10 minutes passed
Kurou was currently holding Mikane who was still unconscious. He covered her body using his clothes since he just can't seem to find hers. He felt cold and dizzy but he kept gritting his teeth. The pain in his abdomen kept getting stronger. He felt something warm dripping. Everytime it drips he grows weaker.
Kurou's eyes were getting heavier. At that moment he finally saw the road just outside the forest.
Kurou:
[We're...almost...there...]
Suddenly his knees met the ground.
Kurou:
(Huh? What happened? I thought I was walking...)
Kurou tried to stand up but he was too weak. His arms started getting heavier. He decided to lay down Mikane on the ground. He held his wound as he dragged his body out of the woods.
Kurou:
[...help]
The pain only grew stronger but he still dragged himself. As he was about to reach the end, he felt numb all over his body. His eyes slowly starts to close
...
*Flashback*
Kurou (12 years old):
[I shot it!]
Kaneki:
[Nice! Now we wait for it to bleed out. That way we can also follow it's tracks]
Kurou:
[...but that means the animal will suffer before he dies...]
Kaneki:
[...you know, being a hunter means disregarding any remorse you feel when killing an animal. It's just how it works. It doesn't really feel good but you'll eventually get used to it]
*End of Flashback*
Kurou suddenly opened his eyes then he shouted. He kept on shouting as loud as he can. He didn't shout help, he just let out his voice. Like what his grandfather did to protect his grandmother, He just shouted.
Few seconds later, a group of patrolling police men found him. They instantly put pressure on the wounds and tried their best to wake him up. Kurou slowly pointed towards the woods and they saw Mikane.
Afterwards, when he knew that Mikane was safe he lets his eyes close.
Moments later
Kurou was once again, floating in a dark place. This time it was a bit warm. He then saw Ena looking straight at him.
Ena:
[I don't like you]
Kurou:
(...I know)
Ena:
[You don't deserve me]
Kurou:
(...hahahaha)
Kurou kept laughing
Ena:
[Looks like you've gone mad]
Kurou:
(I know, right? )
Ena:
[You're crazy]
Kurou:
(Ahem, maybe I am. I mean now I realize that this is just a dream and you're just an illusion in my head. I also know for a fact that Ena was not that cold to me when she rejected me. Believe me I know since I got rejected by her so many times. You're not real)
Ena:
[...what if I am real?]
Kurou:
(Oh, don't worry about that. I...)
I no longer feel anything, anyways.
Ena:
[...hmph, suit yourself]
Ena suddenly disappeared from the darkness. Kurou was left floating all alone.
Kurou:
[...being alone doesn't feel bad after all]
Suddenly he woke up. He doesn't remember being in a room when he fell unconscious. There was a faint scent of medicine in the air and he could hear the monitor beeping right beside him. Kurou felt something soft in his hand. As he turned to look, he saw Mikane sleeping on a chair while holding his hand. Kurou noticed a bandage on her forehead and the wounds she has on her arm.
Kurou:
[I'm really glad your safe...]
At that moment, Mikane woke up and the two stared at each other for a moment.
Kurou:
(This might be the only time I see her face. She always kept looking down but now that I'm looking at her directly, without a doubt, she's really beautiful. With long, flowing black hair that cascades behind her back. If only I first noticed her skin when she removed her jacket before, it is exceptionally pale, giving her an ethereal quality. Her lips are a striking shade of red, almost crimson. Her eyes are a brilliant shade of blue which seems to hold a sense of innocence, giving her an enchanting and captivating gaze.)
[Good morning]
Kurou smiled
Suddenly, Mikane started to tear up. She held Kurou's hands with both of hers, shaking in happiness. She then looked down. Kurou noticed that she was trying to say something.
"Thank goodness... you're alright... I'm so glad"
Mikane kept looking down, repeating those lines.
Kurou:
[...Don't worry, I'm alright. I'm also glad that you're okay.]
Suddenly, Mikane hugged Kurou and started crying. Kurou can feel her warm body. She was shaking so much. Kurou started patting her head.
Kurou:
[... I'm really glad you're alright]
Minutes passed. Silence filled the room.
At that moment his grandparents came.
Masuyo:
[Oh thank goodness you're alright!!!]
Masuyo then hugged Kurou
Kaneki didn't utter a word and just held Kurou's head.
Later that night. Kurou was alone with his grandfather.
Kaneki:
[... Does it still hurt?]
Kurou:
[Just slightly but not that much...]
Kaneki:
[That's good... how are you feeling?]
Kaneki looked at him straight in the eyes. Kurou understood what he meant.
Kurou:
[...To be honest, I felt nothing... It felt like I was hunting a wild animal... I know I should be feeling shocked by now... but I'm not]
Kaneki:
[...is that so]
Kurou:
[It's... it's weird right?]
Kaneki took a deep breath then he stood up.
Kaneki:
[Get some rest. You'll need it tomorrow]
Kurou:
[...Grandpa, I wanna ask you something...]
Kaneki:
[Sure, what is it kiddo?]
Kaneki suddenly got shocked by what Kurou said.
Kaneki:
[Kurou... are you sure?]
Kurou:
[I... I just wanted to prepare... I don't want to get into that situation again. I felt weak...]
(Well I've been weak my entire life...)
[...I wanna stand up for myself...]
Kaneki went silent for a few seconds.
Kaneki:
[...Full recovery. After you get a full recovery I'll take you somewhere.]
Kurou didn't utter a word but just nodded his head.
Days passed and Kurou managed to recover enough strength. After going home to his grandparents' house. Kaneki suddenly looked at Kurou with dead eyes as he spoke in seriousness.
Kaneki:
[... follow me]
Kurou followed.
Masuyo ignored it and just let the two walk out into the woods.
Weeks later and Summer break was about to end. Back at the city, Ena and her friends were out trying to enjoy the last days of their vacation.
Hana:
[School's about to start huh. Dang it, I didn't even finish my homework...Ena, Fuyuki...]
Fuyuki:
[You're so hopeless. I'll give you mine tomorrow.]
Hana:
[Yes!!! I love you Fuyu chan-]
Fuyuki:
[In exchange, you owe me a meal.]
Hana:
[F-fine...Ena? What's wrong? You've been so silent all this time]
Ena:
[Huh? Ah, yeah...]
Hana:
[Is it about him again? Just forget him, he already- OUCH!!! FUYUKI!?]
Fuyuki:
[That's enough, Hana. Just talk to him, Ena. I'm sure it's all a misunderstanding]
(I'm sure it is)
Ena:
[Do you think he'll talk to me? After what I did?]
Fuyuki:
[I'm sure he will. That guy has been crushing on you since middle school. I'm 100% sure that he'll talk to you]
Ena:
[But what am I going to say? What if I say something rude again? What if he hates me now because of what I did?]
Fuyuki:
[Ena! Calm down.]
Fuyuki held Ena's hand.
Fuyuki:
[Just talk to him. Be honest and I'm sure he'll understand.]
Ena:
[...okay]