“Ihei.” Sasaki Haise nods at her. “That was a brilliant move out there.” 

“Oh really?” Ihei Hairu smiles at him. She’s so pretty, his stomach hurts. “Want me to teach you?”

Sasaki nods eagerly, and Hairu rubs her hands together with anticipation. 

She’s always felt comfortable around Sasaki, because he is a ghoul. He can’t judge her for the garden. She feels certain that if he knew her secret, he would accept her.

“Teach us, too!” Shio hurries over.

Sasaki’s face falls, and Hairu blushes.

“Uh – Shio…” Yusa says nervously.

“No, no, of course I’ll teach you.” Hairu ruffles Rikai’s hair. She can be another Arima to these kids – teach them, give them hope.

Ui watches but doesn’t join in. He wears a pout on his delicate face. 

When Sasaki grabs her hands, Hairu catches her breath. From the red tinge to Sasaki’s cheeks, he feels it too. 

Would Arima approve? She thinks so. 

“Uh – would you like to get dinner after this?” she asks quickly.

Sasaki nods, and she throws him backwards. “I win this round. You have to be quicker on your feet.” 

He smiles back at her.