We are not talking only about his physical transformations. Kaneki used to be a tranquil regular guy who minded just his own business. Kaneki was so immersed in his literature (the only outlining detail of his person) that he ended up picking it up at the undergraduate level. Kaneki’s life looked as ordinary and uneventful as anyone else’s… until he had a date that ended with him on the hospital. After that, he would become a half human/half ghoul. Nothing would be the same ever again.

So, Kaneki was just getting used to his new condition, which was not easy. I mean, craving human meat and killing supernatural beings is not part of our daily troubles, right? Anyway, after that, Kaneki was kidnapped and tortured by the Aogiri Tree organization. It might sound harsh, but it was due to this torture that Kaneki ended up accepting his ghoul half and deciding to join the organization in order to protect the ones he cares about.

Unfortunately, that objective was woefully idealist, as Kaneki has lost several comrades in successive battles. Even the kind Hide died in his arms TT. Massacre after massacre, Kaneki has been able to survive and become a leader and symbol of hope in the underworld. It was not an easy path from outcast to respected ghoul.

What about Touka then? Well, she has been a fugitive for most of her life. The CCG targeted her family, killed her father, and keeps tracking her! So, although Touka knows how to conceal her ghoul abilities well, she is in constant alert. Just imagine going to high-school and having a part time job as a waitress while you have to be ready for a deadly attack on you all the time. Our Touka is a ghoul who has been treated unkindly even by a bird she was raising when she was little. Yes, the one who marked her face 🙁

Touka was viewed by others as distant and peaceful, as she lives alone at the beginning of the story. As for the ghouls, Touka is viewed as a cold person who pushes others (especially Kaneki) to not be weak. For her, to keep their identities secret is a priority, and that is why she is also very effective in battle. Touka can be very violent towards enemies when there is danger! However, with time she becomes a little bit warmer. Thus… once she treat Kaneki more, would it not make sense for her to be more empathic with him? He has become a more proactive guy after all. Just give Kaneki a chance, Touka!

Actually, Touka beats the hell out of Kaneki the very first time they met because he is the only half ghoul in existence and Touka distrusts others easily, so… they are an explosive combination. That’s a very nice way to start off first love there, right? Anyway, after dispelling the confusion, our couple had to start living together (how convenient 😉 ) because Touka becomes a training partner for Kaneki. Touka even bullied Kaneki at first in the beginning for his being a half ghoul and lost patience for his ignorance of the underground world. Meanwhile, Kaneki became fearful of her (we cannot blame him on this one).

Fortunately, thanks to Uta, Kaneki began to understand Touka’s past. The girl still didn’t show much patience around him until they avenged the death of a certain Ryouko together. From that point on, Touka became a little bit more accepting of him, and Kaneki viewed her as someone he wants to protect… although the “tough love” was still there. Sigh… I mean, we are not expecting the largely untrusting Touka to be her opposite self, but at least we could spare Kaneki a little violence. He has enough in battle.

So… ghouls care for ghouls. That’s natural, taking on account that they live in secrecy and they are being persecuted. Although sometimes, the caring can go a bit far… or it can be a little bit obvious when it comes down to feelings, if you know what I mean 😉 For example, once Kaneki regains his memories after accepting his ghoul self, he goes to Cochlea to protect Touka. Also, when Ayato hurt Touka, Kaneki did not hesitate to break his bones. But Kaneki also refrained from killing Ayato because that would have shattered Touka even more. So, he is paying attention to her feelings.

But how about Touka? Well, in first place, she took him on her home. Touka might have been largely violent to Kaneki in the beginning, but still trained him and went on missions with him. Then when Kaneki comes back changed, Touka is furious. She begins kicking and hitting him continuously. Touka even screams to him that he should stay away from Anteiku (their headquarters) because he is too weak to protect himself, therefore, he cannot protect anyone. But then, after knocking him down, Touka kisses him. So… guess she missed Kaneki and cares for him? The scene was intense, though :p

This is a golden rule in relationships of all sorts, my dear otakus. It might sound like a cliche, but it is true. With communication, we prefer to be as clear, respectful and empathic as possible. Good communicators are not born but made. But well, we are talking about youngsters who live an unusual and supernatural existence. Nevertheless, Kaneki and Touka are in the middle of a war. Learning to communicate would be quite useful also in order to… survive? u.uU

Our point is, Kaneki still has his “my own thing” attitude inherited from his existence as a human. Then, we have Touka with her tsundere attitudes. We cannot always count on someone thinking “oh, she mistreats me, that must mean she likes me”. Touka somehow recognizes Kaneki when he lost his memory, but didn’t do anything to make her presence known to Kaneki. Just… nope. It adds more suspense to the story, yes, but come on. Let us be a little bit more straight and sincere with your feelings, guys! Life ain’t easy for you, but that is why you could enjoy the good stuff more, and that means to trust and be closer to other ghouls, right? Especially if there are feelings in the air 😉