"Okay everyone, quiet down and take your seats. Good, now I have an announcement to make. There will be a new student joining us today, so be sure to be welcoming." Our homeroom teacher, Touma Takeuchi-sensei, suddenly came in and presented us with that information.
And right when he finished his words, a little girl with dusty pinkish brown wavy hair in a bob cut came in. Her nervous clear brown eyes scanned the whole room and when she stopped for a second at mine, she hurriedly looked down. I was in shock, well I knew this was coming, but I mean it's Shouko, the angelic girl who kept on forgiving people while bottling up her sadness. And judging by her reaction just now doesn't that mean she's gotten bullied in her other schools…?
What the fuck man, kids these days.
Once she got to the front of the room, Takaeuchi-sensei asked her to introduce herself but the idiot forgot she was deaf, so after a few moments he tapped on her shoulder.
She flinched, but then proceeded to take out a notebook labeled "For conversation." Does that mean she hasn't learned sign lang- Oh she's still a kid, what am I even saying? Or did she stop using it because kids our age don't know sign language? Hmm.
While I was off in my thoughts, I heard her turning some pages before stopping at one and then presenting that page to the class horizontally.
*A pleasure to meet you. I'm Shouko Nishimiya.* She flipped another page and presented it again.
*I hope we can use this notebook to become good friends.* Another page flip.
*Please use this notebook for talking to me.* And finally when she presented the last page, she turned her innocent brown eyes towards the class.
*I am deaf*
She's precious. What the hell is up with the amount of cuteness she's exuding!? Am I overreacting? Perhaps.
Before anyone could react, I unconsciously and abruptly stood up, causing everyone to flinch. But without waiting for them to respond, I hurriedly grabbed one of my notebooks and wrote down what I wanted to say. The scribbling is incredibly audible, but no one made any sudden movements or even breathed loudly. They only waited. When I finished I made my way to the front of the class, causing an eyebrow from Takeuchi-sensei, but I paid him no mind.
I stood in front of Shouko, she was nervous I could tell because of the constant fidgeting but because she saw me grab my notebook she was curious as well. I opened it up and showed it to her, her once curious eyes opened wide in shock and disbelief until the corners started to pool with tears. Dammit. She should freely be able to cry, and it's because she's not bottling it up but still. This causes me so much pain, seeing her so vulnerable and lonely.
Before they could fall, I gently used my thumb to wipe them away and patted her head until she calmed down her swirling emotions. It may have been abrupt of me, but do I just stand there and watch her cry? Hell no.
*I would like to be the first friend to write in your notebook Shouko-chan! If that's okay with you of course, ah I went ahead and called you by your first name without introducing myself sorry. I'm Ryu Ichijou, you can call me Ryu! Anyways! I know sign language so if you would like to talk that way we could do that too!*
When her tears stopped flowing, she looked at me dead in the eyes with clear joy radiating off of her and started using sign language.
*Of course you can write in my notebook, Ryu-san! Though, it might not matter because as you said we could talk through sign language. Ah, I don't mind the nickname,* She started off with a bright smile but her embarrassment at me calling her first name got the better of her so her hands trembled a bit.
Before we could disturb the class more than we already did, I grabbed her hand gently to guide her to one of the open seats. Once there, I gestured for her to take a seat while I told her, *Sorry about that, I didn't want to continue standing around at the front of the class. Ah, you can drop the -san Shouko-chan.*
*No no, don't worry I was just startled. Thank you for being my friend, uhm uhm… Ryu-kun.*
*There is no need to thank me, you know Shouko-chan. The anticipation, anxiety, and innocence you were exuding when you were introducing yourself overwhelmed me to the point where I couldn't help but make a move. Though the real reason would be the sad smile you had the whole time, it was literally killing me. Sorry, if I'm being too pushy.*
As I let those words soak in, I found myself with Shouko-chan turning her head away with a pout.
*I'm glad I… no. You're the first friend I've had, please take care of me!* She said finally after staying quiet and then gave me a genuine smile. I see. It's like something heavy was taken off her shoulders. I'm glad none of her experiences in the past few schools is weighing her down. *Take care of me too, Shouko-chan.*
As we were off in our little world with countless flowers surrounding us, the legendary 'pink atmosphere' was broken by the cough from the teacher. I smiled apologetically in his direction as we began preparing for class.
Shouko-chan and I would occasionally talk to each other during class and of course, countless eyes were on us but we just ignored them. She was also someone who took notice of my frantic ahoge, her large curious eyes followed everywhere I went. By the time she noticed what she was doing I already had a teasing expression on my face. Which caused her to pout again, but I just moved my ahoge closer to her as a sign that I was sorry. She ended up poking it and giggling whenever it tried to move out of the way.
I, of course, introduced Shouko to Yuri-chan, but she was annoyed that I didn't talk to her as well. But it turns out that they got along great. I was pleasantly surprised that Yurika knew sign language, but considering her doting father and mother, it's understandable they gave her the best tutors when she was younger… One never knew if a client, business partner, or someone important was deaf, so they prepared thoroughly.
During the times I was talking to Shouko I could see the curiosity present in everyone, especially Shoya, Naoka, and Miki. I know I'm being unreasonable, but I really don't want Shouko to experience any more pain. Though just sheltering her would not do her any good either so it might be best to let her try her hand at talking to others. Being a pare- I mean friend is hard.
She eventually decided to venture out on her own after class, most likely as a consequence of being able to make two friends right off the bat and at our urging... mostly Yuri because I was hesitant.
It might have been too fast, but she should take a step forward now, or else she'd just be stuck in the same place.
When she was about to go, I 'teared' up and looked away from her, putting my head onto Yuri-chan's shoulder as I said in sign language and out loud, "*Yuri-chan, my Shouko-chan is all grown up! She must've grown tired of me!*"
Yuri-chan just patted my head saying, "*There, there,*" and out of the corner of my eye I saw her waving Shouko away, telling her to scurry off and introduce herself.
I could say nothing in response and only lamented the loss.
Judging by her joyful expression when she came back, it went really well. Hmm? No, I didn't do anything, I just glared at them when they were thinking of doing something stupid. See, just a little push and you get some friends!
As I was gloating to myself, I noticed Yuri-chan was going to smack me so I just let it happen, I did get carried away there. Perhaps scaring them wasn't the best option, but I'm sure Shouko-chan's cuteness will win them over eventually!
We then got ready to leave, and once we were out in the hallway a group of four girls were making their way over to me. Kaori, Ayaka, and Natsume.
Natsume Minagawa was a young girl with dusty blonde hair tied up in a messy bun along with some tufts of hair hanging from the side of her face. Her golden eyes stared at me resentfully, perhaps mad I didn't greet her earlier today when I dropped off Aya-chan and Kaori.
"Are you guys planning to walk with us? And sorry Natsume-chan, how about some head pats?" Though she was still glaring at me, the head pats calmed her down enough to purr cutely.
"I think we're all thinking of walking with you, pretty sure Yuri's dad will insist on picking her up like always," Aya-chan said.
I then immediately introduced them to Shouko-chan.
" *I want to introduce you to Shouko Nishimiya. She is the new transfer student and my new dear friend, I hope you can get along with her! Oh yeah, I'm using sign language along with using my voice because Shouko-chan is deaf. Oops… wait, was that too blunt, Shouko-chan?* "
As I turned towards her with a pitiful expression she reassured me with a kind smile while taking out her notebook and writing, *Don't worry Ryu-kun, I don't mind. It's nice to meet you, everyone! Ryu-kun was telling me all about you all, I hope we can be friends… too.*
Right as she said that I looked on in amusement together with Yuri-chan when the girls all short-circuited because of Shouko-chan's cuteness. Hehe, that's right, tremble before the being who will shake this world!
"This cute creature! Can I take her home Ryu-chan?!" Aya-chan practically glued herself to Shouko-chan as she asked me that, but I replied with an immediate, "No, she's mine!" As I separated Shouko-chan from her grasp.
"She's pretty formidable, huh Ayaka." Wipe the blood from your nose Kaori.
"Indeed, there is no hidden desire inside of her. It's all so… pure. Kuh, don't think you've won Shouko-chan!" You sound like a third-rate villain, but you jumped straight into a nickname huh Ayaka?
As I tsukkomi inside my head, I turn my attention towards Natsume-chan and Yuri-chan, but they're only glaring my way. Why? But then I heard a poof, and that's when I realized I was still tightly hugging Shouko-chan. So I slowly pull her away from my embrace and check to see if she's still awake but I only see the comical swirling in her eyes indicating how much embarrassment she must have endured. I laugh and pat her head at her cute reaction.
"Are you guys ready to go? We could head towards the gate now, we've been standing here for a while. *Let's go Shouko-chan, you don't want to keep your grandma waiting right?* "
She could only mumble incomprehensibly while nodding absentmindedly in response.
We were in front of the gate waving goodbye to the two that left. It's only Kaori, Ayaka, Natsume-chan, and me now. I turned towards them, gave a nod and we were off.
"Hey, Ryu-kun… Uhm..."
From the right I heard a voice, I turned and I saw Natsume fidgeting rather cutely. "What's up Nastume-chan, you usually just come out and say it."
She shot me a glare before finally saying, "Can I walk to school with you tomorrow?"
Hmm? She didn't have to ask me.
"Of course you can, there is no need to feel shy over just that. You've walked with me before, right?"
She opened her eyes wide in realization before saying, "Ah, you're right… why was I so nervous?"
I just smiled and kept walking but when I did I heard some voices to my left.
"There's no way I'll leave them alone together tomorrow!"
"Don't we walk with him every day, Kaori?"
"Ah…"
I just shake my head in amusement while we continue forward on the bare sidewalk. Some cars zoom past us, but we pay them no mind as we listen to the rustle of the trees and bushes planted on the patches of dirt on the edge of the sidewalk. It was pretty peaceful and relaxing, though I did catch Natsume-chan hesitating over grabbing my hand so I went for it and she smiled.
Ayaka immediately grabbed my other free hand, only Kaori was left but it seemed there was some type of agreement since Ayaka let go after a while before being replaced by Kaori. That's pretty cute and efficient.
As we walked along, we ignored the blatant stares strangers gave us. It was uncomfortable but bearable. Mostly because we were a bunch of kids. I could only imagine the death glares I would get once we grew older. We almost reached our destinations anyway.
First, we dropped off Natsume at a small Candy store, which doubles as a home on the top floors for her, her mother, and her grandma. I patted her head and we saw her off with a smile.
As we continued walking we neared a bakery, the place was owned and managed by Kaori's parents. It had clear see-through windows and a piano at the far end of it. Right at the double door entrance, we saw her parents waiting for us, Miyazono Yoshimi and Miyazono Ryouko.
"Haha, thank you for bringing my sunshine to us, kid. Don't think I'll hand her over so easily though!" A middle-aged man with closed eyes, wearing a white baker's uniform and chef's hat shouted that to me but before I could respond I heard another voice.
"Don't pay any attention to this idiot. What matters most is my daughter's happiness and ever since you came into her life, she's always smiling and talking about you hehe." Once those words seep into my mind, I turn towards the now red-faced Kaori.
"Otou-san!!! Okaa-san!! Stop, go inside! I'll see you tomorrow Ryu!" With those parting words, Kaori took the fuming father and giggling mother inside the bakery.
I just stood there smiling until Ayaka elbowed me and took me by the hand towards her house.
"There was no need to pull me so hard, Aya-chan."
"I just wanted to get home already, no special reason." I blankly stare at her, but she ignores me blatantly.
I was about to respond to her but when I turned my head to look in front of me, a wry smile appeared on my face when I caught the cheeky smile of Ayaka's mother, Kumiko Suzuki.
Aya-chan turned to look at me since I hadn't answered her, but when she saw the wry smile she knew where we were. And it was just as she feared. Her mother was right there in front of her giving her that annoying smile.
"It's nice being young, what do you say Ryu-chan will you also take this mother in front of you~." I could only dryly laugh at her teasing since she might actually mean that.
"Mom!! Stop teasing Ryu-kun! You're too o-" She couldn't finish those words since Ayaka felt the pressure emanating from her mother, a gentle smile adorned her face, and yet those eyes even sent a chill down my spine. R.I.P Aya-chan. I'll miss you.
"Ara, what were you going to say to my sweet daughter? I didn't quite catch that."
Ayaka was now sweating bullets but she had to answer or else the punishment would be even worse, so she finally opened her mouth and said, "N-nothing, Mom. I was just about to head inside to start my homework." The whole time she was saying this, she was pleading with me to help her but what did she want me to say?! Maybe…?
"Don't worry, Kumiko-kaa-san. I will take responsibility for you when I get older! You will always be beautiful to me!"
To say she was surprised at my words was an understatement since her face had a crimson blush, making her look captivating in my eyes. She opened her mouth and stuttered, "W-what… What are you saying Ryu-chan! You are far too young to be saying such things… there's no way you will… Ah! What are you making me say, come Aya-chan! I will take you to school tomorrow!"
"Awh, why?! I wanted to walk with Ryu-kun tomorrow!"
They then continued to argue until they finally waved goodbye and closed the doors of their small house.
When I was making my way towards my home, I finally realized they never brought up my ahoge. Well, Yuri-chan was curious but never truly asked and Shouko-chan tried to catch but didn't succeed. The rest just continued on without a second thought about it. Yup, Shouko-chan is more angelic than the angels in heaven. I said nothing wrong because it's a fact! No, maybe Gabriel is a close contender.
Wondering about the similarities between Gabriel and Shouko, I finally saw the wooden gate of my home but what greeted me was a crying Irina and her parents, Touji Shidou and Okimi Shidou, saying goodbye to both my moms and Raku.
They spotted me, well Irina did and she zoomed straight to me, locking me into a tight hug while she bawled her eyes out. I only returned the hug, squeezing her together as I patted her short chestnut-colored hair. Whispering it's going to be okay over and over until she finally let me go, looked at me with her puffy violet eyes, and stuttered out, "We're moving to Europe… I didn't want to leave without saying goodbye…"
Instead of responding instantly, I placed her again in my embrace while I firmly said, "I promise, we'll see each other later, okay? It'll fly by before you know it. Besides, it's not goodbye because it's not forever, right?" I waited for a bit until she finally squeezed me back and nodded her head. I let out a satisfied, "Good," while I kissed her forehead.
Her parents and my moms both smiled warmly at our exchange while Raku stood there with a small blush but he also had a smile, or rather a teasing smile. Huh, looks like he wants me to smack him.