Facing Reality (Tokyo Ghoul Fanfic)

[5]

Rize and I were at Anteiku again and I was talking with other ghouls. They were really nice and we seemed to get along quite fine. Touka was explaining to me how we had to hide ourselves from the doves. "Doves? As in birds?" I asked.

"Not exactly. Doves are the people who are trying to get rid of us because of what we do. Just because we eat human flesh." Touka explained. "But can't we just explain them that it's not our fault? That we can't eat like them?" I asked.

"It's not that simple. They don't care about are needs or what we go through. They just want to kill us so they can live. They'll never understand. That's why we need to be careful when we act." Touka explained.

Damn. Well, that sucks. "And to keep them from finding us, we wear masks." Touka mentioned. "Masks?" I repeated. "Oh, that's right. Kaori here still needs a mask. Come on, I'll take you to Uta's shop." Rize offered.

Who's Uta? Rize and I talked as we walked down the street for a while until she pulled my hood over my head. "What are you-"

"Shh! Keep your head down. There's doves around us. They can usually spot a ghoul at first glance. So, we have to keep our identities hidden." Rize explained. Her hands were placed on the sides of my shoulders as we walked past a couple of people dressed in nice suits.

Once we were past them, Rize took off my hood. "That was close. We need to be more careful out here, Kaori. When you're in the public like this, doves are usually everywhere." Rize explained. "O... Okay." I said.

We continued to walk a little while longer until we found Uta's shop. "This is his shop?" I asked. "Uh-huh. Let's go." Rize said, leading me inside. "Uta? You have a customer." She called. I looked around and spotted a guy near a wall of masks.

"Who's that? Another customer?" I murmured. "Uta, there you are!" Rize called, getting his attention. He turned around and the first thing I noticed was his eyes were red. "Is he hungry or something?" I whispered to Rize.

"Nah, his eyes are always like that." She mentioned. "Who's this little boy?" Uta asked. "This is Kaori, and she's a girl." Rize explained. "Really? Wow, never would've guessed." Uta said. "Kaori, this is Uta. He'll be making your mask for you." Rize explained.

"Nice to meet you." I said as I shook his head. "Likewise. You can have a seat over there." Uta said, pointing at a chair. He started asking me questions like being allergic to metal and stuff like that while writing down notes. 

"So, how long have you known Rize?" Uta asked as he took my measurements. "For a few days now." I answered. "Really? I would've thought longer." He said.

"How come?"

"Well, it looks like you two are dating."

I blushed. "H-Huh?"

"Well, I've never seen Rize so cheerful, except for when she's eating. It's like you have the magic touch for her or something." Uta explained. I glanced at Rize as she was looking at different types of mask. "I guess..." I replied.

Once Uta got my measurements, he said that my mask would be ready soon. Rize and I left, walking to my house. "Kaori." Rize spoke, making me look at her. "You wanna watch a movie tonight?" She asked, smiling. "Uh... sure." I answered.

We went back to my house and took our shoes off. "Dad, I'm home!" I called. "In the kitchen!" He called back. "Hi, Mr. Rikuto." Rize greeted with a smile. "Hey. How's it going?" Dad asked. "It's going well. Kaori and I are just gonna watch a movie in the living room. Is that okay?" Rize explained.

"Sure. Go on ahead. I was actually on my way out. Have fun, you two." Dad said. He kissed my forehead before leaving the house. Rize and I sat on the couch as we watched an old movie. I really enjoyed hanging out with Rize.

The more time I spent with her, the safer I felt around her... and I think I was falling in love with her. Ugh, never mind. I just think I'm going crazy or something.

As I was watching the movie, I could feel my eyelids getting heavy. I didn't think I was that tired. I closed my eyes as I subconsciously leaned my head on Rize's shoulder. "Kawaii." I heard Rize say, quietly as she gently stroked my hair. "Rize." I whispered.

"Yes?"

"I'm worried."

"What about?"

"The doves."

"What about them?"

"What if they find us?"

"They won't."

"But what if they do?"

"Then, we'll just have to kill them."

I opened my eyes as Rize made me look at her and gently kissed my forehead. "As long as I'm by your side, I won't let anything happen to you. I promise." She said. That sentence made me a little relaxed. As long as I had Rize, I felt happy. Well... I was happy... until that day occurred.