I've spent weeks in the hospital, but my appetite's been…..strange. The nurse has been giving me food in bed. the food….it tasted like rotten eggs covered in fresh throw up...I haven't had a decent meal since the date. It must be the hospital food that's bad.
"Kaneki-kun, you've recovered enough to return home." The nurse and the doctor walked me out. I thanked the doctor and left for my house. When I arrived, there was a plastic bag on my door. I carried the bag inside and read that it was from Hide. There was a bunch of my favorite food inside.
Once I settled in, I began to boil my favorite hamburger. Some of the texts I received were from Hide. I also got three from a number that wasn't in my contacts, so I read them, 'Kaneki! Hey, it's (Name)! I asked Hide-kun for your number since you never texted me yet. How was your date?' 'Kaneki? Are you alright? You haven't been coming to classes the past few days….this is the right number….right?' The last text came a day ago, 'I found out you were in the hospital. I wish I could come and see you, but visitors aren't allowed. You're going to be released tomorrow, so I'll visit the day after. See you then.' She's going to visit me? Did I make her worry that much?
I took a bite of the hamburger I prepared. Quickly, I ran to the toilet and started gagging. What's going on?! This never happened before. I went to take a few more bites, but it wasn't happening. I started freaking out.
Later, I sat on the bed with the TV on. It was on a talk show starring a ghoul researcher. Hearing things about a ghoul's appetite, my eyes widened and I ran to the bag of food Hide brought. This can't be happening...I stuffed a bunch of snacks in my mouth and drank some milk, but it wouldn't go down. I ran to the toilet again...It wasn't fair, that doctor transplanted her organs in me….that's the cause. So I've made my decision. Crying, I got out the kitchen knife, lifted my shirt, and pointed the knife towards my stomach. I hesitated, breathing heavily.
It didnt work. The knife ended up breaking. No way to end this nightmare. It's already the next day, I went to sleep after attempting to cut out her organs….Since I awoke, I've been going through hell….so hungry….A knock came from my door. I walked over and opened it, "Kaneki….." She smiled at me, "It looks like you've made a fast recovery!" (Name) stood there holding a bag of groceries up.
"(Name)...you actually came. How'd you kn-...wait...never mind. Please, come inside," Hide probably told her my address. She came inside and set the bag on the table. I saw that she was looking around. She seemed amused by the appearance of my house. I can't let her find out about my….condition….
"You have a nice house, but you left quite a mess of food scattered in the kitchen….mind if I clean a bit?" I blinked a few times.
She started to put a bunch of food into a plastic bag, "O-oh! (Name) you don't have to clean for me!" I picked up a few snacks and when I went to pick up the next, our hands touched.
I quickly pulled back my hand, "It's fine, I'll make you some lunch too." Oh no….I can't eat whatever she prepares….
"I-I'm not hungry at the moment though…" (Name) looked at me with a lifted eyebrow, but then sighed and got up.
"Are you sure? You look liked you haven't eaten in days." She walked over to the kitchen and took out some coffee beans from the groceries she brought, "Can I at least brew some coffee?"
Coffee….I guess that would be easier to pretend drink….., "Sure, the coffee maker is in the cabinet above the microwave." (Name) thanked me and began to make the coffee. I sat on the couch and turned on the TV. Now that I think about it...How can I even fake drink coffee? It's hot and it could stain something. Shoot…..I looked over at her and smiled. Her face had that concentrated and focused look again. She kind of reminds me of my mom in a way…..My stomach grumbled as I was admiring her.
"Who is this?...The person you worried about during our date?" What?! Scared I turned and Rize was sitting beside me. Isn't she supposed to be dead? "Yes, technically I am, but now I'm a part of you! Isn't it a dream come true?" She laughed. Well if she's a part of me, she knows every thought that runs through my mind, my desires, everything…, "Correct again Kaneki-kun! Now….doesn't that girl over there look tasty?" A little drool came out of my mouth, but I quickly wiped it.. (Name)'s a friend! On top of that, I don't eat people, "Um, Kaneki-kun," Kamashiro-san was at my ear again, "then why are you standing behind her." Realizing what I was about to do, I stepped back gasping and covering my mouth.
(Name) turned around, "Kaneki? Is something wrong?" I shook my head frightened that I might eat her. Kamashiro-san's words kept echoing to eat. (Name) had a concerned expression. She poured me some coffee and handed it to me, "Drink some….it might calm you down." Anything to keep me from eating you! I hesitated a bit before drinking, but then surprisingly...it tasted good. I guess I was making quite a face because she laughed, "You can drink all the coffee if you want."
Some time passed, (Name) spent pretty much the whole day at my house. I ended up finishing the coffee…..but it was strange….it didn't taste bad. Was it because she made it? I learned more about (Name). Her parents were murdered in Odaiba, which was why she moved here. She said that investigators told her that her parents were tortured and then eaten by a ghoul named Jason. Her parents researched ghouls. (Name) said that her mom always told her to be kind and giving. To not harm anyone or anything, but to also be cautious of those that are willing to harm.
You know…..I really wished she didn't visit me that day….