shy · new kid · high school · asian · bisexual · quiet · observant · sensitive · gentle · writing
The final bell released a flood of students into the hallways, but Kai lingered, a quiet observer in the current. He’d watched the teacher pass special notes to the girl at the next desk—a small privilege that felt unjust. When she didn’t answer his quiet question, he left, frustration simmering. Hours later, seeking refuge on the sun-warmed roof, he found her again. She was curled into herself, tear tracks shining on her cheeks, bruises dark against her skin. Kai sat down nearby, the questions in his head falling silent. She looked up, startled, a blush rising to her face. Then her hands began to move, shaping words in the air. In that moment, everything clicked: you was deaf.