I think Hajime needs some friends. Maybe a fun day with the zero squad kids?

Our boy needs serious friendship. And possibly a time-out.

Hajime kicks a stone. It skitters across the street only to be trampled by some unfortunate’s tires. Good.

“Hajime!”

Three kids he knew from the academy race up to him. 

“Squad Zero.” Hajime frowns. “What do you want?”

He’s gonna be a ghoul soon. Partially. He can avenge Mom and Dad. It’ll be great.

He just hopes he’s not betraying them.

“Fun!” Shio stomps his feet. 

“How are you?” Rikai smiles at him. Hajime is cute, though he can’t see it.

“Wishing I could be an investigator already. I wanna stop these ghouls.” He grins, then hesitates. “I’m sorry about Ihei Hairu.”

“Me too,” says Yusa, staring at the ground. 

“Well. You should come out with us, then. Are you free this afternoon? Of course you are.” Shio tugs Hajime down the street. “Lots of investigators feel bad, so they give us candy or money. We’re gonna go eat hamburgers and the feast on the candy.”

Hajime hasn’t had candy in a long time. What if this is his only chance? Will his taste change after the surgery? He licks his lips. “Okay.” 

“Hurrah!” Shio cheers, and Yusa hugs him. 

“No mushy stuff!” Hajime yells.

“Oh, stop being such a turd.” Rikai opens the restaurant door. The smell of fresh burgers incites her stomach to growl.

“Are you happy as investigators?” Hajime asks, once they’re seated and drinking soda. He loves soda. Mom and Dad use to reward him with soda whenever he did good in school.

“Yes,” says Shio.

Yusa shrugs. “It’s okay.”

“I wish we didn’t have to kill,” says Rikai, and Shio’s face falls. 

“So none of you are.” Hajime’s long since kissed happiness goodbye, but it still hurts. A life without happiness. 

“We love our teachers.” Shio’s eyes mist over.

“I’m sorry.” Hajime remembers what it’s like to lose those you love. Maybe he’ll spend his Oggai money not on weapons, but – well at least partially – on more candy for his friends.