Humans. Flesh. Food. Humans. Flesh. Food. Humans. Flesh. Food.

It was all around me as I walked along the Tokyo sidewalk. The sweet scent of a human meat roamed in the air. They walked hand in hand with their children or other with smiles on their faces. So oblivious and so naive but...so delicious and yet I controlled myself. That is what being a ghoul meant to me. I, unlike other ghouls, understood that. Once I buried temptation and lust, it all became a little bit easier.

The chilly air swept through my legs causing me to shiver a bit. I brought my book bag closer to my side.

The door to Anteiku stood in front of me and I lightly opened it hearing a bell cling as I walked in. The clacking of my boots bounced off the polished floors. I unbuttoned my maroon cardigan and let out a sigh.

I looked around me. The coffee shop was half full. People conversed lightly and they all were seated in the hardwood tables.

I plastered on a warm smile and looked for the table with a bright yellow jacket on a chair.

"Hey! Alice!" Came the cheerful voice of Hide.

I looked in the direction his voice came from and located their table. He waved his hands in the air and motioned for me to come to their table.

I giggled and made my way over to them.

The scent of ghouls filled my nostrils. I cast my eyes in the direction of the smell and caught the glance of a girl about my age with short blue like hair. Then to all the other waiters. It must be a shop ran by ghouls. I didn't really pay much attention to that though. I know there's a lot of ghouls in hiding out there who are trying their best to blend in. Me for example. Not to brag but I do a good job at it. No one I know has ever suspected a thing. I think even ghouls think I'm human.

Whatever.

"Okay so Alice, you're the girl here. Kaneki thinks an ideal first date is a trip to the bookstore! What would you say if a guy asked out and took you to one?" Hide questioned with his usual happy tone. That was one thing I had always liked about him. His optimism which kept me glad to be alive to hear him.

I sat down on the chair saved for me and dropped my bookbag to the floor. It landed with a thud.

"That sounds like fun actually." I responded truthfully. Books, date, him buying? Sign me up.

"What?! Cmon Alice." Hide laughed.

"See? Some girls like that sort of thing." Kaneki defended with a blush glowing from his cheeks.

"That doesn't count. You know Alice is a bookworm too." Hide said with a fake frown.

We all shared a laugh. Hide wore a huge grin while Kaneki shut his eyes and chuckled. I smiled at them.

"Alice we bought you a drink if you don't mind. I mean it is about your usual lunch hour right?" Kaneki informed gesturing to the mug next to my hand.

I looked down to the cup on the table. It had a brown liquid with a white design on the top of a flower. It looked like the most disgusting thing on the planet. It smelled kinda gross too. Like a rotten can of tuna. It was hot chocolate. Disgusting.

I looked up and saw Kaneki and Hide both starring at me. Then I realized they had the same drink.

"Kaneki chose the flower. He said you'd like it best but I think the cat would have been better." Hide commented.

I smiled.

"Thanks. It looks and smells delicious." I lied. I brought the cup up to my mouth.

"Wait! Before you drink anything, I wanted to make a toast." Hide interrupted.

A toast? To what?

They both picked up their cups and held them in mid air. I, still confused, did the same.

Hide cleared his throat "You people are the best people I've ever met,"

He glanced at Kaneki and I before continuing.

"So here it is. To friendship." He finished.

"To friendship." Kaneki and I repeated.

We clinked our cups and drank up. I kept the cup at my lips not wanting to even think about drinking any. I know they've already paid for it and all and I find that very considerate but...ah what the hell. I opened my mouth and let the warm liquid slide through my throat. Oh my god. It tasted like diesel. Like a rotten fish that's been on a Texas floor for two years. I tried my best not to gag. My eyes became a little watery as more and more poured down my esophagus like a waterfall. It was truly one of the most horrible experiences of the year so far. How can anyone drink this stuff. It was foul and terrible. But even through it all, I somehow managed to keep a smile.

"Man that was so good." Hide squealed in delight.

"Mine was kinda cold. Alice you should've came earlier." Kaneki sighed.

"Sorry. I wanted to finish my homework before I went back home." I responded. I did not want to have another all nighter.

"Alice don't stress yourself. You know I'll always help you out if you ever need anything." Kaneki reminded with a sweet tone. I smiled in response.

"Ooooooohh." Hide began with a sly smirk.

"Alice and Kaneki sitting in a tree," he began singing in a childish voice.

We both erupted into a huge blush. "H-Hey it's not like that at all!" Kaneki defended.

I just laughed. This was the kind of friendship I strived for. These were my people. They kept me happy.

Hide still sung in the background while Kaneki argued through his singing.

I smiled. These two were my best friends. They kept me happy. Our friendship convinced me that their could be peace between humans and ghouls but that's probably just me. I don't like thinking negative thoughts so that probably explains it. Besides that though, I have encountered those who don't believe humans and ghouls could live in peace. The CCG just to name one. Their actions are inexcusable. It almost makes me want to kill all of them but I restrain myself from that.

The TV volume became higher. I looked up to see it was a news channel.

"...Investigators have confirmed that the Black Raven who is deemed the most powerful ghoul in existence, has attacked the 20th ward once again. A total of 13 dead bodies were found with his signature vertical cut. The CCG are still on the look out and doing their best to predict his next move. We have Dianna live on the scene. Dianna back to you..." The anchor spoke in an informational voice.

The blue haired girl tsked while others at the coffee shop broke into discussion about the recent occurrence.

"That's pretty close." Hide commented still looking up at the TV.

"Yeah. The Black Raven has been pretty active lately." Kaneki added.

"Legend has it that the Black Raven has a kagune with eight long spikes!" Hide said excitedly.

"Eight? That seems a bit excessive..." I responded feeling my palms begin to sweat.

"Are you kidding? The Black Raven is a killing machine!" Hide retorted.

Here he goes again. Quoting those books he's been reading.

"He sounds scary. I wouldn't want to tangle with him any day." Kaneki said. He took a sip of his coffee.

"I guess so." I replied.

My gaze lowered. This felt so awkward. Not just that they assume the Black Raven is a boy but the fact that I feel a bit powerful that the name causes fear. I see all the humans in the shop suddenly become terrified at the sound of my alias. Only no one knows about that. No one except a sorta trusted friend I've known for a bit. I can say we're only friends because we're part of the CCG's most wanted list. Anyway, I created the Black Raven 2 years ago. I remember that day clearly because it was also the first day I had ever used my kagune. It was bigger than I expected which at first scared me but later became my terror weapon. At first I had just used it to catch my monthly pray but then I noticed if I put all the eight arms together, it made the form of a raven. After that, I purchased a mask to match my new alias. I developed my form of cutting just to get the good stuff better not necessarily to make a signature cut or anything. After a few weeks, I massacred a group of investigators leaving one survivor. From then on, the Black Raven reached the publics eye. Somehow I was labeled 'The most powerful ghoul in existence'. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it. So I decided to go along with it. I began wearing dark baggy clothes to become unrecognizable and it surprisingly worked. I cut my hair short so it wouldn't flow around while I'm fighting. The rule is to also never talk while I'm in disguise. Since then, I've overheard gang leaders and many ghoul terrorist groups saying they're searching for me. They want me to join them or whatever but I honestly work better alone. Just like Superman.

I slumped in my chair feeling exhausted from all the work I had to do in class. Kimii University was harder than I expected but I had Kaneki and Hide to keep me company. Not to mention their help.

"So,so,so!" Hide said raising an eyebrow at Kaneki.

"Who is she? The cute girl you mentioned?" He asked in a cheeky tone.

My ears perked up. Cute girl huh?

Kaneki began blushing again.

"A cute girl? Who is it?" I asked knowing he'd blush even harder.

Hide's smile suddenly dropped. His mouth turned into a perfect 'O' before laughing again.

"It's her right?!" He asked gesturing to the blue haired waitress. She was attending the table across from us.

Something inside me felt uneasy. I like that Kaneki is crushing on someone but not a ghoul. Anything but that.

"No it isn't." Kaneki replied.

Oh thank god. A wave of relief washed over my body. He's safe then.

"She's cute too but-" He began before Hide cut him off.

"Excuse me!" He called over to the waitress. She turned around and began walking to our table.

I looked over to see a smiling Hide and a madly blushing Kaneki. I tucked a hair behind my ear.

"One cappuccino please. And for you guys?" Hide motioned with a victory smile.

"I'm not done with this yet." I responded lightly.

"And also, what's your name?" Hide questioned causing the waitress to stop writing on her pad.

"Hide!" Kaneki called. I laughed at how adorable this scene played out. Inside, my stomach knotted knowing they were conversing with a ghoul. Very hypocritical of me, I know but I knew I know how to control myself.

"It's Kirishima Touka." She responded shyly.

At this point, Hide had stood up and nearly knocked Touka off the floor. What was even worse was his next question.

"Miss Touka! Are you seeing anyone?!"

A noticeable blush was painted over her cheeks. She was obviously startled and taken back by the question. Touka looked to her side nervously before speed walking away from the situation. I don't blame her. Hide can be a little over the top sometimes.

"Stop that you idiot!" Kaneki said, standing up as well. His glare followed the waitress almost wishing to say 'sorry'.

"She's a shy girl. Be careful with her Kaneki." I playfully teased knowing what type of answer I'd get.

Hide laughed. "Alice!" Kaneki called. I chuckled lightly watching Kaneki get mad. He was so cute I couldn't take him seriously. He defiantly does not look 19. With his big eyes and somewhat baby face, he looked at least 15. Even Hide had to agree with me which was a win on my part.

"If I get kicked out of here, then what do I do? This shop is the one place where she and I both-" Kaneki paused midway starring at something.

The ring of the bell signifying a customer has arrived filled our ears. A young woman walked in. My eyes widened. That violet hair was unmistakable. That fake angelic smile was very familiar. I felt my stomach knot. No. This can't be who Kaneki is interested in. No. I won't accept this. A spark of panic formed in me. Kaneki can't seriously fall for Rize Kamishiro. I could name a million reasons why this is wrong.

"She's the one." Kaneki informed, starring at her in awe as she walked in. I followed the sound of her blue heels clacking on the floor.

I stood up quickly. She paused in her steps and glanced at me. She kept that fake smile and snickered. I couldn't help but notice the waitress Touka stare at her too. It's crazy that we both know what she is. Yet since we're in hiding, we can't say anything. Rize continued to strut to an empty table and sat down. She put a book in front of her and began reading silently. What bothered me most was that Kaneki kept a loves truck glare on her the entire time.

Hide sat down. "Give it up. You and her would be beauty and whatever." Hide commented crossing his arms.

I turned to him. He shook his head in disapproval. I agree Hide.

"The beast!" Kaneki corrected, sitting back down.

"Kaneki are you sure she's right? She seems a bit off..." I commented on Rize.

His breath hitched. I got no response which was a bit odd. My two friends looked at each other and then I realized what I had just said sounded like. It sounded a lot like-

"Alice...are you jealous?" Hide asked cheekily.

Kaneki's looked away from me.

My face felt hot. "What? No. Of course not! I'm just saying that she seems a bit-"

"Yeah whatever you say!" Hide interrupted. He laughed making me feel even more embarrassed.

Damn. I put my hands in my face to hide the noticeable blush. It was glowing all through out my face making it heat up.

What would I do without these two?

I leaned on the wall of the alley letting the shade cast over my body. The other side of the alley held many dumpsters that reeked of filth which made waiting here all the more terrible.

I shut my eyes. Mmmh. Never trust an unreliable person. They'll just keep you waiting until it becomes convenient for them. Like right now. The woman I'm waiting for has a string of showing up late to meetings we have whether it be morning, afternoon or night.

Clack. Clack. Clack.

Speak of the devil. Here she is.

I turned around only to be greeted with her sinister smile. She held her hands together behind her humming an unknown tune.

I walked towards her keeping a smile on my face. The clacks of our shoes mixed in echoes of the alley walls.

Her humming ceased.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. I was...busy." She greeted wiping human blood of her chin.

Of course. A binge eater has no eating time specified.

"It's fine." I simply replied.

She inched closer to me not taking that grin of her face. Her eyes stayed their normal white but her scent was strong and recognizable. That was her only weakness.

"So what could my lovely little Ali want to do with me?" She asked using her angelic tone. That voice doesn't work on me though as I can easily spot through her lies.

She's taken many young males recently which is what worries me. I know how she handles them and I don't like it one bit. I also hate the fact that she uses such false little compliments on me and flattering adjectives here and there. But whatever.

"You know why I called you here." I respond flatly.

She frowns. "Let's not play the guess game Alice. I'm still hungry." She retorted coldly.

She stiffened.

There was blood splattered all over her dress. It was a gory sight especially since it looked fresh. Another victim was robbed from their life forever in the hands of a ghoul. Worse, a binge eater like this one. This one had no sympathy whatsoever and felt no emotion when killing but joy. That fact truly sickens me. I won't let anyone I'm close to fall into her trap. For if they did and I didn't try all I could, I would never forgive myself.

"Rize," I called a little loudly.

She turned to me with a sharp glare.

I'd be lying if I said her presence didn't intimidate me a tad bit but I wanted to seem tough in front of her. It was a weird feeling I had.

I inhaled before responding. "Stay away from my friends."

Her eyes widened. Her entire body shifted in my direction and all of a sudden, there was tension in the air. The peaceful aroma had disappeared and was replaced with an uneasy feeling.

I hope she took me seriously. I better not get one of her playful responses again because I am so sick of those. I hate how she constantly makes me feel like a little kid.

I maintained a poker face waiting for her response.

She brought her hand up to her mouth and let a giggle escape through her red lips.

Huh? No. this isn't funny to me, Rize. God, just take me serious for once in our 'friendship'.

"Ali...you're so cute when your angry," She began, stepping closer to me.

My heart began beating faster as her freezing hand caressed my cheek. Her skin was smooth but cold as ice. I stupidly just stood there letting her hand comb through my hair. She entangled her fingers making curls and then slipped them through. I, uncomfortably, stepped back only to be pinned to the hard wall by her.

"Besides, what makes you think I'm still after boys?" She muttered in my ear.

I hated that she actually got a blush out of that.

At this point I was freaking out and pushed her off of me. She did that fake sad expression again and stepped back clacking her heels.

"Just keep away from them okay?" I repeated. I didn't like getting angry and yelling so I kept a normal tone despite how disgusted and insulted I felt. Getting mad and going off about a certain subject was a waste of time and unnecessary. So no matter what happened, it was important for me to stay calm even when faced with clowns like Rize. But I wasn't finished just yet. I still had one more thing to tell her before I left.

I walked up next to her so I couldn't see her face. She didn't move.

There were jitters in my stomach. I just hope she doesn't kill me when I tell her this.

I swallowed.

"If either of them end up dead anytime soon," I started.

She tilted her head. I met her eyes and saw the rage and confusion through her violet iris. Her jaw was clenched.

"I won't hesitate to hunt you down...and kill you."

At that very moment, a strong breeze swept through the air swaying our hair forwards only adding more tension to the pot. The only audible sound was our breathing as we just stood there. I think I got her. I hope I got her. I don't think anything scares her but I really hope I shook her a bit. Maybe then she'll start taking me more seriously and stop treating me like a kid. Woah. I can't believe I actually said that to Rize Kamishiro though. I feel super brave.

My thoughts were interrupted by a light girly laugh.

She licked her lips. Her hands were folded behind her back as when she first arrived. She's getting ready to leave but as always, she prefers to have the last word over anyone although I know we settled on a tacit. I mentally braced myself. Who knows what she'll say. Would she threaten me back? Only one way to find out.

Her lips opened.

"I'll see you around, Black Raven."

##

First chapter! Is this good? Should I continue? A review or follow or favorite would be cool :) I'll be getting more into the romance in the upcoming chapters but I first wanted to establish my oc's intentions and such. Thanks for reading!