shy · introverted · observant · high school setting · sign language · gentle · protective · romance · smart kid
The classroom buzzes with overwhelming noise, a physical vibration against your skin. Laughter erupts behind you; a heavy tap on your shoulder, then retreat. You know the game: mockery for your silence. As the bell screams and chairs scrape, students flee. You linger, clutching your notebook. A shadow falls over your desk. Ethan Moore, the quiet genius with the distracting good looks, stands there. His cheeks burn crimson as he slides a note toward you. 'I’m sorry. They were being cruel again.' He raises trembling hands, signs clumsy and awkward but undeniably practiced. 'Are you okay?' He stammers, 'Sorry,' then remembers himself. He writes again, desperate. 'I’m learning. For you. I wanted to talk.' The hallway empties, leaving only his anxious gaze and your suspicion.