Ken Kaneki recovered with astonishing speed.
After several days of observation and a series of medical examinations arranged by Akihiro Kanou, the attending physician finally smiled and delivered the news:
"Kaneki-kun, congratulations."
"You can be discharged."
…
Outside the entrance of Kanou General Hospital, the afternoon sun shone brightly.
"Hey! Kaneki! Over here!"
The moment Kaneki appeared at the entrance, Hideyoshi Nagachika jumped up and waved enthusiastically.
His grin was wide and full of relief.
Kaneki stepped outside carrying a small duffel bag.
His face was still pale, but compared to the hollow emptiness he showed in the hospital, there was finally a hint of life in his eyes.
He walked toward the two friends waiting for him.
"Kaneki!"
Hide rushed forward immediately.
"Congratulations on getting discharged!"
He clapped Kaneki firmly on the shoulder.
Then he shoved a paper bag into his hands.
"Here! Take it!"
"Your favorite hamburger steak!"
"It's from that new restaurant!"
Kaneki instinctively looked down at the bag.
The warmth of the food still lingered through the paper.
He could almost imagine the rich smell of sizzling meat.
But suddenly—
His stomach twisted violently.
An intense wave of rejection surged through his body.
The food that used to be his favorite now triggered only nausea.
He forced a weak smile.
"Th… thank you, Hide."
"Kaneki."
Ren stepped forward with a faint smile.
"Congratulations on your discharge."
His sharp eyes caught the subtle stiffness in Kaneki's expression the moment he accepted the food.
"Thank you, Ren-nii," Kaneki replied quietly.
The three of them walked together.
Hide talked nonstop.
Stories from university.
Class gossip.
Ridiculous incidents from the past few days.
He clearly tried his best to restore the atmosphere.
Ren occasionally added a comment or two.
But his gaze never stopped quietly observing Kaneki's reactions.
Kaneki listened.
Smiling.
Responding when necessary.
But the strange rejection toward food kept distracting him.
…
Eventually—
They arrived at Kaneki's apartment building.
"Rest well, Kaneki!"
Hide slapped his back cheerfully.
"Come back to Kamii University as soon as you're better!"
"It's lonely attending lectures by myself!"
Kaneki nodded.
"I know."
"I won't keep you waiting too long."
He tried to smile naturally.
He didn't want his best friend worrying anymore.
"Kaneki."
Ren suddenly spoke.
His tone slightly more serious.
"If you feel anything strange with your body…"
"Call me immediately."
"No matter the time."
Kaneki blinked in surprise.
Although the request felt a bit unusual—
He still nodded obediently.
"…Okay."
"I understand."
He turned and entered the apartment building.
The door closed quietly behind him.
Hide's cheerful expression faded slightly.
"…Ren-nii."
"Kaneki…"
"Is he really okay?"
Hide's voice carried obvious concern.
"Something about him feels… different."
Ren did not answer immediately.
His eyes remained fixed on the apartment entrance.
As if he could see through the door.
Finally he spoke quietly.
"Go home and rest, Hide."
"…Kaneki just needs time."
…
After parting ways with Hide and Kaneki—
Ren walked alone down the street.
Inside his mind—
Carnage suddenly spoke.
[What are you thinking about now?]
"I feel like I forgot something…"
He muttered.
Then suddenly—
Hide's earlier words flashed through his mind.
"Come back to university soon!"
His eyes widened slightly.
"…My credits."
[…?]
…
After some hesitation—
Ren pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
The call connected quickly.
"Ren?"
A lazy voice answered.
"You finally came back to life?"
It was Nishio Nishiki.
"Ahem."
"Something came up."
Ren cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Anyway… I forgot to apply for leave."
"Any ideas?"
Nishio laughed dryly.
"You disappeared for days after the semester started."
"And now you remember to call?"
He paused.
"…I already requested leave for you."
Ren froze.
"…Seriously?"
"Good brother."
"I'll treat you to dinner next time."
"Wait."
Nishio's tone suddenly changed.
"You've been working at that café lately, right?"
"You mean Anteiku?"
"Yes."
"I got a job there."
"You should stay away from those people."
"…Why?"
Ren asked innocently.
"I thought the manager and the others were very kind."
Nishio remained silent for a moment.
Then answered coldly.
"…Because you belong to completely different worlds."
The call ended immediately.
Inside his mind—
Carnage spoke curiously.
[What did he mean?]
"He probably still thinks I'm an ordinary human."
Ren replied calmly.
Even so—
Nishio had always cared about him more than he showed.
Carnage chuckled darkly.
[I'm looking forward to the day…]
[He sees our true face.]
…
Back at Anteiku—
Ren returned to his room upstairs.
"System."
"Daily check-in."
A translucent blue interface appeared in front of him.
"Check-in successful."
A cold mechanical voice sounded in his mind.
At the same time—
A long rectangular object materialized in his hand.
He looked down.
And fell silent.
After previously receiving things like a chipped mug and expired instant coffee—
Today's reward was…
A pack of Zhonghua cigarettes.
He stared at it in disbelief.
"I seriously think my first check-in used up all my luck."
Carnage sounded curious.
[What is it?]
"A local specialty from my hometown."
His tone was filled with despair.
Carnage sounded intrigued.
[How does it taste?]
[I want to try it.]
"…No."
"You definitely won't like it."
He immediately shut down that idea.
Carnage grumbled.
[Then what now?]
Ren stretched lazily.
"Let's go buy chocolate."
"For you."
"And afterwards…"
"…maybe find a bar."
Carnage immediately approved.
[Good idea.]
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