All For You (p2)

The last night

A/N: This happened three days after the last chapter ended.

***For the best experience, read this chapter and the next one in one go. Don't pretermit if possible***

"You're not going to school again?" Kaneki looks at Touka in her work uniform, ready to start her day shift. "You have been absent for 3 days."

"So what? I finished the final exam, so it's meaningless to go to school now, and more over..." Touka seriously looked into Kaneki's eyes, "We have to defend Anteiku."

Since Kaneki's return, Touka had stayed home every day, refusing to go to school. As she said, doves will attack at any time. 

"You also noticed it, right?" Touka seriously looked into Kaneki's eyes.

"Yea..." He sighed, "Doves are going on patrol in our ward more and more these days."

"Do you know exactly when they will attack?" Touka pressed in

Kaneki just silently shook his head lightly.

"That's why I can't go to school." She insisted, but quickly caught the tension in the air that they had inadvertently created. "Don't worry, we'll go through this," Touka reassured

Kaneki can't help but smile after a brief moment, regaining his mind. "You've grown so much, Touka-chan."

"I guess 2 months taught me a lot," Touka smiled back, releasing the tension. "I'm going down to work," She said, and coming to the front door, put on her shoes. "You won't work the day shift?"

"No, I will work the afternoon shift," Kaneki said, also standing at the front door to talk.

Touka raised her index finger and signaled him to get his face closer to her. 

He obediently did so. He knows she will kiss him, and he's pleased to follow her order.

"Arg," Kaneki slightly groans. Instead of a kiss, he got a flick on his forehead.

"Get a good sleep, idiot, I know you stayed up so late to read that book yesterday." She chuckled, seeing dark circles around his eyes.

With that, Touka comes down to work. 

How long could these moments last...? Kaneki wonders in worry and concern. I will protect her... Even if I have to sacrifice myself... I swear I will protect her!

*****

"Aww, only a few customers today." Kaneki looked around the shop, feeling the emptiness of the last few days. It's been a long time since he returned to work, but he doesn't know why the atmosphere today feels so heavy and emotional... Felt like this is his last day working.

"Feel emotional, isn't it?" Irimi stands next to Kaneki behind the counter, with Koma also there. 

Kaneki nodded, and all of them looked at those few customers peacefully sipping their coffee in the shop. Running in their mind were memories about their time working here and what they've gone through together, meeting rude customers, screw up many coffees... 

The ultimate battle is coming; they wonder if this place can be protected... or will it be burned down?

"Thank you, Irimi-san, Koma-san. You two are my big brother and sister." Kaneki smiled warmly

"You're welcome." Irimi and Koma smiled back.

**

"Leave it to us, Kaneki, you can end your shift early," Irimi said while they're cleaning and closing the shop. 

"Is it ok?" Kaneki was surprised at the sudden suggestion. 

"Yeah, just go. Spend time with your Touka, let us be good brother and sister," Irimi smiled jokingly,