Chapter Five: Escalation
It's been a few days since the moment with Kaneki occurred. Placing my finger against my mouth, I lean against the bed frame, smiling contently also letting out a small sigh. I could still taste his lips against mine. Vanilla and coffee, something enjoyable and sweet. The sensation still made my heart leap out of my chest. Sometimes I wish I could replay the innocence of that kiss all day.
Clicking my pen unconsciously, I heard a groan and cocked my head to the sound. Asami was spread out like a starfish, book over her face as her feet were spread wide over the edge of her bed. She looked deformed which made me giggle. "What's wrong ginger?"
"Oh I don't know. I'm having trouble with literature and here you are daydreaming about a bookworm who hasn't spoken to you since you guys freakin' kissed! Something I was told by Yuki who was 'walking' by when it happened." She threw the book that was draped over her face across the dorm room, pouting. "I'm your friend and you didn't even tell me. Bitchy Yuki told me. That blonde-"
"Look I'm sorry." I say, turning to face her. The grin on my face was still there, never faltering as I spoke to the ginger. "I was just so confused and I'm still not sure it evened happened or what it meant. We've only spoken for a few weeks, a month or two tops, and things escalated this quickly.
"Plus, Kaneki's been through a lot lately. I do not want to add dating life on his plate. Especially with a ghoul like me." Apparently Asami saw things in a different perspective.
'A forbidden love story where a human and a ghoul fall in love and stay in each others arms through struggles and hardships. Through heaven and hell with a passion for each other that no one can extinguish.'
"Cliche but it's something just waiting to be written." Asami said in a rather 'matter-of-fact' tone. She kept on picturing the name of her story, writing it down in her notebook of ideas. It was amusing seeing her go on about it. But at the same time it wasn't. Mixed emotions I guess. Maybe it was because I still had a soft spot for a certain someone in my heart.
Pushing the idea from my head, I let the smile fall and began to continue studying once again. Distractions were good. I'm glad I have one.
~*~
The following day seemed out-of-the-ordinary, and everything felt rushed. Stepping into the classroom a half hour early, I see Kaneki at my desk, tracing the wood surface with his finger. Walking in a bit further, I grunt and gain his attention. Snapping his head towards me, he smiles awkwardly and steps away from where I usually sit.
"I wanted to talk to you." He softly says. The ebony haired male seemed odd and awfully suspicious. The way he touched his chin (which seems like a habit) or the shifting of weight on one leg than another. "It's about the other day, and the kiss."
Ah, that's why he was acting so strange.
"Yeah, what about it?" I try to keep cool and collected. It was nerve-wrecking talking about a picture perfect moment with someone who just saw it as a. . .moment. I sincerely did not want him to ruin it with thinking and his own thoughts on it.
"Well, we've haven't spoken since and," He pauses, eyes drifting away looking a bit lost. "Was it too much? This might sound very desperate but I do like you and the way you're avoiding me in the halls. . .stings." Now his grey eyes wonder up my figure then settles by gazing into my (e/c) colored hues.
"I haven't been avoiding you if that's what you actually think. Just busy with studying and schoolwork." It sounds like an excuse, like I've thought about it and said it so easily as if I practiced these lines a bunch of times. That wasn't the case though. "We can go to Anteiku after my last college class which is at 15:45." I suggest, smiling at him so he gets the message that this wasn't supposed to be awkward.
Kaneki nods, his eyes lighting up and a grand smile forming as he embraces me. It was a gentle hug but his eagerness made it seem as if he had tackled-hug me. Taking in his scent, I wrap my arms around him not wanting to let go. My chin rested in the crook of his neck and I pressed myself closer against him.
This was something I would fawn over for days but I could feel that today in general was already doing me a favor and not fucking up my world like it usually does.
~*~
Holding his hand was making my stomach fill with butterflies. This was unexpected but it sort of just happened. I saw him with Hideyoshi and although I knew more about him than I should (considering I never spoke to him), Kaneki still introduced me; as his date. It sounded flattering coming from him. It was shy and sweet, something that made me warm when he spoke.
He intertwined our fingers and latched on, running his thumb over the back of my hand. Hideyoshi laughed at us, teasing at the similarities we both shared. We left a blushing mess from the college campus, walking a bit quicker than one would normally.
Arriving at the cafe, we entered and took a seat at a table near the window.
"You're here for work early." Glancing up, I see Touka.
She didn't show any sign of knowing me which I was thankful for. Kaneki looked flustered until a look of realization hit him. "(y/n), I work here."
"What a blunt and straightforward way to put it." Touka muttered from the background. I heard it even from afar considering that I'm a ghoul.
I giggled and nudged his feet. "And that's a problem because. . .-"
"It's not! I-I just thought you would be confused since the minute we walked in I was called out for working here." It sounded like this was a big issue but it wasn't. I rolled my eyes teasingly and continued to stare at him, watching as his cheeks turned pink, most likely from embarrassment.
Ordering just drinks, I lie and say that I was just thirsty. He understands, not questioning it. A short few minutes later our drinks is placed in front of us. Taking a sip of the freshly brewed coffee, I savor the taste and swallow the liquid with ease. "This is really good." I comment.
Kaneki agrees and says how everything is brewed by hand; that every waiter or waitress makes their own coffee for their attending customers. "So you make you make your own coffee, Kaneki." I stated more than asked. He looks at me and shakes his head.
"I do but don't serve it." He sheepishly says.
"Is there like a secret menu where I can get it?" I grin slyly. I twirl the spoon next to the coffee cup between my fingers. It was small so it flowed easily. Kaneki avoids my gaze and takes a rather big gulp of the coffee. Placing his hand on his chin, he begins to scratch it.
"You're such a dork. I like that." I say, my grin getting wider.
"J-Just drink your coffee." Kaneki practically engulfs himself in his drink. He continues to look everywhere else but me which was adorable. The way his ears and cheeks tinted in pink was a cute character trait. Smiling into my cup, a hum and enjoy the memory that I'd get from today.
~*~
Exiting the cafe, Kaneki twirls me since he was taller and keeps me steady. Having his arm behind my back, gently wrapping my waist, he uses his freehand to ruffle my hair. I push his hand and arm away but keep close to him.
I kissed Kaneki's cheek and again on his lips. It was starting to feel a bit more natural the second or third time. Odd but familiar. . . I can't really describe it. Caressing his cheek, I smile at him and move a strand of hair away from his face and tuck it behind his ear.
"This might be a little too soon but do you want to crash at my place? I'll give you the key to my apartment." I was a little flattered with the trust he had for me already. I nod and watch as he reached his hand into his pockets to pull out his keys. Handing it to me, he places it in my palm like the key to his house is some type of treasure.
"Golly, you don't have to be so sacred over this." I say teasingly.
He chuckles and brushes it off. "I just really like you and I don't want to screw up and disappoint you."
"There's no way in hell that you ever could. I'm way to fond of you."
He blushes madly before letting his grip loosen. "Do you want me to walk you?"
"No, I can handle myself."
Giving him one long chaste kiss, I leave him to work and enjoy the feeling in the pit of my stomach rousing up as I walk to his little apartment he calls home.
//Updated (8.21.2016) 7:27am//