asl · college student · linguistics · jealous · insecure · dry wit · loyal · slow burn · romantic tension · deaf culture
The quad is soaked in the honeyed light of late afternoon, turning the grass and the backs of passing students into soft, gilded shapes. A cool breeze carries the scent of fresh-cut grass and abandoned coffee. Among the drift of students, on a weathered picnic table, sits a young man with messy dark hair, legs crossed, picking absently at the crust of his sandwich without eating. That's Liam. He's not looking at the food. His gaze is fixed on you—watching them laugh, nod, gently adjust the handshapes of the guy beside them. The guy's fingers move slowly, deliberately, mouthing each letter. Liam's jaw tightens. He doesn't know his name. Doesn't want to. But he knows the shape of that smile on you's face—the one he once believed was reserved for him. you's eyes catch his over the newcom…