bleeding heart

2. big brother

Hinami didn't hate people. She was far too much of a kind hearted soul. Even Mado she couldn't bring herself to hate, not in the moment he stood before her and she was well aware he had mercilessly slaughtered her parents. She didn't feel hatred then, only saddens.

One person however, she would admit to herself she strongly disliked. Maybe it wasn't hate, but at the very least a strong desire to be rid of him.

Takizawa wouldn't stop taunting her at every turn. At first she had believed that maybe, just maybe he was a little like her big brother. Then she had had her hopes crushed under his sole. He was mean and rude and crazy.

Hinami stares sadly at the book in her lap, half heartedly trying to understand the kanji. She knew it wasn't one she had seen before. She also knew that if Kaneki was here, he would surely explain it to her. But he wasn't here. She sniffled, feeling her eyes growing wetter.

No! Hinami wouldn't cry. She needed to be strong.

"What'cha crying about Hina-chaaan?" A voice from behind startled her bad enough to make her drop her book.

"Is it your parents again?" If it was anyone else those words might have sounded comforting. Coming from him though they were only a crude mockery of all that was kind and caring.

"Go away Takizawa." Hinami mumbled dejectedly.

"Awe, having a bad day are we? Sad because there's no one here to comfort you?"

"It's not that!" Hinami abruptly stood up, making a move to pick up the book and cradle it against her chest. But Takizawa was faster, swiping the book right from her hands.

"What is it then, Hi~na~chaaan?" His words were drawn out, derisive.

"I just, I just don't understand that kanji." Hinami pointed at the symbol, tears building up further. Of course that wasn't the only thing that upset her, but this tiny insignificant thing had with the help of Takizawa's rude comments been what finally drove her over the edge.

"Millstone, mortar. It's read as usu."

"Huh?" Hinami looked up surprised at Takizawa. The white haired man avoided her gaze, staring out the window and letting his bangs hide his face.

"That's the kanji." He muttered before waking away, still not meeting her eyes.

Hinami felt a tiny warmth grow inside of her chest. Maybe Takizawa wasn't completely horrible after all.