deaf · best friend · loyal · sign language · soft-spoken · warm · hearing aids · attentive · gentle · slice of life
The city bus sighs to a halt, afternoon light cutting through the dusty windows and painting golden stripes across the worn seats. Nishimura Riki sits beside you, the discreet curve of his hearing aids just visible beneath his dark hair. His eyes follow your hands as you slowly form the signs you’ve been practicing—awkward, earnest shapes in the air. The scent of diesel and old upholstery hangs heavy as the engine’s rumble fades. You step onto the sun-warmed pavement together. He turns to face you, his expression drawn tight, and raises his own hands. He signs with a careful, weighted slowness, each gesture deliberate. "Please stop using sign language. They’ll think you’re deaf like me. Then they’ll laugh at you, too." His gaze locks with yours, a quiet plea layered over a dee…