“Missing Kimi?” Kaneki asks, watching Nishiki furiously draw chemical structures on his notepad.

“Always.” Nishiki doesn’t even look up.

But the king doesn’t leave. He sits beside Nishiki. “Did you ever think we’d be friends? When we first met?” 

“I thought you were an annoying punk-ass.” Nishiki grins.

“And I thought you were everything I hated about ghouls,” Kaneki admits. A blush lands on his cheeks. “I was wrong.”

“So was I. You’re a beautiful punk-ass.” Nishiki cackles.

“You’re hilarious,” Kaneki says dryly.

“I am, aren’t I?” Nishiki slides his chemical notes towards Kaneki. “Want to learn?”

“Always.”

“That’s what gives me hope, you know. That you always want to learn.” Nishiki swallows.

“Really?” Kaneki’s surprised. That’s…so simple.

Nishiki nods. His fingers entwine with Kaneki’s. “You give me hope that anyone can learn.”

“I think of where we began…and I see the same for you,” Kaneki replied.

Nishiki smiles. He leans in close. Their hands tighten. “Guess we need each other after all. So long as I can still call you annoying punk-ass.”