You too?

Aki

2 Years Ago

Hana's heart raced, the only thing present on her mind was escaping. Even if she died on the other side,she wouldn't die around them. Two Doves were hot on her trail, both bearing weapons. Her Kagune had been discharged at the beginning of the fight. She was so tired, however, that the wings of her Ukaku failed to carry her even just a few inches forward. She'd tried countless times to recall them, but her efforts proved futile. Her full mask that she wore was slipping, cracked and worn in a few places. Her legs felt of jello, still she carried on. The rain was making the pavement slippery and had accumulated into puddles along the back alleys that she was escaping through. Soon, she knew she'd be free. The 20th ward was her goal, she could almost taste it.

Present Day

Hana put her hair up in a messy bun, throwing back the blankets on her bed. The clock above her kitchen signaled to her she'd already missed her first class, and her mind was planting the idea that she should just skip the rest of the day. Her heart, however, told her otherwise. As the saying goes, listen to your heart. Hana threw some binders, pencils, and her sketchbook into a backpack. She decided not to change, leaving her apartment in the clothes she'd worn yesterday. As Hana made her way down the crowded streets, she could tell which of the passerby's were Ghouls, careful to make sure she herself wasn't called out. One weakness about Hana, ever since she escaped the 13th ward, was her eyes changed whenever she felt remotely threatened.

On her way to the university, she passed by Anteiku. She spotted Touka smiling and handing out cappuccino's to a table by the window. The two made eye contact, and waved. Touka had been the first Ghoul, besides Nishiki, to show her any kind of compassion when she made it to this ward. Oh, and Yoshimura of course. Hana had finally made it inside the university gates. The time on her phone read that her second class of the day was half over.

"HANAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" A voice behind her, quickly approaching, screamed. She barely had enough time to turn around before his body collided with hers.

"Hideyoshi!" She scolded, "I've told you so many times not to sneak up on me!" Her panicked thoughts were centered around her eyes, but she felt no change.

"I wouldn't call it sneaking since you knew I was coming." He popped a lollipop in his mouth, pulling his headphones down around his neck.

Since his schedule was different than hers, he didn't currently have a class, so Hana and Hide sat on a bench in the courtyard. She pulled out her sketchbook, and began portraying the various flower bushes and trees that currently surrounded them. Hide watched, captivated. The pair was in silence until another body approached them. He wore a blue sweater with a white collared undershirt, carrying a few books in his right hand. Taking his seat next to Hana, he smiled warmly.

"Good afternoon, Kaneki." She greeted, closing her sketchbook.

"Nice to see you too, Hana. You weren't in the first class today. Everything alright?" Kaneki never was a genius at hiding his emotions. Instead, they were always painted on his face. He seemed genuinely concerned.

"I just slept in, is all. Rough night." Hana laughed, knowing last night was her own fault. She'd always tried hunting on her own, last night was another failed attempt.

"Well, Hide and I are headed to Anteiku after our final class today if you would like to join us. I think it'll be therapeutic for you." He patted her on the shoulder, to which Hide interjected.