“It’s true.” Roma leans back. “Eating high concentrations of Rc cells can revitalize you. Also! Fun fact about me.” She giggles. “I’m SSS rate.”
Kaneki is fairly certain she’s joking. “I see.”
“I founded the Clowns.”
“Roma!”
“I did. I just…wanted to laugh at the world that never cared about me.” Roma smiled. “It’s better than fighting the world, like that SSS rate Owl, don’t you think?”
“I remember fighting Tsuneyoshi Washuu, that disgusting man. Such a creep. He leered at me when I first appeared. I was a cutie, I guess. Then i transformed into my kakuja and he freaked the fuck out. You shoulda seen his face!” Roma chuckles.
“I don’t…I don’t even…you’re not joking,” Kaneki whispers.
“Nope.” Roma shrugs. “You know why I like you, Kaneki?”
“Uh, no?”
“Because you don’t want to lose even while you’re in the middle of despair. That’s beautiful, and tragic, and I love it. So you could say I’m on your side to an extent.” Roma puts her cup down.
Kaneki is oddly touched that she sees him as determined. He always thought he was a coward. “Tell me more.”
“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.”
“Kaneki, aren’t you tired of studying?” Hide pouts.
“I’m reading, not studying,” Kaneki admits.
“You are adorable.” Hide winks and inches closer to kiss his boyfriend.
Kaneki laughs. “What would you like to do instead?”
“Fun things.” Hide winks and pulls Kaneki into his bedroom. “Like this.”
Kaneki’s heart pounds. “Are you sure?”
“If you are.” Hide waits, his eyes wide.
Kaneki nods.
“Yessssss!” Hide pumps his fist in the air.
Kaneki hesitates. “Wait, how do we – who – ”
“Oh my god.” Hide chuckles. “Here. You can be on top. Undress me.”
“D-d-do you have protection?”
“Yes, Kaneki.” Hide winks again. “See, I paid attention in health class.”
“You did not!”
“True. Nishiki gave them to me.” Hide hops onto his bed and guides Kaneki down onto him. They kiss and explore each other’s mouths for what feels like hours.
And then Hide begins exploring more of Kaneki, pulling up his shirt and kissing his chest. And Kaneki dares to do the same to Hide. He wants Hide.
Their bodying move synchronously, and all Kaneki can this about is Hide, and how good Hide feels. All Hide thinks is Kaneki, Kaneki, I love Kaneki.
When Kaneki finally cries out, Hide smiles. “Yo know I love you, right?”
“Yes.” Kaneki’s lips tremble. “And I love you, too.”