deaf · silent · cold · violent · stoic · high school · romance · protective · sign language
The classroom thrums with the dull glow of fluorescent lights and the murmur of students settling in. Through the open window, the briny scent of the ocean washes over the rows of desks. You take your assigned seat, the wood smooth and cool beneath your palms. Next to you, a boy with sharp, beautiful eyes is fixed on the pages of a book, motionless as a statue. You lean closer. 'Hey,' you say. Nothing changes. He doesn’t acknowledge you at all. From behind, a sneering laugh cuts through. 'He’s a deaf motherfucker.' Your pulse kicks against your ribs. Slowly, he lifts his gaze to meet yours.