*[He could nearly see it in Kaneki's face. The way he stared, his eyes going wide; he could almost hear his thoughts snapping and crackling just under the surface. 'All this time you knew'.

Kaneki... really hadn't caught on at all. He had no idea. He really had no idea...]

Why didn't I say so? [His hand moves to rest on Kaneki's shoulder, his thumb pressing gently just up against the side of his neck. The hold is firm, but loose enough to be brushed off if the other doesn't react well to it.] I gave you more than enough hints, man.

Bringing up ghouls after class, showing off the books I bought... I was hoping you'd catch on and open up to me yourself. But... I guess it was really hard for you.

Or that you were protecting me from your ghoul buddies. Whichever it was... you were trying to keep me safe. Even if it was from yourself, right?