Well, that's what happens, when you start reading many theories about Hide's disappearance... Well, it's more my study about his actions in TG... Came to my mind after many re-readings of ch.136...
It's linked to the previous story, obliviously.
Once again, sorry for my English. I wrote it in the last 2 hour as a way relax after a few stressful weeks at University.

Disclaimer: I do not own Tokyo Ghoul.
SPOILERS TILL CH57 of TG:re.


All this time you've had to suffer like this… You won't need this mask anymore.", Tokyo Ghoul, chapter 136 p.16


"I already knew, man! Who cares about that, let's just go home", blonde grinned happily, his hand resting on Kaneki's shoulder.


Hide came to learn about Kaneki's dissociative identity disorder, when they both were about eight years old. After Kaneki had bidden him goodbye at the usual place, where their routes split, he followed him instead of going home. Over 10 years later he still didn't know, what he had wanted to accomplish that day. Maybe he had been simply curious about Kaneki's house? He'd never been there.

Well, curiosity killed the cat, as the saying goes.

He remembered 'till today, how Kaneki's attitude had changed since the moment he had unlocked his house door. His sparkling eyes, full of eagerness to meet his mother had suddenly lost its color. His posture slouching, his hand reluctantly pulling the door open.

Hide's heart had been pounding loudly, as he had observed Kaneki closing the door. It hadn't stop its irregular beating even when he'd gotten back home. Gears in his brain couldn't stop and had kept on turning.

He had dreaded facing Kaneki the next day. But his kind, shy Kaneki hadn't changed at all. For a short amount of time he had been sure he was imagining things the day before. But that uncomfortable feeling in his gut had stayed.

After few sleepless nights spent on thinking about it and days spent on closely observing Kaneki he had decided to stalk his friend again and halt his train of thoughts. Oh, how he wished now he hadn't.


"I… I want to help you!", declared young man with a troubled expression on his face, his finger scratching his face, eyes looking everywhere but at the person he spoke to.

"Hide… I hear these voices… Run away or I'll–


Witnessing Kaneki's mother beating her own son had been a traumatic and eye-opening experience. He was sure a scream had broken from his throat, but went unnoticed due to Kaneki's screams being that much louder in the closed room.

That day, he came to a realization he never knew his best friend.

That day, he became angry with Kaneki for not saying anything and cried loudly for a long time.

That day, he learned what multiple personality disorder is.

The day Kaneki's mother died, when he saw despair hidden deep within Kaneki's eyes, he decided to help his friend in any way he could.


"Sorry… Can you fight with all you've got just one more time?", pleaded Hide, watching Kaneki's mask disintegrating.

"Since there is only one way into the abyss–


"Associate Special Class Sasaki, meet Special Class Nagichika. He just came back from Germany, he'll be working with us on the next case", said Akira with smile.

Hide observed calmly as Sasaki's eyes widened with surprise, but quickly came back to that empty look Hide recognized instantly despite seeing it only one in his life. He couldn't help, but smile widely.

"Nice to meet you, Associate Special Class Sasaki. Hope you'll treat me well", he said outstretching his hand for a shake.

I will play along with this game of pretending. I will support you no matter what… Even if there is only death in your desired path…