For a while, things felt perfect.
Kaito and Ayumi had settled into a quiet rhythm — passing notes between classes, exchanging late-night texts, and sneaking small smiles that seemed to say I see you.
But perfection doesn't last forever.
---
"You two are seriously dating?"
Kaito looked up from his bento, startled by his classmate's voice.
"Yeah," he said with a small smile. "We are."
"Oh... wow," the guy muttered, exchanging glances with his friend. "Didn't think you'd go for someone like her."
Kaito's smile faded. "What's that supposed to mean?"
The classmate gave an awkward shrug. "I mean... she's, y'know... deaf. Must be exhausting trying to talk to her all the time."
Kaito's fingers tightened around his chopsticks.
"You're wrong," he said firmly.
But long after lunch ended, the words wouldn't leave his head.
---
Meanwhile, Ayumi faced her own battles.
"Wait, he's dating you?"
Ayumi's classmate, Asuka, barely masked her surprise.
"Yeah," Ayumi signed with a smile.
"That's... cool," Asuka said, but her expression faltered. "I mean... don't get me wrong, Kaito's super nice! It's just... I didn't think he'd be interested in... well..."
Ayumi's smile thinned.
In someone like me.
She knew what Asuka meant — and she hated that she understood it so well.
---
For weeks, whispers followed them.
"Did you hear? He's dating that deaf girl."
"Maybe he just feels bad for her."
"She's cute, but can you imagine dating someone who can't even talk to you?"
The comments didn't stop Kaito from smiling at her in the hallway or reaching for her hand when no one was looking — but Ayumi couldn't stop thinking about them.
---
It was worse when they went out together.
Waiters would glance at Kaito for her order. Strangers would point and whisper when Ayumi signed something.
Once, an elderly woman even approached them, her smile patronizing.
"It's so sweet that you're taking care of her," the woman told Kaito.
"I'm not 'taking care' of her," Kaito snapped. "She's my girlfriend."
The woman just smiled pityingly and walked away.
---
One evening, Ayumi stood in front of her mirror, brushing her hair back from her face.
Maybe if I just... blend in more...
She tried styling her hair to hide her hearing aids, but it didn't feel right.
She tried wearing quieter clothes — nothing that would draw attention — but she felt like a shadow of herself.
No matter what she did, her identity felt like a spotlight she couldn't turn off.
---
"You okay?" Kaito asked one afternoon as they walked home.
Ayumi forced a smile. I'm fine.
"You sure?" He reached for her hand, but she stepped away.
"I just..." Ayumi's hands faltered mid-sign. I need some space.
Kaito frowned. "Did... did I do something?"
No, Ayumi signed quickly. I just... I'm tired.
The smile she gave him was small and forced — and Kaito knew it wasn't real.
---
That night, Emi cornered Kaito in the library.
"You look like someone stole your lunch money," she said, sliding into the seat across from him.
"I think... I'm losing her," Kaito muttered.
"What?"
"She's been... distant." Kaito rubbed his hands together, anxious. "I think people's comments are getting to her."
Emi's expression softened. "Yeah... I've seen it too."
Kaito looked down. "What if... what if I'm making things worse? What if she's better off without me?"
"Don't be an idiot," Emi said flatly. "Ayumi's crazy about you."
"But I don't know how to fix this," Kaito said.
Emi leaned closer. "Then stop trying to fix it. Just be there."
---
The next day, Kaito found Ayumi sitting alone on the rooftop. She was staring at her camera, but the lens cap was still on.
"Hey," Kaito said quietly.
Ayumi looked up, startled.
"I know you wanted space," he added, "but... can we talk?"
Ayumi didn't answer right away. Eventually, she sighed and nodded.
Kaito sat beside her, nervous.
"I get it," he said finally. "People keep acting like... like I'm dating you because I feel sorry for you."
Ayumi looked away.
"I don't." Kaito's voice shook. "I'm with you because... because I like you. Because you're funny, and smart, and the way you look at the world... I don't know. You make me want to see things the way you do."
Ayumi's hands clenched in her lap.
I know you mean that, she signed slowly. But it's hard... when everyone else doesn't see me. They only see... my deafness.
"I know," Kaito said softly.
For a moment, they sat in silence.
Then, slowly, Kaito reached for her hand.
"You know what?" he said. "Let them stare. Let them whisper."
Ayumi turned toward him.
"I don't care what anyone says," Kaito continued. "I'm proud to be with you. And I'll tell anyone who asks."
He paused, then smiled wryly. "I might need to learn the sign for 'mind your own business.'"
Ayumi surprised him with a laugh — a soft, warm sound that made Kaito's chest ache in the best way.
You're ridiculous, she signed.
"But I'm your ridiculous," he said.
This time, when Kaito reached for her hand, Ayumi didn't pull away.
---
The next day, when they walked into school together, Kaito held Ayumi's hand proudly.
When classmates whispered, he didn't let go.
When Ayumi's hearing aids caught someone's attention, she kept her head high.
And when someone asked, "Are you really dating her?" — Kaito just smiled.
"Yeah," he said. "I am."
---
To Be Continue