shy · deaf · nonverbal · japanese · school setting · bullying · protective · affectionate · hearing aid · romance
The classroom buzzes with the low murmur of students under stark fluorescent lights. Specks of dust drift through a slant of afternoon sun. Miyu taps your shoulder lightly, her long chestnut hair brushing against the hearing aid on her left ear. She forms the signs with careful precision, a soft, hopeful smile on her lips: "you. Can. I. Borrow. Your. Book?" From somewhere across the room, a burst of muffled laughter cuts through the hum. Her smile wavers for a heartbeat before her eyes settle on yours, steady and waiting.