It wasn't until later the next day when Ina picked up her phone. Isa asked if they could meet to talk about what had happened the night before.
They arranged to meet at Isa's place after Ina declined to have it in her place. Isa decided to prepare a curry dish for dinner, knowing that it was Ina`s favourites, and that Ina couldn`t really cook.
Once she arrived, she told everything that happened to her. Her friend`s eyes widened in shock and terror when she heard. She immediately got off her seat and went over to Isa, bending down and lifting her pants to reveal a bandaged leg.
"I'm fine. It`s just a slash on my leg. It'll heal in a few weeks."
"Isa…" Her voice quieted.
"I'm alright. Don't worry," she smiled at her friend. "Let's continue our meal-it's less depressing," she horribly joked. Ina gave her a nasty stare that meant she was not amused, but the corners of her lips curved upwards, as she let go and stood back up. Sadness was filled in her eyes and she seemed like she was drained of energy.
She said she had to go home after hastily eating the meal. "Do you want to take the rest home with you for you and your dad?" Isa asked her.
"No, it's okay. Thank you," her friend replied. "Thank you for the delicious meal, Isa. You always prepare the best, sometimes I even wish you were still living with us, as the head cook," she smiled.
"Your dad can't pick you up? I thought he only had work at night."
"He's gone on a business trip since yesterday," she replied. "Guess the subway's the only method I have." Ina headed for the doorway, putting on her boots. Isa spoke when she was about to leave.
"You know what Ina?"
Her friend turned around and looked at her curiously. "I might sound crazy to you or something but I've been thinking a lot ever since yesterday… Ghouls... They're...not monsters you know? I almost feel a bit bad for them…"
Ina laughed but cut it short.
"But they injured you. They...almost killed you."
"But aren't we their only source of food? They have feelings, don't they?" Ina gave her a blank stare. "Forget it. Haha, I'm sorry, Ina. My brain is just thinking weirdly from the attack. I'll get some rest too."
Ina gently smiled at her friend. "I'll always be your best friend, no matter how crazy you become."
"Ha. I'll always be by your side, no matter what you do or become," she shot her friend a big smile before she left. Ina closed the door and walked off, fighting the tears that were forming in her eyes. "Don't make me cry, Isa."
Ina limped back home, coughing ferociously. "Damn it…" She gasped for breath as she opened the door to her home. She limped to the washroom, bending down on the floor to face the toilet.
She threw up.
Isa stretched down her limbs on the bed, loving the wave of relaxation that swept her away. On the other side of the city, a small woman stood on a beam of a tall building that was still in construction. She smiled wickedly behind her covered mask.
"The war is coming. Shouldn't I wrap things up quickly before then?"