Full ~Kaneki x Reader AU~

Chapter 27: Withering Seconds

It's early. So early.

The sun has just barely woken up, the bitterness of its dim honey glow merely cracking across the sky, thin streaks of clouds whisked. Sleepy shadows are slowly receding, each retreating to the realm of which they came. On the streets, the morning traffic has yet to hit full swing, leaving only a handful of cars and people to start their morning commute. However, within an hour or two, the full life of Tokyo will awaken.

And just as it has every day before I arrived here, it will go on. It will continue to go on. Life for everyone here will move forward.

"Are these all your things?" Mako asks, grasping my attention.

I turn to him, noticing how he scans each of my bags. All bags filled with my things. Things I came with, and new things purchased over these last two months.

I nod, "Yeah. That's everything."

"Alright. I'll go ahead and start taking these to the car."

"I can help."

He waves a dismissive hand. "Don't worry about it. I got it." He starts to gather the bags. "Mr. Kaneki said he'll meet us at the airport."

I just nod, not giving much of a response. Honestly, I wasn't surprised when Kaneki left in the middle of the night. After we returned, he stayed for a bit, watching over me, and just when he thought I had drifted to sleep, he left. Probably Aogiri Tree matters. Most likely. So, I wasn't surprised.

But I wasn't asleep.

There wasn't much sleep to be had last night. There was so much - too much - on my mind. Too many thoughts. Too many made-up scenarios. Too much. All just playing on these repetitive loops. Over and over. Some pleasant, some not so much. But in the end, it is what it is.

With a sigh, I straighten my posture and grab my carry-on bag. The least I can do is take that. Then, I follow behind Mako, only pausing to look back at my hotel room one last time. It is plain and bare, none of my things laying loosely about. None of my purchases sitting perched on a table. No clothes thrown into bags. No shoes set aside. Just a neat and plain room...that's all.

With a flick, I switch off the light and exit the room, closing the door behind me.

***

The airport stands tall, her glimmering stance remaining strong against the elements. The same airport that I left when I first arrived here. And now, I'll be leaving it a second time, but this time, I'm leaving for good.

"Alright, Miss L/N," Mako says. "All your bags are right here. I arranged them so that they'll be easier to wheel in."

"Thank you, Mako," I smile. I look up at the older man, taking in everything that is him. Despite our original meeting, Mako has grown to become a loyal and trustworthy friend. "I really appreciate all that you've done for me. Really, thank you."

His lips bow. "Don't mention it, Miss L/N. I'm glad I could help in any way."

I continue to look at him before reaching out and giving him a hug, taking him by surprise. However, it doesn't take long before he melts into it, wrapping his arms around me tenderly.

"You are a very sweet young lady," he says into my hair. "A very sweet young lady. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." He gives a final squeeze before pulling away. "I truly hope happiness and success continue to follow you."

I beam, "Thank you. And I hope peace and joy follow you."

He gives a last hug. "Thank you." He pulls away. "Mr. Kaneki will be here any minute and I need to head to work. Will you...be okay?"