tightly as her tone sharpen, "So you should go off and-"
"I... Yuzuki she-" I took a deep breath, but I couldn't face her as I tried to find the words to reason with her and yet there was nothing. Keeping my gaze at the ground, I wondered how she could be so harsh and still be so kind when she's working then I recalled that Yuzuki mentioned that Touka has a different attitude outside of work. Swallowing, I didn't lift my head whiling thinking, How could Yuzuki be friends with her... Shutting my eyes, But she also seems upset and I wouldn't understand...
"That..." Touka paused, she stood still for a moment before she stumped her foot on the ground while hissing, "I swear to god if I didn't promise her something then I would've let you die here!"
I finally faced her, my eye widen since I somehow managed to break through by simply mentioning Yuzuki, but what caught my attention was what Touka said, Promise...?
Shaking my head in disbelief while asking, "Does that-"
"Hurry up and get in," She quickly unlocked the front door while motioning me to follow, "We can talk inside."
Nodding, I followed right behind her, "Okay."
Raising a brow over to the ghoul and I notice how she avoided looking at me as she guided me through the back of the shop, "You... You knew about me being a..."
"A ghoul?" Stopping in her tracks, Touka glared over to me as she opened the door to what it seems to be the break room, "Yeah, I knew about it, but I didn't believe it until I saw it with my own eyes."
Shaking her head, she narrowed her eyes coldly at me, "I still don't believe it and I don't like your damn kind either." A chuckle escaped her mouth before her eyes landed back at me and I saw the anger behind them when she stated, "A fucking human being a ghoul is just a stupid joke."
Touka smirked to herself while muttering, "It almost beats another stupid joke."
Furrowing my brows, I tilted my head slightly since I didn't understand what she meant, Another stupid joke...? What does that mean?
Raising a brow at me, she kept a static expression, "Which I noticed you got an eye patch on now." Sighing, she crossed her arms while narrowing her eyes at me, "I'm assuming you can't control it then." Clicking her tongue in annoyance while sending a glare towards me, "Pathetic."
Looking away, I curled my fingers into the sleeves of my jacket, "I... I don't know what I'm supposed to do," Glancing up to her, "You seem to know how to act so normally and I-"
Frowning at my words, Touka lifted her head while narrowing her eyes again, "What does that supposed to mean?"
"Ah! Nothing bad!" I held my hands up in defense while I tried to explain myself properly, "I mean, you seem to appear so normal that I wouldn't have thought of you being a ghoul. So I thought that maybe you can teach me about this whole thing..."
"I'll have to ask the manager about that," She released a sigh, then she glared at me while harshly stating, "I would've kicked you out of the street if it weren't for Yuzuki and the boss already telling me a few things, but it's his final word."
I tilted my head while questioning, "Manager?"
"This shop is run by ghouls," Nonchalantly, she began to explain herself, "We protect and oversee the 20th Ward, we help other ghouls, and keep any trouble on a down low so CCG won't bother showing up in our ward."
But I saw behind that cool manner, her eyes remain stoic as she firmly stated, "But we also try to fit in with humans."
Shrugging, she sighed in annoyance, "So if you want help then talk to the manager." Her attitude switched abruptly as she grabbed me by the collar and she threaten me again, "But if you say anything about this then I'll kill you!"
"Huh!?" I was taken back, holding my hands up in defense while shaking my head, "I won't say anything!"
I stumbled back a bit once she released me and I looked away while asking, "When will I be able to talk to the manager?"
Touka simply shrugged again, "I'll have to see if he's around since today I open up the shop."
I felt my heart race when I asked another question, "So everyone here is a ghoul?"
"Yes, every employee is a ghoul, but our customer are humans and ghouls," She crossed her arms while keeping a cold gaze on me and her lips were pressed to a thin line when she finished explaining, "We're more of a neutral ground, so no ghoul can pick a fight or hurt a human in the shop nor we will tolerate such behaviors."
"Then Yuzuki... She knows about you?" Raising a brow over to her, I tilted my head slightly as I awaited for her answer to my question, "You mentioned that she knew everyone here and you're friends with her."
Touka simply waved it as it meant nothing, "Yuzuki knows about Anteiku for many years, she was aware about it when she used to live here," Raising a brow at me, she firmly stated a fact, "She knows that we're ghouls here and that I'm a ghoul. So she wouldn't care much if you told her about yourself."
Narrowing her eyes slightly, she sighed again in annoyance while looking away, "Whatever you are, she won't judge and surely that dove will get herself in some weird situation like yourself."
I frowned slightly, I didn't understand why she referred Yuzuki as a dove, but I couldn't help myself from wondering about it, Dove?
Shaking my head, I studied how Touka raised a brow at me when I spoke up again, "I... How could she be so normal about this place?" Curling my fingers up as I recalled something important, "She... She was the one to introduce Anteiku to me and Hide..." Lowering my eye, I felt something off at the fact she brought us to this place to begin with, Why did she bring us to a ghoul shop?
"Simple." Touka shrugged, crossing her arms while keeping a stoic expression but the way her tone was, she stated a fact in regards of the girl, "Yuzuki doesn't care about what we are, but more of who we are."
Leaning against the couch, she waved a hand lazily while her eyes glanced over to me, "She isn't one to judge based on if we're humans or ghouls, but more of who we are as a person." Staring over at me, I felt my face flush slightly when she said, "She already likes you to be your friend, enough for her to ask me to look after you two idiots when she was out yesterday."
"So you might as well tell her about yourself since she won't react much to it since you're her friend already," Shrugging again, Touka sighed under her breath while muttering, "Don't know about your other friend tho."
Chuckling to herself, she smirked to herself and she completely ignored me for a moment, but I felt something in her voice as she said, "If humans were more like her than hell we'll all be fine, but we struggle day to day because we're always getting hunted," She paused for a moment before glaring over to me, "You former human, tell me how does it feel to live in peace not having to worry about being killed any second?"
Lowering my eyes, I could tell that Touka was being serious with her question and how she explained everything, I don't know what to say...
My eyes widen as I realized something she revealed, shaking my head while my eye shifted up to her, "Wait, Yuzuki..." I frowned slightly as I tried to understand the purpose behind it all, "Yuzuki asked you to watch us? Why?"
Furrowing my brows as I stared at the waitress, "You're a ghoul and we're-"
"I'm not going to hurt you or your friend because then I'll have to hear it from Yuzuki and the boss," She appeared to be annoyed by it, leaning against the couch while casting a glare over to me while stating, "I don't kill unless I have to, but last night well that guy was just pissing me off and I forgot about my own strength and temper for a moment."
Standing up, completely turning her full attention towards me, "But if you dare open your mouth about this place or your little friend finds out then I'll make sure you won't see the living daylight again." Narrowing her eyes dangerously as she stepped closer to me, "You got it?"
I was taken back, I tried to speak up, but she quickly cut me off again, "What about Yuzuki? You just said-"
Touka bit back while harshly stating, "She'll have to deal with it!"
"Okay, I promise I won't say a word." I nodded, keeping my hands up in defense as I stared at her when she moved away again, She can be scary...
"Good."
"But Yuzuki, I thought I saw her yesterday when-"
"Impossible," Touka glanced over her shoulder while revealing a fact, "She wasn't in the ward for the whole day, she ended up staying in the 1st Ward, so I don't know if she'll be back today."
Lowering my eye, She didn't came back...
"So don't bother contacting her because I'll tell you now," Sitting on the arm rest, Touka crossed her arms while informing me about something new, "Yuzuki doesn't answer anyone when she's not here. So if you want to talk to her then you wait until she's back."
"...Okay.." Nodding, I kept my eye on the ground as I tried to understand what I saw yesterday, I was just imagining things yesterday then...
"Touka, were you properly informing our guest about Anteiku?" I jumped a bit at the sudden voice and I turned around to see who I believe to be the manager of the shop. I watched him carefully as he entered the room while looking over to Touka, "Remember what Yuzuki asked of you, so please keep that in mind."
"I told him the basic run down of how we function," She stood up while casting a quick glance over to me before turning her attention towards the manager, "But he wants our help, so I told him to talk to you about it."
"Kaneki is it?" He bowed his head slightly at me while introducing himself properly before glancing over to Touka, "I'm Yoshimura, I'm the manager of Anteiku and surely Touka must have mentioned that we're a ghoul organization."
"Y-yes," I stuttered for a moment before I collected myself while finally saying, "I want to know how to be a ghoul or just fix me or something..."
Lowering my eye, I whispered, "I don't know what to do anymore."
"I'm sorry, but we can't fix you," His expression soften, sighing the manager shook his head while informing me, "However, we can help you settle in fine since it's our job to help any ghoul in need. We'll teach you the rules and information you might need since you're one of us."
"I..." I lowered my head, curling my fingers as I thought to myself, I don't want to be a ghoul... Sighing, I looked up at the manager while asking, "What do I need to do?"
"I'll accept you into Anteiku, you'll work here as a part time employee like Touka," He motioned his head towards the girl who stood over beside the door and he smiled back at me, "We will help you and everyone in Anteiku will welcome you here."
"We already heard much about you from Yuzuki since she befriended you and your other friend," Folding his arms behind him, the manager simply nodded while walking over to Touka, "Since she asked Touka to look after you two then surely being part of Anteiku will help you with what you want."
"Okay," I furrowed my brows a bit since I didn't know what to think about Yuzuki's involvement with Anteiku and how they appear to have some awareness of me. Brushing it aside for the moment, I took in a deep breath before asking, "When do I start?"
"Touka, show him around and give him a uniform," The girl's eyes widen, but she didn't say anything as the manager gave her instructions and he glanced over towards me, "Afterwords leave him with me so I can further explain a few things."
"Alright," Touka narrowed her eyes at me while sighing, "Follow me."
I honestly didn't know what to think nor do I fully understand the hole that I dug myself and I this is something I surely can't turn back from. Following Touka out of the room, but I paused as I bowed my head slightly at the manager as I gave him my gratitude before leaving, "Uh... Thank you, Yoshimura-kun."
"No need to thank me," I glanced over my shoulder to him smile over at me, "Welcome to Anteiku."
Lowering my eye again, I glanced over to Touka before looking over my shoulder to where the manager once stood and I felt my thoughts quickly collect themselves. Frowning to myself, I recalled how the two ghouls seem to be on good terms with Yuzuki and the way Touka held her word with Yuzuki along with the way the manager seem to be informed about me. Narrowing my eye as the thought continued to swirl within my mind, If Yuzuki knows about Anteiku being ghouls then... Does that mean she's a ghoul herself?
Yuzuki's Pov
Releasing a breath that I felt trapped within my throat, but it managed to find its way out between my lips. Recklessly, I laid on my side before sighing heavily, running my hand down my face as I tried to remember what happened. Opening my eyes, my hand roam the blanket that covered me and I noticed that it wasn't my blanket that I usually sleep with. Moving my hand a bit more I realized that my beloved cat wasn't anywhere to be found and I couldn't sense him.
Narrowing my eyes, sitting up, but I quickly regretted my decision the moment my whole body tensed in pain, a rush of pulses spread across my back. Yet it soon disappeared, all that was left was the sensation of something crushing my body.
Removing the blanket, I touched the nightstand beside the bed and I felt my fingers run over a familiar clock. Furrowing my brows slightly, I quickly turned to notice that I was in my old room before I moved out.
Leaning over, I held my head while my mind went back to how my body feels so worn out, God... I still feel like my whole body is just weighing me down
Standing, I quickly fixed the bed before going through the closet to collect whatever clothing was still here and to my surprise everything was left the way I had it. Throwing on some jeans, a tank top while grabbing my long cardigan, pulling my cardigan carefully over me as I felt my shoulder blades ache slightly, I really just need to stop exhausting myself, but what's the point if everything is just so... Pulling my hair up carefully while my body protested, but I shrug off the feeling as I tied it up with a ribbon.
Slipping my shoes on, I grabbed my quinque case while checking that I had everything I needed, but leaned against the wall for a moment. Shutting my eyes, I took in a deep breath before pushing myself off, Everything is so complicated...
I sighed to myself the moment I realized what I needed to do, I need to see Shachi about Rize Opening the door and quietly closing it behind me before I wondered through the short hall in hopes to leave without making any sounds.
Flashback:
We were calling it a day, leaving CCG headquarters and I went with Arima since he always took me back home after any assignment that we both had. However, it's been far too long since the two of us were actually on the same field like today.
I had my eyes closed, leaning back into the sit while my hands rested on the case that was placed in front of me. My head rested against my shoulder, I felt the cold touch of the window against my head as I listened to his words. Yet I kept fighting back the urge to just sleep, but I knew that I had to remain awake until I made it back home.
Arima simply continued to drive as he began to advice me of my mistake during the case and I know I shouldn't take it so lightly. I've gotten into the habit of just ignoring my own health which he surely has caught onto and will try to encourage me to change it before I end up harming myself .
My ears twitched slightly when I heard his tone as he spoke up, "Your actions on the field need to be rational."
I didn't say anything, my mind almost going blank but I felt his eyes on me which only made me wake up a bit. It's been awhile since I unconsciously fell asleep in the car and today I just want to sleep. My hand caressed the cursed case while I released a deep breath.
His voice came up again which caught my full attention as he asked, "Yuzuki? Are you even listening?"
I nodded, acknowledging him, but I kept my eyes closed while my fingers lightly tapped my quinque case, "Yes... Forgive me," My eye lids opened as I shifted my attention towards the window beside me, "I will fix it so it won't happen again..."
"It's getting late," He was about to suggest an idea, but he never finished his sentence, "I'll-"
I didn't realize I was yawning, interrupting him in the progress, "S...Sorry," Closing my eyes as I muttered, my whole body slowly slipping away, "I'm just so... tired..."
I heard a faint chuckle that escaped his lips, he must've smiled even if I couldn't see it, "You'll be staying the night, I'll take you home tomorrow morning."
Smiling, I leaned my head against my shoulder as I chuckled lightly, "Just like old time, huh?"
I froze in my tracks the moment I felt a presence in the living room, I raised a brow before walking further into the room and I noticed it was Arima, who must have been up for some time now. My eyes widen slightly, I don't even know what time it was nor how long I was asleep.
He took a sit at the table while setting down his book along with a mug, "I think you should wait before you head off," I rested a hand against the chair across from him and I noticed that there was another mug sitting there in the empty chair. Turning my attention to him the moment he spoke up again, "I've noticed you still haven't recovered which you should take the day to rest."
"I told you time from time again," He sighed to himself and I curled my fingers around the chair at his words, "Don't use your kagune unless it's your last resort."
Setting my quinque case down beside the chair before I sat down, "I know... I know, but I," Sighing, I covered my eyes for a moment as I tried to think of anything to say, "I don't even know."
My fingers skim the handle of the cup, the heat of the material quickly rushed through my skin and I closed my eyes for a second, He's right... If I keep using it I'm going to end up hurting myself and then what...
A sigh escaped my lips before I smiled over to him, "Thank you," My smile soon faded, not facing him as I stated, "I'm planning to head to Cochlea."
He blinked, narrowing his eyes slightly and I curled my fingers up the moment his voice came up again, "For what reason?"
"I need to speak with someone within Cochlea," Lifting my head up to him, I held a stoic expression while informing him, "A prisoner to be exact because I have the responsibility to do so."
"Who do you need to speak to?"
"Shachi," Not breaking any form of expression, I took a sip out of the coffee while explaining myself properly and yet I still managed to withhold information, "I was responsible for the Bringe Eater, so it's also my responsibility of informing him of it. After all, everything I gather points that he was the Bringe Eater's foster partner."
"Then I'll leave you at Cochlea," He didn't bother asking for my thoughts nor did he say anything else for the matter, but I knew better than to argue with him.
Silence filled the space between us, both of us sitting with a cup of coffee to ourselves and yet I felt this tension in the air that I can't explain. I shifted my attention to the cup and I found myself whispering without having any true intention of actually speaking to anyone in particular.
Yet the words left my mouth and I didn't know if I'll regret bringing up the topic again, "I hate this," Frowning to myself, I held the mug within my hands as I continued, "I grown to dislike CCG with every passing day and people have noticed that I've been putting a distance between me and CCG."
Why...? Why did I just say that now...
Sighing, I closed my eyes, "When I left..." I kept my head low when I opened my eyes again and my fingers caressed the smooth surface of the cup, "I found myself reflecting and I can't do this. I could never do this since day one."
Why did we end up in a world that we have no choice...?
Shaking my head, I couldn't believe that I was just crumbling before him, I'm getting to the point of just ending it all
"You even know," Chuckling, I lifted my head up to him while remembering my days when I was simply a cadet, "You saw the struggles that I dealt with in the Academy as a cadet and yet it hasn't changed since. "
My expression went blank as I felt a pain wash over me the moment the words left my mouth, "Even now, I'm simply a ghoul," My eyes fell onto the table, frowning to myself as I thought, I'm not good enough to be considered a ghoul...
"So you think neglecting your health will solve your problems?" I lifted my head up and I noticed how he didn't bother to face me while speaking in such a way that I knew I must've hit something. I knew that I crossed a line that I shouldn't have but yet I still managed to step over it.
He raised a brow and I knew he was studying me for a moment, "I've noticed how tired you get quickly whenever you activate your kagune."
He sighed under his breath, "But I do need to remind you that if you leave CCG then you'll be treated as a ghoul and you'll be treated as one which will leave everyone with no choose, but to eliminate you."
Leaning back in my chair, I held a hand up in defense as I stated, "I'm aware of the one condition if I were to live," Shaking my head, I turned away slightly while muttering, "I really don't like the whole idea of it nor do I like interacting with the Washuus."
He leaned against his hand while turning a page of the book that rested near him before shutting it properly, "Which is the reason I'm left responsible for you since you're under my rights and I'm aware of your dislike towards the heads of CCG," I crossed my arms as I recalled a few times that I encountered Yoshitoki and he stood by to speak for me since the two of us knew that I'll slip and talk back.
Sighing, I listened to his finally stand on the topic which only made me tense since I took note of this voice and I knew that I had to keep myself in line or else I'll be putting him in a difficult situation, "But you do need to think of what will happen if you to over step any boundaries."
Death... Death has been traveling towards us every since we were born... It's unstoppable, but we'll make the most of it because it's life...
Life... We choice different paths in how we spend our time between birth and death...
"I'll die," My expression was stoic as I harshly stated a fact in regrades of the contract that my life was based on.
Yet we are left without much of a choice in how we live our lives...
Shaking my head, I simply leaned against my hand while my eyes were casted aside, "Then I'll have wasted your time and everyone else. I would end up just hurting people if I were to act so reckless."
Yet I won't deny that I once yearned for death, but now... I crave to actually feel alive...
Furrowing my brows to myself, I shifted my attention over to him as the thought echoed in my mind, I don't want to waste the life I was given by you... Nor do I wish to live a life that is killing me from the inside... like you...and many others...
I sighed again, nodding before sitting up as I recalled a few things that I seem to neglect and I knew I had to remember him and how my actions are linked him. I won't be able to forgive myself if I were to bring any harm to him or anyone else if I were to act so selfishly.
There are times when I need to let go and do something for the greater good... Yet I can't follow that path so easily...
I looked over to him, "I understand."
"It wouldn't have been a waste of time," He set his cup down and I felt a faint smile cross his lips before it faded when he mentioned, "But I do have my duties to attend to, so keep that in mind."
...Duties...
"I know," Standing, I collected my case and my mug, but he took it from my hand and he left the two cups in the sink. I pushed in my chair while pulling my cardigan tightly around me before holding my quinque case in front of me. I awaited his word so we can leave and he collected his coat along with his own quinque case.
"I believe it's time to go then," Motioning me to follow him as we began to take our leave.
A day will come when all will be clear... But I need to play along with the roles that they placed upon us...
"Thank you again," Glancing over my shoulder, I studied how the place hasn't changed much over the course that I was gone and I turned to him when he opened the door, "You know nothing has changed since I left."
Tilting my head, I wondered if he even bothered to change the place since he's now living alone again. Yet it still appears that things were left untouched making it seem as if I never truly left. Furrowing my brows as I tried to fully understand him, Everything seems to be the same... Even the room that I used to live in has not changed...
I walked up to him and took one last look at the place while thinking, Why?
"Huh?" He turned to take a look at his living space and casting a glance down to me while brushing my statement aside, "I haven't noticed."
3rd Pov
Walking down the sidewalk, Yuzuki held the case tightly within her fingers, holding it in front of her while pulling the cardigan so it can cover her more secure. The girl felt something within darken for a moment as she recalled a few things that managed to crawl up to the surface of her mind.
Flashback:
"Nee-san~!"
She didn't bother turning to face the short woman covered in gauze nor did Yuzuki welcomed her presences. The white cloaked figure leaned against the wall as she faced out at the city, her eyes narrowing behind the mask, "Stop calling me that Eto," Crossing her arms as she stated, "You're the one older between us."
Eto nudged the girl slightly before chuckling, "Appearance could be deceiving," She faced the city, folding her arms behind her while tilting her head a bit up at her, "Even you can agree that I don't look my age."
Pushing off of the wall, the blue haired ghoul simply turned towards Eto, "Nor do you act like it even as Sen Takatsuki, but those are very rare cases since we both know how you are with everyone." The mask made her voice even more colder as she asked in annoyance, "What's the reason why you bothered to find me?"
"Don't know," A simple shrugged answered the girl's question and Eto only grinned to herself, "I wanted to talk about a few things."
Raising a brow, Yuzuki frowned since she hates the little games the green haired ghoul likes to pull, "About?"
"Yuzuki?" Freezing, her eyes widen when someone pulled her back to reality and she turned slightly towards the voice, "Yuzuki!"
Tilting her head, she noticed a familiar scent, "Huh?" A smile appeared across her lips the moment she realized it was the dirty blonde haired boy, "Hide?"
He threw an arm around her, chuckling as the two continued to walk together, "It's actually you!" Blinking, Hide furrowed his brows while staring at the girl, "I'm surprised to see you here."
Giggling, Yuzuki smirked while turning her attention ahead of her, "Likewise, I wouldn't have thought to run into you around here."
"Yeah!" He leaned closer, Hide studied her carefully as he mentioned, "So how have you been? I heard you went to the 1st Ward yesterday to visit your dad."
"I've been well, but I'm a bit tired right now." Her brow furrowed slightly, but she smiled at him before sighing tiredly to herself, "I'm assuming Touka mentioned it, but yes I went to see my father and I ended up staying the day since it was late for me to walk home."
"You do look tired, you should rest," Without waiting for her answer, Hide took the case from her hand and threw it over his shoulder. His eyes widen slightly at the strange case, but he didn't say anything instead he smiled at her, "Let me carry your violin case."
"It's okay you don't have to, Hide," She tried to take the case back, but keeping a calm attitude in hopes the boy wouldn't say anything in regards of the case.
"Hey, just take it easy," Shaking his head, he chuckled while holding onto the case carefully while keeping another arm around the lavender haired girl as he guided her through the street.
His eyes widen, he pulled away slightly while bringing up a topic, "Oh! Yesterday, me and Kaneki were trying to contact you to see if you would've joined us to Big Girl. It's my and Kaneki's favorite place to get burgers."
"But I understand you were busy," Leaning back towards the blind girl, Hide waved it off, "I hope your day was good."
Yuzuki lowered her faded eyes towards the ground as the two turned a corner, "Sorry, I tend not to answer my phone when I leave the 20th Ward." A smile tugged on her lips as she giggled to herself, "It was good to spend some time with my father."
Tilting her head up at the boy, she tugged the material over her while asking, "How was your day with Kaneki at Big Girl?"
"Kaneki got sick and I think he still wasn't ready to handle that type of food," He sighed, frowning slightly while still worrying over the black haired boy. Hide shook his head while informing, "Then he went home for the rest of the day, but I texted him earlier and he hasn't answered."
She sighed, Yuzuki was growing concerned about Kaneki with each day and surely Hide will catch on if he hasn't already. Shaking her head, she elbowed the boy lightly, "Give him some time," A smile appeared for a moment as she tried to reassure herself, "I do hope he's fine."
"Hey," Hide furrowed his brows slightly, tilting his head up at the sky before looking down at her, "When's your birthday?"
"Huh?" Pausing at his sudden question, she looked up towards him and stared for a moment before answering, "My birthday is June 26th."
His eyes widen, a grin spreading across his lips, "June? Really! Cool!" A laugh escaped him, Hide nudged her a bit before revealing some new information, "My birthday is June 10th and Kaneki's is December 20th."
"Aww~" A smile caressed her lips, giggling at the thought that came across her mind and Yuzuki shook her head while covering her mouth to control her laughter, "We're all summer babies and he's the only winter baby."
"Haha~!" Stopping for a moment, Hide's eyes widen as he noticed the detail then he even laughed harder while shaking the girl around a bit, "I didn't noticed!"
Blinking, Hide noticed that she referred to others beside him and her which left him confused, "Wait who do you mean by all?"
Yuzuki chuckled, removing his arm from her as she explained, "My surrogate brother that Kaneki probably mentioned to you by now. Well his birthday is on June 8th. Then Touka's birthday is July 1st," Counting the four that were borned during the season then concluding that Kaneki was not among them, "So we're all summer babies while Kaneki is a winter baby."
"Woo..." Hide smiled as he kept a tab on the information while standing close to the girl, "I have to tell him about this! That's cool."
Raising a brow to the light haired girl, "So are you 19? 20?"
"I'm 19," Yuzuki tilted her head over to him, "You?"
"Me and Kaneki are 19 too," A smirked was displayed over his lips as he pointed out a detail, "But we're older than you then, huh?"
Shrugging, Yuzuki didn't seem bothered by the information since she usually was the youngest excluding Touka who was a year or so behind her, "It appears so."
"What about your surrogate brother?"
"My brother is older than me since his birthday is June 8th," The blinded girl took another turned which her friend followed, she cleared up a few things, "But I'm the older sibling between me and him since I act more mature than him."
Giggling, she wrapped an arm around herself, "Even he calls me big sister at times, it's funny how people get so confused why we do that," Sighing, Yuzuki closed her eyes for a moment, "If you ever meet him then you'll understand why."
A smile rested on her lips while Hide only chuckled at her and Yuzuki shifted her eyes up as she thought to herself, Old habits die hard...
Flashback:
Eto removed the hood off Phantom, revealing the glowing blue hair and the ghoul smirked to herself and she leaned over the girl, "I might be older than you, but through everyone else's eyes they'll mistake us by our appearances," Chuckling, she moved away as she carelessly wondered over towards the edge of the building and Eto looked over her shoulder with a grin, "So just play along with it Phantom-chan~!"
"Fine," A chuckle escaped the cloaked ghoul which was rarely, but the mask modified the voice to sound harsh, "It won't be the first time someone addressed as an older sister when I'm clearly younger."
Her eyes widen, the ghoul realized who the girl was referring to and Eto folded her arms behind her while a smirk crossed her lips,"Oh~! I remember you have a little dove brother which I'm assuming calls you Nee-san too."
Clenching her hands, Yuzuki turned sharply on her heels, "Don't." Facing the smaller ghoul, she narrowed her eyes dangerously behind the mask while making a threat, "Don't mention him Eto. Ever."
Shrugging, she moved passed the dove before waving a hand back towards her, "I won't do anything, Nee-san~"
Yuzuki frowned to herself before pulling the hood over her again while thinking bitterly to herself, Lair...
One day she'll overstep the boundaries and Yuzuki won't forgive her for any of it if she were to harm him. But Yuzuki couldn't find it inside herself to truly blame Eto for choosing that path... The path she always tried to sway her into joining, but Yuzuki can't bring herself into believing it to be the best choice.
"Touka said that you don't go to school?"
Yuzuki snapped out of her thoughts the moment she heard Hide's voice, "Huh?" Sighing, the girl cleared a few things, "I only went to school for awhile, but I finished it."
He raised a brow at her as he continued, "So you work then?"
"I work with my father," Her eyes lowered, her fingers curling into the sleeves of cardigan, "I usually do paper work, file, and collect reports. It's not too hard to."
Hide looked up at the sky, "I go to Kamii University with Kaneki," Chuckling, he shared a few things with his friend, "I'm studying Foreign Language Studies and majoring in English at the Department of International Studies."
"Then Kaneki's studying Japanese Literature in the Department of Literature," Shrugging, he glanced over to her and noticed how she appeared to be impress, "We're both freshmen."
"I remember Kaneki mentioned his major," Smiling, Yuzuki lifted her head up towards the boy, "I didn't know you're studying for foreign language."
"Yup~!" He nodded, a huge smile rested on his lips and Hide patted her shoulder a bit. Raising a brow, he switched topics and he brought up a question, "You like Kaneki?"
Pausing for a moment, she furrowed her brows at him while tilting her head, "What?"
"You two seem to talk more, he even told me how you went to check on him the day he was released." Looking away, Hide's eyes landed on the case within his hand and he furrowed his brows to himself, "I gave you the notes that he asked for because he told me that you were going some point on that day."
Yuzuki chuckled, shaking her head to herself, "I wouldn't be friends with you or him if I didn't like you guys,"
Her eyes widen slightly when she heard Hide's laughter, Yuzuki frowned to herself as she tried to understand what the boy found humorous, "What's so funny?"
"God, it's the same thing he told me the other day," He smiled, shrugging to himself while he moved the case beside him before chuckling, "I swear there's something going on~"
"I think it's only going on in your head, Hide."
"Maybe."
She stopped in her tracks, the two of them stood in front of an apartment complex, "This is where I live," Yuzuki turned over to Hide, who appeared to be surprised to actually discover where she lives in.
"Nice place," He smiled over to her, brushing his hair with his fingers as he took in the building.
Yuzuki held her hand out to him and he placed the case back into her possession, she smiled before stepping back, "Thank you for walking me home and for carrying my violin case."
"No problem," He waved it off, Hide gave her a salute before he turn around, "I hope you feel better Yuzuki."
"It was nice to talk to you," Nodding, she held the handle of the lobby door as she gave her farewell to the boy, "I'll see you later then, Hide."
"I'll tell Kaneki that you're back here," Before he turned the corner, Hide shouted back before she managed to enter the lobby and he waved at her before disappearing from sight, "Talk to you later, Yuzuki-chan~!"
Yuzuki's Pov
Closing the door behind me, I slipped out of my shoes before I walked further into my apartment and I left my case beside my desk. Sighing, I muttered under my breath, "Home sweet home," A smile tugged on my lips the moment I felt the small creature rubbed against my leg, "Hi Shiro, missed me?"
Picking him up, I allowed him to wrap himself around my neck and I giggled when I heard a purr escape from him, "I missed you too."
Rubbing my face a bit, I placed a hand on my desk and I sighed once more. I felt like my whole body was weighing me down with every second that passes. Then I noticed how Shiro leaped off my shoulder onto the desk as his paw touched my hand. Running a hand through my hair, stepping back I thought to myself, I need to take a nap
"Come on Shiro lets go lay down for a bit," I walked over to my room with my beloved cat following close behind me.
Removing my cardigan, I placed it aside before I fell on my bed and I turned to get comfortable. Taking a deep breath, I felt my eye lids close before I released a heavy sigh, Everything is just draining I swear
Curling my fingers into my pillow, I relaxed the moment I felt Shiro get comfortable near the foot of the bed. My whole body felt light, everything seem to fade around me, but something kept bothering me. Frowning, I remembered what happened back in Cochlea earlier before running into Hide.
Flashback:
"I came here to inform you of Rize," I didn't take a seat like usual, I felt the need to stand before the door that contained the ghoul as I revealed some information, "She died a few days ago in the 20th Ward."
I froze a bit, curling my fingers up the moment I heard his voice and I took note to his harsh tone, "I'm assuming you did it."
"No," I kept a blank expression, denying it since it's the truth, but yet I still felt some form of remorse for what happened. Releasing a deep breath before correcting him, "I arrived at the scene to rescue a friend of mine who was in grave danger, but I did not kill her."
Clenching my hands, I didn't express any emotion as I continued, "Someone else was also at the scene and they cut the support cables and she was crushed under the steel beams."
"Do you know who?"
"Yes and no," Shaking my head, I narrowed my eyes as I offered the man my hunch of the speculation, "I believe it was a clown that goes by Souta, but I have zero proof."
Shutting my eyes, I sighed under my breath before I gave my apologizes, but I never had the chance to finish my sentence, "I'm sorry fo-"
"When I get out of here I'll avenge her death," His voice echoed within the walls around us and I felt the rage within his heart, "Even if she was uncontrollable and getting herself in trouble, she was my daughter and I will not allow this to go unheard until I find the culprit."
My eyes widen at the words that left him, yet I found myself accepting it, "I'll confront you, Yuzuki-san, if you dare cross my path," Shutting my eyes, I heard the determination in every word he said, "The path you've chosen with CCG has put you in this position."
"I understand," Nodding, I didn't say anything in regards of his threat, but instead I stood still for a moment before he spoke up again.
"There's nothing for you to come here anymore," Shachi had finally made the decision in cutting all contact with me and I can't blame him for it.
"Then," Sighing, I turned to leave the man alone with his thoughts, but I looked over my shoulder for the last time, "This is farewell."
Bringing a hand up to my face, I muttered to myself, "I had no other choice, if I allowed her to live then she would only hurt others, but I allowed a daughter to be taken from a father."
Laying on my back, I took in another deep breath and my thoughts began to run amok, How could the others in CCG live like this? How could ghouls live with this in mind?
Resting my hand on my stomach, I released a breath slowly as I whispered, "I'll take a nap."
Yet my mind continued to wonder off, I couldn't find the peace of mind and sleep soon became a mere dream for me. Frowning to myself as my mind went back to a memory of mine that it involves the green haired woman.
Flashback:
"You're whole being is interesting, Yuzuki-chan~" We sat across from each other in a abandon building, she was leaning forward against the table that divided us and Eto grinned, "A daughter of a ghoul and human, but you're not really much of a half ghoul since I've noticed you appear to get weaken by your kagune."
Her eyes skimmed across the table until they landed on my mask that I held, "But you're not a half human either," Tilting her head at me, she smirked to herself, "So what are you?"
Only silence filled the space between us, I didn't really know what to actually say so I kept my head lowered. But I raised a brow at the sound of her chuckling as she stated, "I'm surprised you're even alive."
Leaning against my hand, I held my mask in my other hand as my eyes remain still, "I ask those same questions every day and yet I don't have any answer," Tilting my head over to the woman's direction as my brows furrowed slightly, "But why are you talking about this Eto?"
Shaking my head, I turned away from her as my fingers skimmed the surface of the mask, "Surely you have something to gain from me if you brought up this topic."
"I see a potential in you," I sensed how she stood up from her seat and walked around the table. Shutting my eyes, I merely listened but I kept my guard up when she wondered somewhere behind me.
Yet she still tried to pressure me into falling into place with everything else, "You could suppress your human side and accept the ghoul half, then maybe you'll be like me."
"Then surely you can use your full power without the whole degeneration of your body and the possible death factor if you're careless."
"A half ghoul," Frowning, I closed my eyes as a sigh slipped through my lips, "But I don't know."
Eto leaned over my shoulder and I didn't faze at how close she gotten to me, "My health and my life is my business alone," Pressing my lips together, I clenched my hand as it fell down to my lap, "If I were to even try I'll surely harm myself. I can barely handle my kagune for short periods of time."
Grabbing the mask off of the table as she placed over her face, "You seem to work off some type of high when you activate your kagunes," Eto chuckled to herself while setting the mask down, "Then afterwards you suffer the withdrawal of all exhaustion you're brought down to yourself."
"We all die some point in time," Shrugging her off me, I waved it off as I leaned against my hand, "Where there is life, there is death."
Narrowing my eyes slightly, "My time will come," Shrugging once again before standing as I reached for my mask, "But I choice how to spend the time in between."
Eto wondered off again, but I frowned slightly when I noticed that she paused for a moment and she spoke out again to me,"Watch your health little sister,"
Narrowing my eyes, I covered my face along with pulling my hood over as I questioned the woman, "Why do you care?"
"I don't want to see an interesting creature like yourself die too soon before I get the chance to get some answers," She laughed to herself, waving it off as she ran of f to her own world, but I stood there in the silence for a moment.
Turning, I walked away from where we met up but I couldn't help myself from glancing over my shoulder as I took in her words. Frowning behind the shield that hid me away, I sighed in annoyance before reaching the window.
She must have meant it since she hardly ever refers to me as 'little sister', but she's always been a difficult book to read at times...
"I hate how life is so cruel," Covering my eyes with my arm, I muttered to myself as I frowned deeply at the thought, "The rules of the world are so unfair..."
Sighing, I laid still once again and my mind wondered even further into the back of my head. Back in the days before everything fell apart. The days where it was filled with color before it all went out like someone blew out the candle that lit the world and brought me to the darkness. However, I was lucky enough to have regained the light once again as I walked between the shattered world that I failed to notice as a child.
Flashback:
Everything was a blur, my whole body felt like it was on fire and I only saw how my mother hovered over me. The way her eyes widen with pure fear, how her voice trembled while her warm hands caressed me cheek. I closed my eyes and my throat was dry, but I remain awake.
"Yuzuki?" My mother carefully held my head as she brushed through my hair gently, "Sweetheart, say something."
Yet I knew she was on the edge of tears, but I also knew that she was too strong to ever cry in front of me. However, I wouldn't have thought any less of her if she crumbled now just like how my whole world was fading in her arms.
My eyes opened the moment I heard my father's voice. I saw how he rushed over to me with those worried violet eyes of his, how he glanced over to my mother as he asked, "What happened?"
"I don't know, Armand," She shook her head, her voice shaking as she tried to hold herself together and I felt her fingers tighten over me, "She collapsed and I tried to help her, but she kept saying that she's in pain."
Closing my eyes once again, I felt another pair of hands brush over my skin and I knew it was my father, "Maybe she's hungry," I felt his presence shift slightly, but he froze when my mom spoke out, "I'll get-"
"I tried! She didn't want any of it, but even the small amount she ate, it didn't do anything."
"Yuri, are you sure?"
"I'm positive," She shook her head, her eyes now pleaded in hope that they could find help, "Do you think Yoshimura would know what to do?"
"I doubt it," He frowned deeply, shaking his head as he checked on my again and I realized how his tone became stoic as he whisper, "She's different from us and I'll be surprised if she s-"
My mother removed one hand from me as she grabbed his shoulder, her eyes watered as she shook her head, "Don't you dare say it," Her eyes landed on me and I watched how she smiled down to me, "We'll think of something. She's the light that we need and I believe she's the hope that we need in this world."
"I'll call Yoshimura and we'll go," He stood up and quickly left the room, I saw his long hair trail behind him which was tied in a pony tail, but I saw the determination within his eyes when he looked back to my mother, "Get her things."
"You're going to okay, darling" Caressing my cheek with the back of her hand, I felt safe in her arms as her voice soothed me. I stared up at her and my vision blurred, but I saw the smile on her lips as she whispered into my hair, "I promise."
"Mama... why?" Closing my eyes, I felt everything disappearing as my fingers slipped away from her hand and I released a deep breath, but I held on long enough to hear her again.
"Shh... just relax, we're going to get some help for you," She whispered to me, brushing my hair aside as she smoothed me, "Don't be scared."
I was never scared of the darkness, but I was more scared of abandoning my parents because I couldn't live with the thought of them living with the pain of anything happened to me. I released a deep breath and closed my eyes as I welcomed the sleep that wished to cloak me into it's embrace.
I rolled over to my side again, keeping my eyes closed as my hand clenched the blanket. Frowning, I couldn't help myself from thinking because there's so much running through my mind that I can't find the sleep that I yearn for.
Sighing, I relaxed again as I wondered if I'll ever get passed this, It wasn't the first time I went through that when I was a kid, but every time it was something to do with me using my kagune or even overusing my abilities.
My fingers loosen as I recalled a few other times after I was taken in and lived in the world of CCG, Even when I was with Arima and Fura... But it was nothing too bad, only headaches or I was very tired.
I took in a steady breath as I clearly remembered one of my missions that I blacked out, Then rare moments like that one time that I fainted after helping Fura.
Opening my eyes, I could only make out the nightstand that rested beside my bed and I lowered them until I could see the contours of my hand as I skimmed the material. Shutting my eyes again, I could only remember my conservation with Arima and I found myself whispering, "I need to listen..."
Flashback:
The two of us stood on the abandon island that rested off shore of the city, but Eto and I have been exploring the untouched landed that was forgotten. I wondered behind the ghoul and she continued to see the landscape and surely she has plans in using the land as her new base.
I raised a brow when she spun, facing me as she continued to walk backwards, "People are going to catch on why Phantom uses only quinques," Folding her arms behind her as she shrugged at me, "Since you can't use your kagune or else you'll leave yourself vulnerable."
"I don't need my kagunes if I can use my quinques as if they were my very own kagune," I didn't care if I wasn't the average ghoul and I waved it off I passed her, "I have speed and agility on my side."
Narrowing her eyes, she smiled sinisterly, "To an extent or else you'll be slowly exposing yourself."
"You and I both know," I clenched my hands, I frowned behind my mask as I firmly stated, "I'll fight to the last breath because I won't give up this life that I was given so easily."
"Hmmm~" I could hear the way Eto spoke as if this whole thing was simply a game and she wishes to see each move I make before I end up with checkmate, "I wonder what those doves will do the moment they see your face under the mask."
"I'll merely delay the day from happening as long as I can," Smirking, I shook my head to myself at the thought of everything that could happen if I was revealed to be the ghoul that has been causing trouble for CCG.
I felt something nudging my leg a bit, shaking me out of whatever my thoughts were heading to. Sitting up, I noticed that it was the small feline that sat onto my lap before he began to gain my attention.
Running my hand down his spine, I sighed, "I know, I know, I'm up Shiro."
I reached over to my nightstand, my finger skimming over a watch that I leave behind so I can check the time. Frowning, I my fingers skimmed over the two hands and I discovered that I spent more time than I thought, "It's late already, huh?"
Placing the watch down in it's rightful place, I reached for my cell phone before standing causing Shiro to leap off my lap, I'll call Touka and tell her I'll be dropping by Anteiku
Grabbing my cardigan, I pulled in over myself while whispering under my breath, "I'll see Kaneki and Hide tomorrow instead..."
I rubbed my temples slightly before I began to walk towards the door, Still feel tired, but it will have to do
"I need to eat something before I then," Muttering to myself, I raised a brow as I waited for Shiro to follow me before I continued to the next room, "Come on, Shiro, we're moving to the living room."
I ran my hand against the couch, my eyes lowered and I found myself worrying over the boy who I haven't heard from since I left without word. Sighing, I moved into the kitchen and pulled a mug down before I went to get something out so I can eat, but my mind continued to fall back to him. Leaning against the counter, I curled my fingers, I wonder how Kaneki is handling himself
3rd Pov
Hide walked into the shop, taking a sit at the counter and he waved at the girl who emerged from the kitchen, "Hey Touka," Leaning against his hand as he asked, "By any chance have you seen Kaneki?"
She raised a brow, pointing over towards the hall, "Yes, he's in the back right now."
Hide blinked, his brows furrowed slightly as he tried to understand why his friend would be in the back, but he shook his head while asking, "Oh, well can you get me a cappuccino, please."
"Alright," Touka went behind the counter, pulling out a cup as she began to make the coffee, but she stopped the moment the boy's voice came up again.
"Ran into Yuzuki when in the 13th Ward, looks like she was barely coming back," Hide leaned against his palm of his hand, his eyes drifted away as he his mind seems to wonder off.
Narrowing her eyes slightly to herself, "Hmm, how is she?" Continuing to make the coffee, she raised a brow while trying to get more information out of the human, "I know she stayed in the 1st Ward, but I thought she'll drop by."
He looked over to her, sitting up as he leaned over a bit, "She looked really tired, so I walked her home and told her to take an easy day."
"Tired?" Blinking, she looked up at the boy with her brows furrowed slightly, What happened?
Shrugging, the boy didn't really knew much about the reasons behind it, "Yeah, but I didn't ask why."
"Okay," Touka handed the cup of coffee down in front of the boy and she glanced over her shoulder the moment she noticed how his eyes widen. She soon discovered the reason why, her eyes landed on the new employee that finally got changed into his uniform and she rolled her eyes.
"Huh?" Hide sat up, his hands pressed against the counter while standing for a moment, "Kaneki! You work here?"
"Hide?" Kaneki froze, he was taken back when his saw Hide sitting there and he was speechless since he hasn't came up with anything to say, "Um.. Yeah, I thought about working and now here I am."
"Unsurprisingly, since we always come by," Hide smiled over to Touka, leaning against his hand while asking, "Did he break any cups yet?"
His cheeks heated up as he stared at his friend, "Hey!"
Clasping his hands together as he tried to get some information out of the girl, "Come on, Touka, you gotta have some dirt on him already."
Frowning, Kaneki walked up towards the counter as he tried to hush his friend, "Hide?!"
Blinking, Hide didn't realized that his friend wore an eye patch and he tilted his head as he observe the boy carefully, "Oh! An eye patch?"
His eye widen, smiling nervously before he placed a hand over his eye patch and he looked away, "Uh... Yeah, my eye has been bothering me since I woke up from the hospital, so I decided to cover it up."
"Hmmm," Narrowing his eyes for a second, but he saw through the boy's act and yet Hide didn't bother questioning him any further. Picking up his drink as he looked up to his friend, "I hope it gets better buddy."
Raising a brow at him, "You started today?"
"Yeah," Kaneki chuckled to himself as he nodded, collecting a pen and notepad from behind the counter after Touka got hers.
She collected her notepad and pen, "He came in earlier and the manager set him up while I mentored him with a few things." Looking over to Kaneki, she shrugged a bit as she walked by, "So far I haven't cleaned up too many messes."
Hide chuckled, leaning against his hand before informing the girl, "Kaneki can be very clumsy at times."
"I'll get better with experience," Kaneki snorted at his friend's comment while he continued to search for a pen from the counter.
"Saw Yuzuki today, walked her home," Hide kept an eye on his friend, picking up his drink while he studied how the boy froze and Hide continued on, "She looked tired so we probably won't hear from her until tomorrow."
"Really? Where did you found her?" Kaneki looked over to Hide, furrowing his brows before he returned to looking for a pen or pencil, but he began to wonder, She's back already?
"In the 13th Ward when I went to a record store," Nodding, he took another sip out of his drink while explaining, "I think she was walking back from the 1st Ward."
"Did she say anything?" Kaneki didn't face his friend, he stared at the counter for a moment before he finally found a pen.
"We talked," Hide smiled, sitting up as he revealed a few new things regarding the girl, "Oh! I found out her birthday, it's the 26th of June and she's 19."
Tilting his head, he stared at the ceiling while adding more information, "Also learned that she probably works in an office since she said she usually files, collects reports and some other stuff. She works with her dad."
Chuckling, he leaned against his arm while swirling his coffee a bit, "She even spoke about her brother for a little bit."
"Really?" Kaneki raised a brow before he finally faced him, but he lowered his eye while he began to wonder what he'll do when he runs into her, What do I say to her when I see her?
Hide continued on as he took another drink of his coffee, "Then I told her about our birthdays and what major we're doing."
Touka returned, frowning at the boy, she scolded him as she began to make the orders, "Hey, get to work!"
"Okay!" Kaneki jumped a bit at the sound of her voice, but he quickly waved his friend farewell before going to the table to take orders, "Talk to you later, Hide."
"Alright, buddy," Hide saluted his friend, who went off to do his job, "I'll see you around then~!"
Not facing the waitress, Hide kept his eyes on the door of the shop, "Touka?"
Raising a brow over to friend that belonged to Kaneki, she studied him for a moment before replying, "Yeah?"
"Watch over him, I know he can be a handful, but he'll get the hang of all this," Hide took another drink out of his now empty cup, but he smirked to himself while stating, "He's a fast learner so probably tomorrow he'll get this down."
Chuckling, she grabbed another cup and the girl couldn't believe the situation she has gotten herself into. Looking up when Hide questioned her, he looked confused to why she laughed, "What's so funny?"
"I find it funny how Yuzuki asked me to watch over you two and now you're asking me to watch over him," Grabbing a tray, she began to place the cups onto it as she explained herself to the human, "I somehow managed to get dragged in to be a specter of some short." Sighing, Touka frowned a bit while thinking, Or worse... A babysitter...
He was surprised to know that his new friend has asked for such a favor and Hide titled his head at the waitress, "Yuzuki asked you that?"
"Yeah, before she left yesterday," Holding the tray with one hand, she shrugged at him before reassuring him, "But don't worry, I'll watch him."
"Oh, okay," He left the amount he owed before hoping off the stole and he waved at the girl before existing the shop, "Thanks Touka."
Frowning the moment she saw how Kaneki seem to be a mess as he tried to properly do his job and she muttered under her breath, "That idiot..."
Her eyes narrowed slightly the moment the door closed behind the other boy, but she looked over to where Kaneki was and she saw how he seem too nervous as he took one of the customer's orders. Sighing, Touka shook her head while walking over to her table, Wonder what Yuzuki will do when she gets here
Hide's Pov
I couldn't help myself but wonder why Yuzuki would ask such a favor from Touka, yet I really don't understand Yuzuki's actions at times since she still a hard book to read. Frowning, I glanced over my shoulder to see the small shop before I turned the corner, She asked Touka to watch us... Why?
Furrowing my brows, I placed my arms behind my head while trying to think of what to do, Even after talking to her, I still can't manage to understand the mystery surrounding her
Narrowing my eyes, I recalled the way she tried to dismiss my offer of carrying the case and when I held it, it felt so strange that I can't believe it to be a normal case for a violin. Glancing both sides of the street, I walked across while thinking, Her violin case was lighter than I expected, but yet the material of the case was different than any kind of case I've seen for a violin...
Pausing for a moment, I looked over my shoulder while trying to fully understand the sudden job that he got and I can't help but look through his act, Then Kaneki is working at Anteiku, but I honestly don't really know why since it's all just so random
Shaking my head, I continued to walk towards the school campus but I couldn't shake the feeling that weighed down on me, I mean, he's been acting off since he got out of the hospital and everything isn't making much sense either...
All the pieces are just falling, everything changed the moment he went with Rize, Working in Anteiku, wearing an eye patch, the incident on his date with Rize, and not being able to stomach much food along with him distancing himself...
Yet I couldn't forget about Yuzuki and her involvement if any, she never trusted Rize within seconds, the mystery surrounding her, and without a doubt she's hiding something, Then again with Yuzuki's puzzling way of living and how she left Touka with the task to watch me and Kaneki...
I sighed in annoyance, frowning to myself as I thought, I'm going to find out the truth behind what happened to my buddy on that night.
Passing through the front gates of the campus, I looked up at the sky before finally deciding on my next step, I also need to know what are Yuzuki's intentions.
Touka's Pov
It was already late noon and I was already tired of picking up after the new guy, so I decided to take a quick break before returning back to the floor. I didn't spare him a glance when I walked by him, "I'm taking a small break," I stopped next to the counter while raising a brow at him, "I'll leave you alone for moment."
Frowning, I saw that there was still a few tables, but not too many people, "Can you handle it?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine."
"Okay," Walking through the hall, I took another glance over my shoulder and I found that the idiot wasn't too bad, but he still needs a lot of improving if he can handle this.
Sighing, I closed the door behind me as I sat down on the couch, "Huh?" Digging my phone out, I saw that I got a message, but I was surprise to see that it was the dove, Yuzuki texted me? Hmm... she's coming over after all?
Narrowing my eyes slightly as I read the message again, Wonder what she'll say when she sees the kid working here now
Shrugging, Actually, I wonder what he'll say to her
Frowning, I was already annoyed by him and with the fact of watching him just bothered me so much. Sighing in frustration as I thought so bitterly, He might as well tell her since she already knows
Putting my phone away, I needed to go back and help that idiot out even if it kills me. Once I left the room, I walked back out onto the floor and I sighed at the sight of the human trying to make coffee, but Koma had to do it since the kid didn't know yet.
God, he's still a bit of a hassle, but he's been getting better through the day
Furrowing my brows at the thought, I wonder if his friend... Hide if I'm correct... I wonder what he'll do if he finds out about all this
Frowning, I remembered what the manager has asked of me and he clearly made a point which only made me want to punch a wall, I can't do anything to them since Yuzuki already made it clear, even Yoshimura made it clear not to touch the two.
I shook my head as I walked up to the counter, Well, I gotta go and help him
Grabbing the tray before he had the chance to collect it, "Give me that," Motioning my head towards a few empty tables, "Go clean up the mess while I tend to the customers"
"O-Okay!" He was taken back, but he only gave me a quick nod while grabbing a rag before heading off, "Sorry again, Touka."
I sighed under my breath as I walked towards the table to give them their order, I'm not getting paid enough for this...
Kaneki's Pov
It was closing time, Touka told me to go to the break room while she and Koma set the chairs away before locking up for the day. Untying the apron from around my waist, Today was busy and I kinda made it difficult for Touka since she kept lecturing me about almost everything.
Folding it neatly, I placed it in the locker that the manager gave me earlier and I lowered my eye, Then Hide showed up and I was speechless because I never had the chance to think of what to say to him
Shutting the locker closer after I placed a few things into it such as my notepad and pen, He said that Yuzuki's here and I don't know what to say to her either. If she knows about Anteiku then maybe... maybe I should tell her about me...
I stood there for a moment, remembering what Touka told me earlier and yet I couldn't help but feel that it's too good to be true, "Yuzuki doesn't care about what we are, but more of who we are"
Sighing, I turned away towards the break room and my mind went back to the thoughts, If she's perfectly fine with Touka and the others here then surely she'll be fine with me...
Curling my fingers up, I felt my face flush slightly as I recalled Touka's words, "She already likes you to be your friend, enough for her to ask me to look after you two idiots when she was out yesterday."
I felt a faint smile cross my lips, but it quickly faded when doubt settled in again, Maybe I should, what's the point of keeping it a secret from her?
Shaking my head as everything was just overwhelming me, I need to know what to do with Hide and Yuzuki about my secret
I held the door knob, not moving as I finally came up with an idea that might work for me, I have time to think this through
Finally I walked into the break room, closing the door behind me, but my eyes widen, That smell... I remember that scent before when- Looking up, I saw the last person to run into today, she sat at the far end of the room with her attention on a book in her hands, but I shook my head while stepping closer, "Yuzuki?"
I saw how she paused for a moment and I saw her eyes shift up. I couldn't move and I didn't have anything to say, She's here... I... I don't know what to do
I couldn't help myself from smiling, sighing under my breath, She's so cruel...
"Kaneki?" Her brows furrowed slightly, setting the book down while keeping those faded, emotionless eyes on me and all I could was stare back at her.
I stood behind the chair, watching her every movement when she stood up to fully face me and all I could do was think back to what Touka said, "So she wouldn't care much if you told her about yourself."
I shook my head, I walked over the chair as I saw that she looked tired according to what Hide mentioned. Scratching my head a bit while trying to find what to say, "I...I thought you were at home resting," Lowering my hand next to me, "Hide, he told me and..."
She smiled, "I took a nap and rested, but I also wanted to see everyone here," Tilting her head at me and she moved closer, "I... You work here now?"
My eyes widen, I looked away before I chuckled nervously, "Uhh... Y-yeah, just started today too..."
I froze the moment I felt her fingers brush the material that covered my cursed eye, darting my other eye down to her and I watched how confused she looked. I should've known that she'll be very observant and she whispered to herself, "You're wearing an eye patch too."
I held my breath until she moved away from me, releasing a deep breath before brushed the back of my hand against my chin and I repeated what I said to Hide, "My eye has been bothering me since I got out of the hospital, so I thought an eye patch will help me."
Scratching my head a bit and I watched her narrow her eyes at me for a moment before she walked by me, She's beginning to notice the changes
I turned to face her, I took noticed that she sat down again and I raised a brow, "How did the 1st Ward go?" Walking over to her, I sat at the other end of the couch, "Hide said he walked you home from the 13th Ward."
Yuzuki closed her eyes, leaning back as she explained, "I spent the day with my father and it was late so I ended up staying with him." She laughed, smiling over to me, "I was surprised to even run into Hide in the 13th Ward. He was a gentlemen and walked me home."
"He wouldn't let you walk alone through the wards," I chuckled, I can only picture how much Hide had to do just to convince her to allow him to walk her home, "I mean, he was surprised to hear that you walk alone from here to the 1st Ward."
Do I tell her? Do I...
"I heard you gotten sick yesterday," She looked over me, her brows furrowed slightly while asking, "Feel better?"
"Yeah... I guess I still have a weak stomach, but I feel better."
"I'm glad to hear that," Sighing, she turned away while her hand skimmed the arm rest as she added, "I hope your first day wasn't too hard for you."
"It was pretty busy to be honest," Leaning back, I scratched my cheek a bit while recalling the whole day and I chuckled a bit, "I had trouble at first, but I managed."
I glanced over to her while adding on, "The manager said tomorrow he'll teach me how to make coffee and some other basics."
I saw how her eyes narrowed slightly while her fingers curled for a brief second as she whispered, "I see..."
She knows... She knows...
I looked over to her, "Yuzuki?"
Turning over to me, she raised a brow, "Yes?"
"I..." I paused for a moment, shaking my head as I changed my mind again while muttering, "Never mind."
I saw how she looked at me with concern, "You sure?"
I'm not even sure about anything
"Yeah, it's nothing to worry about," I shook my head again, I gave her a faint smile, "I'm glad to you're fine since we couldn't reach you yesterday."
Why can't I say it? Is it because I don't want to hear those words...?
"Sorry about it," She lowered her head, sighing as she answered back with what Touka mentioned earlier, "I tend not to answer my phone when I'm in the 1st Ward with my father."
I saw how she gave a genuine smile while apologizing for her absents, "I'm sorry for having you guys worry."
I shook my head, getting up to my feet while turning over to her, "Want some coffee?"
She blinked, tilting her head at me as her brows furrowed slightly in confusion, "Aren't you going home?"
I smiled at her before offering a hand down to her, "We have time to talk."
Returning the smile, she accepted my hand as I helped her up to her feet and I felt my smile grow when I heard her laughter, "I would like that."
Maybe it's best that I don't say anything yet...
A/N: Thank you for those who viewed and followed/favorited it along with your reviews. I really appreciated it! I'll update probably some point next week depending how long it takes to have Chap 11 done, but I already outlined the next two chapters so it shouldn't take too long to finish them up. Next Chap, some things will be revealed and wonder how some characters will react to it.
Until then, hope you have a good day wherever you are :)