Kaneki enjoys his talks with Gohan, the half saiyan being impossible to even dislike with his humble and righteous nature. Slowly, he comes to fall for Gohan and struggles with it because he doesn’t think he’s good enough so someone like Gohan. But when his birthday comes around, he gets the surprise of his life when Gohan confesses to him.

“You should tell him.” Touka insists.

“No, I don’t think so.” Kaneki swallows. He’s too much of a coward, a failure, for someone like Gohan to like him. Gohan knows how to balance his pacifism with fighting. Gohan is content in himself. 

Touka scowls. “Fine, be unhappy.”

“I don’t…what else can I do?” Kaneki blinks.

“Invite him to your birthday party,” she retorts.

“Party?!”

“Yeah. You’re having one.” Touka cackles with glee. “You can’t be friends with Shuu and not have a birthday party.”

When the birthday party comes, Kaneki finds it difficult to speak to Gohan. Sure, he already decided not to tell him, but somehow that feels scarier. 

Gohan sips their coffee. “This is the best coffee around. Food of the gods.”

“Just the ghouls,” Touka jokes.

“Ghouls are amazing creatures.” Gohan seems sincere, and Kaneki’s heart leaps. 

“You don’t think so, Kaneki?” Gohan uses his tail to tickle him. “You know, Kaneki, I’ve been wanting to say something to you…forgive me if it sounds impolite, but…”

Kaneki’s heart sinks. Gohan hates him.

“…I really like you. Not just as a friend.” Gohan slurps down the rest of his coffee. “How’s that for an awkward birthday confession?” 

Kaneki splutters. “What?”

“I’m sorry if that makes you uncomfortable. I just feel like – you know me really well, and you understand me, Kaneki.” Gohan smiles sweetly. 

Kaneki leans forward. “Gohan, I … like you, too. Like, like like.” 

Gohan laughs with relief. “Really?”

Kaneki nods. So even Gohan feels scared of love. 

He’s not alone.

And today, he feels known.