Chapter Text
So much had happened in the last year it amazed Hide that they had managed to survive it all. After the whole search and rescue to get Kaneki out of that extremely dangerous, albeit very gross, kagune mass, it was hard getting used to just how calm things could be. If you asked Hide what his daily schedule was, the majority of it would be to worry about his best friend. That part has stayed pretty much the same, despite how others have changed so drastically.
One of the positives was his relationship with his best friend. It was pretty clear to literally all of their mutual friends that Hide felt feelings for Kaneki that reached beyond being strictly platonic. He'd known too for quite a long time actually, ever since they were children he's practically been doomed to have strong feelings for the other. You could blame the universe for this one. (Not that he would, Hide would most likely still love him, with or without the universe's help) even if his feelings were never returned in the same way he didn't mind– just having the other alive is a miracle on its own.
But still.
Hide couldn't stop the fondness from rushing into his chest or the warmth in his heart whenever his eyes landed on the other man. It's on days like this when the ache in his chest truly felt all too heavy to bear. Days when they spend time alone, just like they did years ago when things were simple and easy. Those days were taken for granted, he always knew that Kaneki would always be by his side. Naturally, with the years in between that they spent apart, that feeling has faded. Every moment Hide spends with Kaneki could always be their last.
But he couldn't spend all his time worrying about the future and dwelling on the past! Time was of the essence and he's already running late for his meet up with Kaneki. They barely had time to spend with each other with just how busy they both were. A quick glance at his wrist watch told him he was already cutting it pretty close. The two of them had agreed on meeting up at around 11:00 and he wanted to be as early as humanly possible. He'd been too late before–the least he could do is show up on time. Not that he had time to dwell on the past.
He spared his watch on more glance just to make sure he had enough time before swiftly grabbing his keys from the counter and rushing out the door. The place that they mutually agreed on was fortunately only a 20 minute walk away which would only make him 5 or so minutes late. But this was Kaneki he was talking about! It's not like he was going to hang out with just anyone. Maybe if he ran the whole way through it'd maybe, possibly, hopefully make a difference, but even if he was tardy he couldn't just stand up his friend. Showing up late would be better than not going entirely.
With hands as clumsy as his, of course it took him more time than necessary to lock the door. ‘Stupid keys, always slowing me down.’ When he turned around to face away from the door, a sharp breeze hit him square in the face. He let out a yelp as he quickly brought his hands up to protect his face from the strong burst of wind. Seconds later when the strong breeze, if you could even call it that, subsided and he wasted no time in grabbing his fallen keys from the ground. Hide had forgotten just how low the temperature was able to go in the winter months. The memory of Kaneki warning him about it popped into his head. Maybe it was time he took his advice to heart. It was certainly backfiring on him for not following the others advice. The simple hoodie and shorts he threw on earlier wouldn't cut it.
There wasn't enough time to change his entire outfit without wasting even more time, but he could spare a few moments to grab some random jacket from the closet closest to the entrance. “Damn it, can't believe I forgot my jacket...” He grumbled. “Just another inconvenience slowing me down, geez I really need to get it together.” Even more time had already been wasted. Today was definitely not his best.
Hide stumbled down the flight of stairs of the apartment building while simultaneously attempting to wrestle the jacket on. He looked down at the watch, noting that he was now at least 10 minutes late. There's also no chance of Kaneki being late either, a habit that he had developed a number of years ago, he couldn't remember. After rounding a few corners and narrowly avoiding bumping into other people on the sidewalk , the location was finally in view. Hide sped up his pace and wasted no time in entering the establishment, causing the bell above his head to make a small jingle sound.
The place held a very warm and comfortable air within itself; Hide could already feel himself start to relax, bit by bit. A quick once over of the place confirmed the presence of Kaneki. He was already seated in a booth situated in the back side of the Cafe, and to absolutely no one's surprise, neck deep into a book with far too many pages to plausibly worry about.
He walked over quickly, taking his seat across from the other. Kaneki jumped when Hide took his seat, half startled to death.
“Hide! You're finally here. I've been waiting ages.” He placed the book on the side of their table. “ I almost thought you'd forgotten to set an alarm or something.” Thankfully his tone held no malice. Of course he found this amusing.
Hide rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “ I swear that's not the case! One thing led to another and sure, maybe my alarm did forget to set itself, but at least I'm here right?”Hide said, not sounding very sure of himself. Kaneki didn't look very convinced but he shrugged it off. ”Whatever you say Hide, I'm sure your alarm will remember next time.” Hide couldn't help but laugh. He's glad Kaneki wasn't upset with him.
Kaneki sipped from his presumable cup of coffee before looking down at the menu in front of Hide.” So are you gonna order anything or did your stomach forget to inform you about that too?”
“Hey, I'm capable of telling myself when I'm hungry, quit your teasing. Hide picked the piece of paper with a grumble. It's not like he was starving, so it'd be best to go for something small. After he decided what we wanted he waved down one of the waitresses and told her his order of just one blueberry muffin.
While they waited for his order the two of them took the time to simply catch up with one another. It'd been too long since they could just sit and talk to each other about mindless and random things. It reminded him of their days at Kami when they would finish the day off at some cozy cafe. Once his food arrived a comfortable silence fell over them. Fortunately he made the right choice in ordering the muffin, his sweet tooth was greatly satisfied!
As he shoved the muffin into his mouth, surely making a mess, his thoughts drifted back to his earlier predicament. The said predicament just happened to be sitting face to face with him in real time. Hide was still contemplating whether or not this was a good thing or not. While he clearly understood and accepted his feelings for Kaneki he still had no idea how the other would react.
Scratch that, he knew exactly how he'd react.
‘He'd probably try to be extra nice about it….’ He thought dimly. Hide knew the thought of actually confessing wasn't very smart, he'd spent enough years silently pining after Kaneki, what was another lifetime compared to it? He sighed woefully at the thought, probably for the millionth time or so just this week.
Across the table Kaneki didn't miss his change in demeanor.”I know it's been a while and that we should keep our conversation lighthearted, but you've been kind of down lately and I'm worried about you.” He turned his gaze away, avoiding eye contact. “What's gotten you so distracted?”
‘Ugh kill me now.’ He needs to get his act together immediately. If it was bad enough for Kaneki to notice he clearly needed an outlet for these feelings. One that wouldn't reveal anything too close to the truth. He let out another sigh as he rested his cheek on the back side of his hand. “ It's nothing really I promise, it's just that I've been thinking reaaaalllyy hard about something and I honestly don't know what to do about it.”
Kaneki shot him a puzzled look. “Well what's been on your mind?” The other asked curiously. That question was obvious from a mile away but he still didn't have anything reasonable to say. “It's nothing really, I promise! I've just been ti–
‘BRRRING!’
Before he could finish his rather poor excuse he was saved by Kaneki's phone going off. What a crazy coincidence! He watched as Kaneki quickly snatched the phone from the bookbag before successfully answering it. From the sound of it the person had urgent news. Hide noted the way Kaneki's eyes drew together. Boom! His lively look of ease disappeared just like that. It was disappointing; Kaneki wasn't one to relax often so when it did happen it was important to keep it that way. Unfortunately he could do anything this time.
Although he was bummed out about Kaneki's down turned expression he was secretly glad that it got him out of having to tell some poor excuse to him. Not that he'd believe it, he knows for a fact that Kaneki would keep poking until he got the truth. A minute or so later he ended the call and placed the phone down. He looked tired for the most part.
“Hide, I'm really sorry, but I'm needed at TSC, something really urgent came up…” His tone was clearly apologetic..
Hide simply brushed off the apology,” Don't worry about it man, duty calls. I can't keep the people's king all to myself.” He smiled bashfully while keeping the relief out of his voice. Kaneki's face changed from apologetic to exasperated.
“Ha ha, very funny Hide. As your king I suppose it'd be gracious of me to pay for your meal as well?" He was already pulling out a few bills from his wallet that was stashed away a second ago. Hide tapped his chin playfully, pretending to decide whether or not to accept. Naturally after so many years of knowing him Hide knew he wouldn't take no for an answer, it was best to just accept . He let Kaneki drop the money onto the table. “Well I suppose I'll just have to take the money, oh faithful King.” He teased back easily.
Kaneki let out a sigh of his own, still without any real malice behind it. He hastily stuffed the wallet into his bookbag, double checking that he had everything. When he was sure he had everything he stood from his seat.
‘I promise I'll make it up to you one of these days Hide, I really do.” Those words meant a lot to Hide. More than Kaneki would ever realize. “ Don't worry about me, I'll be fine without you! Besides you've left me with so much money I don't have any idea what to do with it! He cheered, staring at the crumpled up 20 collar bill in front of him. The other mumbled quietly under his breath, “Yeah, yeah, be grateful I even gave you anything.”
And just like that, he was already walking away. It seems like this is happening to Hide more often than not. He waved at his friend's retreating back, not having anything better to do. It'd be better to go home and wallow about his feelings rather than do it in a public setting. He used the money to pay for his food and swiftly left the Cafe feeling somewhat lost.
He always had other opportunities to say something about it so nothing to worry about!
Probably.