Chapter 6: Friends Of The Anteiku Blend (Part FINAL)
"So… what is it you want to discuss?" I ask as Kaneki and I sit down in one of the booths.
"The usual of course," Kaneki says.
"I figured as much. It's about time you take a break and relax from all of that," I sigh.
"You could consider coming here as a break," he says.
"I guess I could… but you're still here mainly to get info so I won't," I chuckle.
Touka quietly comes over with a fresh cup of black coffee and gives it to Kaneki.
"Oh, thank you, Touka," he says.
"Don't mention it," Touka says.
"I still don't understand why I get all of the sass. Honestly, it's not fair in the sligh—Yeowch! Did that kick really need more power behind it?! You're gonna snap my leg one of these damn days!" I exclaim, having been swiftly kicked in the leg again by Touka.
"That's the idea so stop whining unless that's what you want," she replies, walking away.
"Fine," I mutter, rubbing my leg.
Kaneki lightly chuckles, a small smile on his face.
"Amused at my expense over there?" I ask.
"Not particularly. That just made me think back a little. "Well, that and the fact you've yet to notice the woman at the counter staring intensely at you," he answers.
I turn my head and sure enough, Yuka is doing as he described with the addition of her cup at her lips.
Ugh, might as well get it out of the way.
"Yuka, you're more than welcome to come over here," I say.
"About time," Yuka says, walking over and sitting down beside me.
"Kaneki, this is Yukari or Yuka for short. She's… a very new friend of mine," I say.
"I'm a little more than just a friend, Sato," she whispers just loud enough for Kaneki to hear while she hugs my left arm.
I see she has decided to adopt the short name.
"Y-Yuka! He doesn't need to know that!" I blush, embarrassed.
"Nice to see that you have been improving yourself after all," Kaneki says, a little surprised.
Wish I could say the same to him.
"W-What's that mean?! You think I was lying to your face?!" I shout defensively.
"To be rather blunt, I wouldn't be surprised if you did," he says, snickering slightly.
"Oh, c'mon! You gotta give me some credit, man! I ain't told a lie to you yet and that's a fact!" I say.
"Keyword is yet," Yuka clarifies, giggling.
"You're not helping," I say.
"Anyway, back to the important matters," he says.
"Oh yeah. You can return to your seat at the counter, Yuka," I say.
"Aww, am I not allowed to listen in?" She questions.
"It's the same stuff I just told everyone else unless you'd like to hear me repeat myself, then you're welcome to be my guest," I say.
"Nah, I'll pass on that," she says, standing up and going back to her original seat.
I thought so.
"Hey, Touka. Mind letting me talk your ear off for a minute?" She asks.
"I guess," Touka answers.
Might as well get this over with since I can't really avoid it.
Informing Kaneki of the current CCG situation albeit reluctantly, he takes occasional sips of his coffee and nods as he digests the info.
"And that's how it is at the moment," I finish.
"…How strange. It has to be big if they're changing stuff up to limit as much information as possible," Kaneki says.
"So what do you plan to do knowing their behavior right now?" I inquire.
"I figured that it's obvious what I'm gonna do. The same as usual," he answers.
"You could just stick around this ward instead, y'know?" I suggest.
"You know I can't do that. How am I to deal with any rising threats by staying here?" He questions.
"For all we know, there could be a threat here just hiding out until they deem it the right time," I say, worried.
"Maybe but I highly doubt Anteiku is in any danger from the CCG or even Aogiri after my whole kidnapping situation. Aogiri wouldn't try to do the same thing because that would be a foolish strategy. The CCG wouldn't waste time on Anteiku with Aogiri having made their recent moves. Anteiku and this ward have been quiet these past few months with no rumblings of danger so no need for your concern though I appreciate it," he says.
Yeah, that's the logic I've been running through my head yet I can't help but think there's more at play here than we realize like some kinda diversion or a purposely reckless move.
"I guess you have a good point," I sigh as he finishes his coffee.
Maybe it's nothing and I'm just overthinking this… but still.
"Anyway, I must get going. I'm sure things will continue to be fine," he stands up and exits the booth.
I quickly stand up and firmly grab onto his left arm, catching everyone's attention.
"If you won't stick around for your mission, at least stay around a little longer than usual for your friends, man. You've been gone for a month this time around," I whisper.
"It's for the greater good," he whispers back before looking at the floor. "But I can't say that I don't understand your viewpoint. It's kinda cruel to just drop in and out like this every couple weeks to a month without really interacting much. I guess it wouldn't hurt to be around longer. However, if something comes up then my hands are tied," he adds.
"Fair enough I suppose," I let go of his arm.
"Well, I'll see all of you around. Thank you for the info as well as the coffee," he says.
"Anytime," Touka and I say.
"Take care!" Everyone else says.
Kaneki nods and waves goodbye as he starts to leave.
Just before he can reach the door, Hinami quickly runs in front of it.
"Please let me come with you this time, Kaneki!" Hinami begs.
"Hinami…," Touka mutters.
"Still too dangerous. You're better off here," Kaneki says.
"You always say that though…," Hinami droops her head.
"That just happens to be the case every time," he chuckles, patting her head. "I do have some good news to tell you,"
"R-Really?" She asks.
Kaneki kneels down and whispers something in her ear, prompting her to suddenly hug him afterwards.
After she lets him go, he tells her goodbye and walks out of the door.
Almost immediately, Hinami sets her sights on me and sprints my way.
"H-Hinami, w-why are you running at me—aargh!" I yelp as she full on tackles me to the floor with a hug.
"Thank you so much, Mis—Sato!" She exclaims cheerfully.
"I… don't know what… I did but you're welcome, Hinami," I say, having had the wind knocked out of me.
"You know exactly what you did. No need to be modest," she says.
I guess he must've told her that it was my idea to have him stay longer. He should've just taken the credit for himself.
"Either way… give me a warning before you do that. I'm only human after all," I say, slowly sitting up.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Are you okay?" She asks, quickly getting off of me.
"Yeah. Don't worry about it," I assure, rising back up to my feet. "Well, I think it's about time we hit the road as well. Ready, Yuka?"
Yuka quickly downs the rest of her coffee.
"Ah, all set!" She answers, giving a thumbs up.
"Actually, we needed to discuss something. I hope you didn't forget that, Satozaki," Touka says, coming from behind the counter.
I was really hoping that she forgot.
"O-Of course not. I was testing to see if you remembered. I'll be back in a few minutes, Yuka," I say, following Touka.
"Mhmm," she says, clearly not believing me.
"Damn it, Sato! You made me gulp that down when I was still savoring it!" Yuka pouts.
"Sorry about that. My mistake," I chuckle sheepishly.
"Hey, Irimi. Could I please get another cup of coffee?" She questions.
"Certainly," Irimi says.
Going upstairs with Touka, we walk into one of the private rooms.
"Where did Yuka come from?" Touka questions, closing and locking the door.
"Beats me. She just randomly showed up to my house last night," I reply.
"And you let her stay?!" She raises her voice.
"Yuka told me she didn't want any trouble and just needed a place to crash for a bit so yeah I did," I answer.
"For how long?" She inquires.
"For however long she needs to," I say.
"And what are you getting out of this arrangement?" She asks, stepping closer to me.
"That… doesn't matter," I say.
"She's fucking you, isn't she?" She says.
"…Yeah… so?" I respond.
"So you're fooling around with someone you don't know let alone a ghoul at that?" She points out.
"I am! What of it?! It was all a spur of the moment thing! What do you want me to do?!" I ask.
"Kick her out!" She replies.
"I very well could… but something tells me I shouldn't so I won't," I say.
"Why not?" She says.
"She reminds me of an old friend. Someone who I owe a lot to. That's why," I say.
"And what if she's not who you believe her to be?" She questions.
"Then I will have wasted my time," I answer.
"… I don't understand you, Satozaki," she says, calming down.
"I don't understand myself either sometimes… I'll see ya later," I say, walking past her.
She grabs my right shoulder, stopping me.
"I don't want to see you end up dead or turn back into that complete depressed mess you were. So tell me, is Yuka really making you feel better?" She says.
"For the time being, yes she is," I say.
"Then be careful just in case," she says.
"I will," I say.
Attempting to move, Touka's hand pulls me back.
"I thought we were done," I say, confused as I turn to face her.
"Let's get something else out of the way since we're alone because it's long overdue. Tell me, why were you outside that night?" she questions.
S-She still wants to know?!
"Touka… I can't," I say hesitantly.
"Yes you can. Just look me in the face and say it," she assures, brushing her bangs aside to show her other eye.
"I-I-It's not that easy to do," I stammer while making eye contact.
"Why is it so hard for you to tell me? Am I not the friend you trust the most?" She inquires.
"Y-You are… it's… I don't know why… it just is!" I stumble through my words as my mind and heart race.
She sighs.
"How about I sock you in the gut then? Would that help you get the words out?" She asks, balling up a fist as she slowly approaches me.
"Now, Touka. L-Let's not turn to violence!" I throw my hands up and back away, trying to shield any potential punches.
"Then spill it! You're starting to really piss me off!" She warns.
Feeling my back press against the door, I frantically search for the doorknob with my left hand.
"I-It's not that serious! P-Please chill out, Touka!" I plead.
"Three… two… one…," she readies her jab.
Come up with something quick!
"I wanted to ask you if you wanted some help with studying!" I blurt out very fast.
"… What?" She drops her fist, visibly confused.
"I… I know you're thinking about going to Kamii so I figured I would offer my assistance if you wanted it. I don't have any ounce of college experience but I'm still pretty smart," I chuckle nervously, rubbing the back of my head.
"…You're telling me you risked death that night just for that?" She asks.
"T-That's right!" I answer.
She suddenly slugs me in the gut, forcing me to hold my stomach and drop to my knees while I cough.
Fuck, I wasn't ready at all for that one.
"You say you're smart yet you act so stupidly! You could've just waited until morning for that so that way I wouldn't have had to worry!" She shouts, frustrated.
"Worry? You mean about having to kill me?" I breathe heavily.
"What the hell do you think, Sato?!" She yells.
"So you actually do care about me? You even shortened it to Sato. I must say that it's pretty cute to hear you use it for once, Touka. Then again, just hearing my name uttered from that beautiful face of yours suffices plenty," I speak bluntly.
…D-Did I just…?
Slowly looking up at Touka, she's completely silent, blushing really hard with a mixture of shock and some disgust encompassing her face.
I definitely said that shit out loud!
Guess it's time to retreat!
"…Heh heh… t-this was a nice talk and all but I surely must get going," I slowly stand up, still clutching my stomach while I unlock the door.
"Satozaki!" She growls lowly through grit teeth, her hands forming into fists.
Yep, it's definitely time to leave!
"Y-Yeah?" I start sliding out the door through the narrow opening.
"What did I say about allowing dumb shit like that to escape your mouth?!" Her kakugan and kagune manifest as she zooms towards me.
"N-Not to!" I reply quickly, shutting the door and making a break for the stairs.
Why can't she ever just take a compliment?!
Seeing her kick the door open, I hurry down the stairs as fast as I can only to trip on my own feet and fall.
I painfully groan as I barrel down the stairs, catching everyone by surprise when I land at the bottom of them.
"Are you alright?!" Yuka and Hinami question, hurrying over to me.
"I'm good. Just tripped and fell down the stairs is all. A much better outcome than if Touka got hold of me. Allow me to just lay here for a minute or so," I do my best to laugh the pain away, grinning with a little bit of blood flowing from my bottom lip.
Yuka and Hinami just shake their heads disappointedly.
"I swear you're just asking for it sometimes, man," Nishiki comments, looking down at me through his glared up glasses.
"Probably," I grunt.
At least my glasses somehow didn't take any damage from the fall so that's good.
Touka comes casually walking down the stairs, back to normal.
"Accidentally broke the lock on one of the doors. I'll fix it later," Touka says.
Yoshimura simply does the all too familiar nod associated with me and Touka's antics.
"It was only a matter of time I guess," Koma sighs
"At least only one thing got broken this time around," Irimi says.
"Hey, Satozaki," Touka looks down at me.
"That's me," I say.
"Good… talk," she forces herself to say as she pulls her bangs back over her right eye, simultaneously struggling to not blush and to not kick my ass.
Stepping over my body, Touka goes back to standing behind the counter.
Taking a deep breath, I get off the floor and dust myself off, wiping away the blood from my lip with the back of my hand as well.
"Alright, did you get to fully enjoy your coffee this time, Yuka?" I question.
"That I did. Are you ready to go home?" Yuka asks.
"Definitely," I answer. "Here's the money for the coffee. Thanks for serving us," I place the amount owed on the counter.
"Not a problem. It's our pleasure," Yoshimura says, bowing. "Would you mind flipping the sign on your way out?"
"That's the least I could do," I reply.
"And before you go, here's a little something to tide you over until your next visit, Yuka. Free of charge," Irimi hands Yuka a tightly wrapped up package.
"Wait, is this meat?! Not only is this a lifesaver but I get to avoid an awkward talk with Sato as well!" Yuka cheers.
Yeah, I'd rather we not have that talk ever even as morbidly entertaining as it may be so it's good that Anteiku gets meat through a process that's much easier on my conscience… or what I've got left of one if I'm honest with myself.
"Glad we can be of help to you," Irimi says.
Saying our goodbyes, Yuka and I make our exit, turning the sign to open.
I'm still not ready to deal with him because he's surely just sitting around my house like usual.
"So a question just popped in my head, does the Anteiku group have a special code name or something you use?" Yuka inquires.
"…It's Anteiku, Yuka," I answer, not quite sure of what she's asking.
"I know that! I mean besides just that name. Like do you have some kind of title you use?" She clarifies.
"Oh, I gotcha! I actually do have one in mind. They're my Friends Of The Anteiku Blend. Clever, huh?" I say proudly.
"Is that pun intentional?" Her face tries to restrain her giggling.
"Of course it is. What's funny about it?" I say.
"Oh my god! I can't with you! That's so awful, Sato! You really need to workshop that 'cause there's no way in hell that you didn't just come up with that on the spot!" she bursts into laughter.
"I just can't win today, can I?! I-It's not even that bad!" I say defensively.
"You can keep telling yourself that. If you got more bad jokes than just that one, I would love to hear some more," she says.
"You're dangerously close to being left behind, you know that?" A chuckle escapes my lips.
"You wouldn't do that to me because then sex would be off the table," she throws my right arm around her.
"So it'd be on the floor when you realize you want it too much to withhold it? No complaints here," I snicker, adjusting my glasses with my left hand.
"Alright, smartass. I'll let you have that one," She giggles. "So where are we goin' now?"
"Home of course," I reply.
"Isn't that investigator you mentioned there though?" She asks.
"Yeah and he's gonna wait around until he talks to me so trying to dodge him is pointless," I explain.
"Are you certain you got this?" She says, concerned.
"I'm sure I'll figure it out by the time we get there," I say, assuring her.