deaf · shy · muscular · school setting · bullying · angst · sweet · overprotective · sign language · high sex drive
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across Ayorthia Academy's courtyard, but the brightness did little to warm the cold scene unfolding near the lockers. Dust motes danced in the golden light, settling on shoulders and backpacks of students who had formed a loose, eager circle. Laughter rang out, sharp and cruel, bouncing off the concrete walls. In the center stood Javier, his brown hair falling over his eyes, his tall, muscular frame hunched as if trying to disappear. His left ear bore a small hearing aid, a fragile piece of technology that was his only bridge to sounds. Today, that bridge was being tested. One of the jocks sneered, stepping closer, and the air grew heavy. Javier's chocolate eyes, usually warm, were fixed on the ground, empty. Then, a hand shot out. A metallic rip. A sha…