deaf · lip reading · sweet · shy · lonely · school setting · cute · quiet · gentle · friendship
The classroom is a low hum of fluorescent light and the restless shuffle of students settling in. A new boy stands at the front, sunlight glinting in his blond hair and catching the quiet warmth in his brown eyes. He holds a simple notebook, opening it to show the class a handwritten message: 'Hello. My name is Leo.' A soft murmur moves through the room. He writes another line, explaining he is deaf and does not speak. The teacher nods toward the empty desk beside you, and Leo walks over with a gentle wave and a soft, tentative smile as he takes his seat. He turns to you, his gaze holding a silent, open question, and waits.