Rules of Engagement: BOOK 2 [Tokyo Ghoul: Female!Kaneki x Tsukiyama]

Prologue

from My Ugly Self

"You're not ugly," she said. "You're beautiful."
Shuu's heart lifted as she said those words, each of them striking true. He'd needed someone to say them honestly for who knew how long, and the time had finally come.
Shuu leaned in, closing his eyes.
"What are you doing?" Ken asked bluntly.
Shuu'a eyes flicked opened. "I- I thought that-"
Ken took two steps back. "Just because we talked about stuff doesn't mean that I want you to kiss me."
"I..." Shuu faltered.
"I thought you weren't after that kind of thing," Ken said, clearly starting to grow frightened. She quickly remembered that they were alone, only scaring her more.
"I like you, Ken. A lot. You're the only person I can be me with. I don't want to lose you. Please."
"Why can't we just be friends that don't do stuff like that?" Ken asked, moving backward further, and Shuu followed her, pressing her against the bushes.
"Because if I'm just your friend, that won't be nearly enough. I need to have you with me all the time so I can get rid of this mask. Please, Ken. I'm begging you." He hesitated. "I'm not Ayato," he whispered.
Ken stilled, her eyes wide and terrified. But after a second, they closed like she was thinking. Finally, they reopened. "Fine," she said. "But if you want to try this dating thing, I'm setting some ground rules first."
Shuu smiled, nuzzling his face into her neck. "All right, Ken. Whatever you say."
Ken pushed him off of her. "You're violating rule one."
"What?" Shuu asked, shocked.
"No physical contact whatsoever."
"WHAT?!"