Unmasking A Ghoul (Uta X Reader)

Ch.16

I sipped the black coffee along  with the small ring of friends that had gathered in Uta's kitchen.
"Wait you mentioned Kaneki to your sister? She migh-" Shuu pointed out after Uta and I had told them what had happened with Yusei.
"Honestly  I doubt she'd remember such a small detail, plus she's a bit too overwhelmed to do much right now..." Uta assured him.
"Again with your optimism.." Kanae spat out, leaning against the wall, her hands crossed.
Mentally I prepared myself for her critisism.
"You can't save everyone! Just cause precious Kaneki got lucky doesn't mean everyone can live this life! Do you think your brother can even phantom being a ghoul? His enemies?"
Nobody said a word as her words hung in the air.
"Kanae, ch-" Shen was about to step in until he continued.
"Oh shut up! Listen here, princess" She looked straight into my eyes, and rather than fear, I suddenly felt... out of place.
"This. Isn't. Your. Place. You aren't a ghoul, you have no business here, and on top of that, we have to risk our necks protecting you! And what do you do? You ..just keep whining and bringing us problems!" Kanae's emotions were boiling yet simmering down at the same time. I took a small step back but bumped into the counter instead.
..I didn't want to look up. I didn't deny it. It was true.
Right? It was completley true..
"..you're right... I don't have any reason to be here... I-I'm sorry I've p-", my lips quivered as I tried to muster out an apology.
"Save it." Kanae brushed her hair back, glaring straight at me.

I put the mug of coffee and was well on my way out when Uta grabbed my hand.
"(Y/N) you know how Kanae can get. It's ju-"
"Uta, no. Don't try to... to sugarcoat it or anything. It's true what Kanae said a-and maybe it's best if right now.. I try to... help Yusei." I tried to mentally convince myself that it would be ok. That I could help Yusei. But Kanae already broke that hope too. He isn't going to be able to live like this.
"Ok... But please don't be hard on yourself.. And I'll... I'll visit too."
I hadn't looked up to make eye contact until he pushed my chin up. His voice was quiet but definite as he placed his forehead on mine, whispering to me:

"Be strong (Y/N). For the both of us."