I Won't Leave Again (Touken)

Chapter 20: Story

Touka and Kaneki happily walked together towards Banjou's. Touka was still adjusting to the fact that Ken was still alive and that no mental damage seemed to be done to him. 

She didn't understand how he could go through so much pain and suffering, but remain so caring and loving. He snapped her out of her thoughts. 

"The weather is beautiful, when you're taken hostage and unable to experience simple daily things like weather it really makes you appreciate it" He smiled as he looked towards the sky.

"He says it so casually like it's normal to be kidnapped" She thought.

Kaneki glanced at Touka who was staring at him. Seeing her look at him made him realise how much he appreciates her. 

"Maybe that was how he remained the same; he always maintained a positive outlook" Touka continued thinking to herself. "This is the same guy after all who wants to unite humans and ghouls" She took his hand wanting to provide as much support as possible. 

Kaneki simply continued smiling.

They arrived at Banjous, but didn't stay long. Banjou wouldn't stop being overly sensitive and emotional. So happy to see his friend alive he could barely speak without tearing up. 

They left and headed towards Hide's. Hide's jaw dropped when he saw Kaneki at his apartment . He grabbed him instantly. 

"Duuuuude! Back from the dead again! Nothing can keep you down bro!" Hide invited them both inside for coffee which they accepted. Hide's apartment was a mess; he worked in the mail industry at the moment and probably didn't have time to clean. 

"What happened to you, your hair is white again haha" 

"It's what happens when I'm put under immense stress apparently. Actually it's from RC suppressors" 

"Ah it's cool, but too bad you can't keep it. The CCG will be on you in no time" 

"Yeah, but I've got Touka taking care of me" He smiled at her. 

"Well someone needs to" She chirped. 

"Yeah he does, did Kaneki ever tell you about that time at Kamii when" 

"Hide!" 

"What happened? Haha" Touka was curious. 

"Nothing!" Kaneki rubbed his chin. Hide and Touka looked at each other and winked. 

"Yeah we believe you" they laughed. 

Hide suddenly got serious.

"So you two..." He had a suspicious look on his face as he pointed to both Touka and Kaneki and slowly brought his fingers together "Are an item?" 

"Yup" Kaneki answered proudly as Touka rolled her eyes while grinning. "So no more flirting or you'll hve to deal with me" 

"You couldn't handle me Kaneki hahaa. You know it's about time dude geez you only loved her since" 

"Hiiiideee seriously stop trying to sabotage me you asshole haha" 

"Hey now, no sabotaging and it's not like it was one sided. Look at Touka she's obviously loved". 

"Hide!" Now it was her turn to cut him off and get embarrassed as Kaneki looked smug. 

"Get that look off you face" Touka snapped at him. He turned it into a grin. 

"Ah you two are cute" Hide remarked. Both turned red, but all of them laughed. 

"Speaking of cute, you know your friend Yoriko asked me out Touka?"