Tatara woke up later that morning, his body hungry for food. He noticed Isa was gone, probably long before he woke up. It was almost afternoon. He didn't know why he slept for so long.

Tatara took a shower and changed into a pair of clean clothes, then wore his cloak. He had to meet up with Aogiri that night for a meeting with Dr. Kanou.

On his way, a thought that never occurred before rose into his head. Why didn't Isa seem appetizing at all when she was around him? Why didn't the thought of her as a meal ever occur to him? Was it because he was in love with her? But then why didn't he think of her as a meal in the start? Is it because she's just going to be a test subject? The thought pierced through his mind like a bullet.

No, he quickly told himself.

Test subject…

He didn't want to think about it. He had to get his mind off it. Why am I so weak?

Tatara grabbed coffee before heading off to Aogiri.

The meeting was finally over. Tatara brushed his hair back with a hand while opening the door to the roof. The air was fresh and relaxing. It soothed his mind from the endless planning and discussing from the tight-aired room.

He stood near the edge of the roof, staring. It always made him calm-watching from high grounds in peace. He and his friends did it way back in the past, talking about personal matters and sharing cherishable moments. He'd never forget them.

Footsteps in uneven intervals came from behind. Tatara knew who it was without even looking at her. She carried a human leg cut in half in her arms, tossing it to Tatara when she came in front of him.

"You came a lot later than usual today, Tatara-san. What caused the delay?"

Tatara brushed through his hair again with his hand, feeling a bit of frustration because it made him think of...her.

"I slept in," he said in his normally expressionless voice.

"Hmm?"

Eto walked over to the edge, bending down to sit. She swung her legs carelessly and hummed like a bored child. Tatara ignored the hums from his comrade and continued to enjoy the peacefulness of the view.

Eto stopped humming and swinging her legs. She turned her head back at Tatara, who, did not lay his eyes off the city and orange sunset.

"How is your relationship going with that woman, Isa?"

The mention of her name snapped his attention towards Eto. "It's going fine," he replied.

"Is it?" Eto turned her gaze back to the city. She started to giggle. "Is it...fun?" She asked with a hint of mockery. Tatara narrowed his eyes in displeasure.

When Tatara didn't respond, Eto continued. "Kanou was thinking… Instead of using Isa as a to-be artificial ghoul, maybe we could plan something different…"

Tatara still didn't respond. Anger started to boil inside of him-but he well knew that he was a part of the plan-and he was guilty too.

"A hybrid will definitely excel than of an artificial," Eto said in a matter-of-fact, but there was still suggestion in her voice.

He clenched his fists. "No. I will not be with a human…"

"Don't you think you'll be able to convince her once she knew about the truth? Like how my mother loved my father regardlessly."

"She's not like that. She's just confused and pitiful. Just like any other human. Let's stick with the original plan. There's a higher rate of success."

"Okay."

It was the first time where Tatara did not feel at ease when observing the view.