“Why do you like him?”
“Hmm?” Roma blinks innocently at Yoshimura. “What’s not to like? He’s sweet and unique and exciting.” She pouts. “You’re really asking what I’m up to, aren’t you? You don’t trust me, Yoshimura.”
“I don’t.” Yoshimura raises his eyebrows and walks away.
“If you think having me in your little cafe will save my soul, you’re wrong!” Roma calls out, chuckling.
That evening, she heads home on her usual route when a commotion up ahead catches her attention. Suspecting entertainment, Roma leans around the corner of the alley to see the white-haired boy who makes her heart skip battling five larger ghouls.
He can handle himself.
But she wants him to notice her.
“Oh hey there, boys,” Roma calls innocently.
“Stay out of this,” snaps one of the men.
“Nah.” With a burst of energy, Roma unveils her kakuja. “This is SSS, and I’m damn proud of it!”
The ghouls flee, to her disappointment. She steps out of her armor.
“So.” Kaneki stares at her. “Didn’t peg you for the SSS type.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” Roma admits. But oh, how she yearns for him to know her.
“Tell me.” Intrigued – and somewhat fascinated by her kakuja, which is at once both terrifying and cute – Kaneki steps closer to her. “Coffee?”
“So long as it’s not Anteiku.”
“Sounds good for now,” Kaneki admits, shame coloring his face.
His eyes meet hers, and now his face colors for a different reason.
Roma knows this is likely a fancy of hers with no consequences. But…to answer Yoshimura’s nosy question, Kaneki makes her feel like she has a soul worth saving.
Mercy and Magic 