Kaneki and Hide reunite and Hide confesses his feelings for him (like he did in Chpt 148). But since Kaneki is married with a child on the way, he also says he is ready to let Kaneki go and be happy even if he can’t have him. In comes our queen, Touka, who introduces them to the idea of polyamory ;)

“Why would you go this far? I took your mouth,” Kaneki whispers. He’ll never hear Hide’s laugh again.

Hide rolls his eyes “Kaneki, half an hour ago you thought you’d never hear me again because you’d killed me. Isn’t this infinitely better?”

“I…suppose.”

“Anyhow, I love you. Kaneki, I’ve loved you for years.” Hide looks at the ground. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before. It took me…well, until you vanished to realize.”

“Hide.” Kaneki blinks back tears. “I love you, too.”

He takes Hide’s cheeks in his. “But I can’t be with you. I’m with Touka. We’re having a baby.”

“Do you love her?” Hide asks, desperately. 

“Yes.”

“Good.” Hide breathes a sigh of relief. He can handle heartbreak if Kaneki is happy.

“Hold up, you two.” Touka stomps over. “Go ahead and kiss him, Ken.”

“Huh?” Kaneki sputters.

“Polyamory is a thing, you know.” Touka flutters her lashes at both men. 

Hide feels impressively attracted to her. “Uh.”

Kaneki tackles his missing mouth in a kiss, and Touka kisses both of their cheeks. 

“Welcome to the family. I’ll leave a bite mark not on your face for marriage,” Touka whispers in Hide’s ear. 

He laughs, and even Kaneki has to chuckle. 

He feels so happy, surrounded by and married to his best friends.