if the dadโs best friend trope where he knew reader since they were born and immediately have feelings and attraction the minute reader turns 18 has no haters that means i'm dead
summary: Kai, who thrived in sound. Loud noise, vibrant conversations, the hum of life. And the quiet girl that sits prettily by the windowโhad begun to haunt his mindโstirring his heart the way only music ever had.
There must be some scientific explanation for this... right?
warnings: deaf reader, set in 1995 timeline, verbal!abuse, physical!abuse, family-trauma, ableism!(hate this word so much). side character!death, purely work of fiction. subtle implications of survivor guilt, high-school setting but everyone is 18 and above. everything written here is not a description of any idols. characters like chae-won, yun-jin etc are used. if any of the warnings above might be triggering for you, please proceed with caution if you decided to read. (let me know if i missed anything.)
notes: inspired by twinkling watermelon. while Iโve done some research to better understand what itโs like to be deaf, there may still be inaccuracies. I did my best to approach the subject with care and respect. love knows no boundaries, hence I wrote this piece. a big thank you to my beta reader.
You were born with the inability to hear anything.
The world is nothing but a muted place for you. You never heard the birds singing at dawn, the hum of a bustling street, or the warmth in your parentsโ voicesโeven your own. The sun might be painting the sky with its warm hues, but for you, it was just another day of deafening silence.
And then there was that one particular day.
You didnโt hear the crash, the scream of tyres, or the shattering glass. You didnโt hear your mother's voice, soft and trembling, as she held you close. Eyes brimming with tears, searching yours, face pale and streaked with blood.
You triedโdesperatelyโto focus, to read the words forming on her lips. But your head spun, the world blurred, and all you could feel was her cold hands cradling your face. How can you? When you couldn't even hear your own pained whimpers from the glass that cut your skin. Strangers pulled you. They carried you awayโaway from her, away from her forever.
Youโve convinced yourself it must be punishmentโa cruel reckoning from a life before this one.
Why else would your hearing be taken from you? Why else would the universe strip away the one person who truly saw you, who tried to understand you, even in your silence? What crime could have been so unforgivable that it warranted a lifetime of loss?
You stabbed at the food on your plate, pushing it around without taking a bite. Your stomach churnedโnot from hunger but from being trapped here. The room was filled with people who called themselves your family. Familyโnothing more than a coincidence of living in the same house.
A sharp kick to your foot snapped you out of your thoughts. Your eyes met hersโyour stepmother. Her perfectly practised smile didnโt reach her cold, calculating eyes.
She had arrived after the accident, ten years ago, when you were just eight. Back then, she was a tutor, brought in to give your father hopeโa cruel, empty hope that you could still learn to speak. She had played her role well, and now she sat at the head of this table, the head of this house, ruling with her own. Her daughtersโyour stepsistersโsat on either side of her, mirroring her expressions, their eyes flickering toward you.
โIs the food not to your liking?โ she askedโyou read her lips, something you had to do out of necessity. Her stare burned into you.
You knew that look too well. Behave. Know your place.
And, as always, your father sat there, oblivious. His eyes never caught the disdain in hers, never lingered long enough to notice the cracks in the perfect picture she painted. Soon, he'll be back overseas for another business trip.
"Y/N?"
You hesitated, lifting your hand to sign, then you caught her eyeโa sharp, pointed look. Your hand faltered, dropping back to your side.
Instead, you let out a hum. It wasnโt much, just a soundโa vibration you couldnโt hear but felt in your throat. She tilted her head slightly, giving a satisfied nod.
Your father pushed back his chair, standing with the same distracted air he always had. He walked over to you, placing a hand on your head, a gesture so routine it barely meant anything anymore. Iโm going now. That was what it always meant.
He leaned down, pressing a kiss to your forehead briefly, before straightening up. His secretary hovered near the door. You watched his back as he walked out, leaving you staring from the table.
The day your mother left you, you lost... him too.
Seeing the doors close, you rose from your seat, but your stepmother was quicker, blocking your path. She loomed, her face a mask of forced patience. "Do I need to remind you again?" she said, "I said speak. No hand signs or whatever that is. That is not allowed here on this house. Do you want me to get mad at you again?"
Her glare felt like a physical force, pinning you to the spot. Unable to meet her eyes, you nodded weakly, looking at the floor. But she wasnโt done. She stepped closer, grabbing your shoulders in a firm, punishing grip. Her fingers dug into your skin as she shook you, her frustration spilling over.
Everyone watched. They just.. watched. The maids stood frozen in the corner, their expressions carefully blank, devoid of any emotion, too scared to intervene. Your stepsisters whispered to each other, their mocking smiles only adding to the humiliation.
You nodded again, your only escape was to comply. A soft hum escaped your lips, the sound she always, always insisted on, a token of submission that seemed to satisfy her. Her hands drop from your shoulders. The moment her grip released, you ran. Up the stairs, down the hall, into the only place that felt remotely yoursโyour room.
Once inside, you collapsed at your desk, leaning forward until your forehead pressed against the hard surface. The tears came quickly, spilling from your eyes as sobs racked your chest. They said crying was supposed to help, to lighten the burden somehow. But for you, it only made the weight heavier. You couldnโt even hear yourself cry. The silence made your pain feel endless.
In your despair, your arm knocked into something on the desk. You looked up in alarm, your heart skipping as you saw the mess. Paints, scattered and spilling, teetered dangerously close to the last drawing you had finished the night before.
Frantically, you reached out, your hands moving quickly to fix it. The thought of losing that small pieceโfelt unbearable. You righted the paints and saved the smudged edges of the paper, tears blurred your vision as you looked at the sketch.
A boy, in your uniform, with bangs that fell over his eyes and the back of his hair just shy of touching his collar, stood smiling softly. In his hands, he held a guitar, fingers resting gently on the strings.
Huening Kai has so much to be delighted forโhis mom, his dad, his sweet sistersโbut if heโs being frank, what heโs most thankful for is the day he picked up a guitar and found his love for it.
Music has been his refuge during both the small, frustrating setbacksโlike failing a math test he poured hours into studying for or losing a manga he cherished so much and never finding it againโand the moments that cut far deeper.
It was there when his parents decided to end their marriage, leaving him struggling at firstโto make sense of a family that no longer looked the same. It was there when Lea packed her things and left for college, that he felt the ache of her absence in a much quieter house. It was there when two of his bandmates graduated, their spots in the group left empty, a reminder of how quickly life can change.
Through music, he met people who became his closest friends, his second familyโpeople he couldnโt imagine living without.
It all comes back to one truth: music doesnโt betray you. Itโs always there, no matter what. Itโs honest, a constant in a world that often feels anything but. Itโs there when you need it most, wrapping you in its arms like an old friend who doesnโt need words to understandโeven when you canโt find them yourself.
โHuening Kai!โ a high-pitched voice calls out. He feels the soft thud of pillows hitting him and a sharp slap against the back of his thigh. Seriously? He had just fallen asleep.
โIโm going to eat all your food if you donโt get up,โ the voice threatens. That gets his attention. Groaning, he blinks his eyes open, adjusting to the dim light of his room. Familiar sight of used guitars propped against the wall, the gleam of trophies, and the dark violet hue that wraps around the room.
He blinks. Oh. Itโs his sister, Hiyyih.
Hiyyih stands there, a plate in one hand, an annoyed look plastered across her face. Kai can tell sheโs been sent by their mom to rouse him, probably against her will. She takes a deliberate bite of scrambled eggs, her eyes narrowing as she gives him a pointed look before turning to leave.
Kai chuckles softly, shaking his head as he rubs his eyes. He stretches, muscles still heavy, and a frown tugs at his lips. Today is the first day of his last year in high school. The final chapter. Soobin and Yeonjun wonโt be there anymore. He sighs, swinging his leg off the bed.
He runs a hand to his tousled hair, grabs a hoodie from the back of his chair and pulls it over his head. He heads towards the chatterโsmell of eggs, bacon and pancakes makes his stomach growl.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," His mom greets him with a smile. His frame now towering over the kitchen shelves. He catches her watching him, a soft look in her eyes, and it makes him smile back.
"Morning," Kai mumbles, sits down at the table, reaching for a slice of toast.
Hiyyih watches him,"I thought I was going to have to eat all your food," she teases.
Kai rolls his eyes but grins. "You wish."
"Big day, huh? Last first day of school."
"Yeah. It feelsโฆ weird. Soobin and Yeonjun arenโt going to be there. Has Lea called yet?"
"She did. She's doing great so far, being a college girl." his mom answers, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure you'll make even greater memories this year."
Kai smiles, appreciating her words. "Thanks, Mom."
Breakfast was filled with small talk, morning routines wrapping around them. Hiyyih busied herself packing her lunch, their mom helping her with a few finishing touches. Being just a year below Kai, their schedules almost mirrored each other, so they will go to school together.
"Kai, want me to sneak some of these into your lunch?" Hiyyih asked, voice dripping with exaggerated sweetness. He glanced over to see her holding up rice balls shaped like hearts and little animals, clearly proud of her handiwork.
"No, thank you," Kai replied, his tone flat but amused.
"Killjoy," she muttered, giving him a mock glare before returning to her task. He watches as she carefully places a tiny heart-shaped piece of seaweed to form a cat's nose. Something he did not understand.
Why go through all that effort?
The three of them make their way to their momโs old car, a little worn but still reliable. Kai slips into the passenger seat, and Hiyyih climbs into the back, fussing with her hair even though she just brushed it a minute ago.
โWhy donโt you let me drive?โ Kai asks as the car starts rolling through the neighborhood. โThat way you donโt have to keep going back and forth from school to home.โ
His mom glances at him, a smile tugging at her lips. โSon, just because you turned 18 last summer doesnโt mean Iโm handing over the keys. Besides,โ she adds warmly, โI want to do this for you and Hiyyih.โ
Kai leans back in his seat, nodding. Sheโs right. And anyway, itโs not like they head home together after school. His afternoons are spent in the band room while Hiyyih flits between her own plans, always busy with something or some girlfriends.
The car rolls up to the massive school grounds, Kai glances out the window. The sight of students milling around, the towering building aheadโitโs the same as always. He exhales and starts gathering his things.
He steps out, the crisp air latch on his face. With a quick ruffle of his hair, he pushes his longer bangs away from his eyes, though they fall back almost immediately. The strands at the back have grown out too, brushing the collar of his jacket. Slinging his backpack over his right shoulder and his guitar case over his left, he adjusts the weight and sets off toward the main building. Blackโheadphones rest around his neck.
Heโs barely made it a few steps before he feels itโthe stares. The whispers.
โIsnโt he one of the handsome seniors?โ
โThe main guitarist of TXT.โ โ โHeโs so tall. And cute.โ
Kai shrugs it off, keeping his focus ahead. Heโs used to it. Beside him, Hiyyih is already swept up by one of her friends, her laughter fading into the background after sheโs pulled in another direction. His feet carried him down the well-worn hallway, a path he didnโt even have to think about. He could probably make the walk blindfolded. The band room.
When he reached the door, he grasped the doorknob and paused, a small smirk tugging at his lips as the low, bassline thrummed from inside. Peeking inside, the sight was just as he expectedโhome.
โYo! Huening Kai!โ Beomgyuโs voice rang out, bright and animated, as he set his bass down. His grin widened as he crossed the room in a few quick steps, pulling Kai into a hug before he could dodge. โHow was your summer?โ
Kai let out a soft laugh, prying Beomgyuโs arms off him. โIt was fine. I went shopping with Taehyun a couple of times,โ he said, making his way toward his guitar shelf. โWatch it.โ he added, shooting Beomgyu a look as the other trailed dangerously close behind.
Beomgyuโs eyes landed on the guitar case Kai was carrying, and his grin turned sly. โWhatโs this? A new baby?โ
โYeah,โ Kai replied, carefully unzipping the case and pulling the guitar out as if it were a fragile treasure. โDad brought it back from abroad.โ
Beomgyu snickered, reaching out to pinch Kaiโs cheek. โYouโre absolutely smitten, arenโt you?โ
โWould you stop?โ Kai swatted his hand away, but there was no hiding the small, proud smile tugging at his lips.
Before Beomgyu could tease him further, the door swung open again. Taehyun stepped inside, clipboard in hand, expression calm and no-nonsense as usual. โThe new auditionees are here,โ he announced, motioning to the two figures who followed him in.
โThis is Heeseung,โ Taehyun said, gesturing to the taller one. โHeโs here to audition for piano. And Jayโheโs trying out for drums.โ
Kai glanced at the newcomers, giving them a polite nod as Beomgyu rubbed his hands together, mischievous grin returning. "Alright," Beomgyu said, "letโs see what theyโve got."
The next hour flew by with skills checks, and it didnโt take long for them to see that Heeseung and Jay were solid. They were skilled, sharp, and seemed to fit right into the gaps left by Soobin and Yeonjun. It felt like they could pick up the left space and carry it forward without missing a beat.
Afterwards, Taehyun waved them off, heading to his next class, while Kai and Beomgyu walked in the opposite direction. They shared the same class, while Taehyun, ever the academic overachiever, headed to the advanced one.
โOnly the brainiacs go there,โ Beomgyu says, nudging Kai with his elbow.
Kai shook his head. Taehyunโs class was famous for being perfectly orderlyโa stark contrast to theirs, which was noisy and chaotic on a good day. Their room always felt like the epicentre of the schoolโs commotion, every day.
The rest of the hours passed in a blur of introductions and meetings with their new advisors. And, of course, Kaiโs least favourite math teacher made his return, every bit as strict as before.
Kai slouched in his chair, barely stifling a groan as the teacher droned on about equations and formulas. His mind driftedโWhy do he even need this? Is he going to calculate the quadratic formula to buy chips at the grocery store? No.
He glanced down at his hands, the faint calluses on his fingertips from hours of guitar practice catching his eye. Heโd much rather spend his time until his hands were sore than trying to decipher problems that made no sense to him.
Beomgyu leaned over, โI think your brain just checked out.โ
Kai grinned, giving him a light shove. โMath checked me out first.โ
The two of them exchanged quiet laughter, abruptly stopping when the teacher eyed them down.
By the time the last class wrapped up at 4 p.m., Kai found himself right back where heโd started his day: the band room. He and his four bandmates were deep into their after-school practice, bestowed in instruments, time slipped by unnoticed.
โShoot,โ Jay muttered, his gaze snapping to the wall clock. 7:30 p.m. Thirty minutes past the curfew for club rooms.
The realization hit them all at once. If the guards caught them here, it would mean one thing: detention.
โPack up. Now,โ Taehyun said, already slinging his bag over his shoulder. The others scrambled to gather their own gear.
Everyone slipped out into the dark, quiet halls, trying to move as silently as possible. The sound of their footsteps seemed louder.
โHey! Whoโs there?โ A booming voice cut through, and suddenly, ta flash of light caught them mid-step.
โGo!โ someone hissed, and chaos erupted. The guard started running toward them, and they bolted in every direction. Beomgyu let out a panicked squeal as he sprinted with his bass case clutched in one hand.
Kai didnโt have time to thinkโhe just ran, heart pounded as his legs carried him blindly through the halls. He rounded a corner, only to see another guard up ahead. The group split, scattering.
He canโt get detention on the first day. His lungs burned as he pushed himself further. He kept running, not even sure where he was going, until his bodyโฆ gave out.
Panting, he slumped near the wall, hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. He glanced over his shoulder and froze. A flashlight beam swept the hallway behind him. His pulse quickened as he realized he was at a dead end.
Frantically, his eyes darted around, then saw a room ahead. Kaiโs brow furrowed at the sight of the mop propped against the door handle, clearly used as a makeshift way to keep it shut. Weird.
He hurried over, carefully removing the mop, and slipped inside. The room was pitch dark, save for the faint glow of light spilling in from the high windows. It cast eerie shadows on the walls, but he didnโt care. He just needed to hide.
Kai tried flipping the light switch, but nothing happened. Figures, he thought bitterly. He shut the door as quietly as he could, pressing his back against it to steady his breathing.
โAnyone there?โ The sound of footsteps echoed outside. The guardโs flashlight swept across the small window in the door, and Kai instinctively slid to the floor, curling himself. He crawled, akwardly, backwards, toward the corner at the far end of the room, hoping to make himself as invisible as possible.
But something bumped against his foot. He whipped his head around, his breath catching in his throat. Sitting in the corner was someone else.
You.
Your legs were drawn up to your chest, wide eyes staring right back at him.
โShiโโ Kai started to curse but stopped himself, clapping a hand over his mouthโheart hammered in his chest, not sure if it was your unexpected presence in the room that caused itโor the way your wide, startled eyes locked onto his in this small space.
Chae-won, like you, is in her final year of high school, while Yun-jin is a year below. Your stepsisters.
When they first moved in, your twelve-year-old self had hoped you could be... friends. You had imagined shared secrets, laughter, and maybe even sisterly bonds. But the moment your fatherโs attention shifted elsewhere, it was clear that your stepmotherโs whispers had already planted seeds of resentment in their hearts.
You couldnโt pinpoint exactly when it started. When did it all go wrong? Was it because you were the only biological daughter in the house? Because your father, despite his best intentions, never really connected with them either? Or was it simply because you couldnโt speak?
The inability to communicate fully, to bridge the gap between your world and theirs, seemed to widen the chasm. You often wondered if things would have been different if you couldโif words could have built a room where silence had only erected walls.
After years of trying, of reaching out and being met with cold indifference or outright hostility, you gave up. You stopped hoping for understanding, stopped yearning for a connection that seemed impossible. The effort of trying to be part of their society when they wanted nothing to do with yours had only broken your heart.
"Watch where you're going, fucking weirdo," Chae-won sneers, her foot juts out, sending you stumbling. The water bucket you were carryingโfilled with the murky grey water of used paintbrushesโtips forward, dousing your chest. You donโt hear the laughter, but you can feel it, buzzing around you in the painting room.
You look up, your gaze darts to Yun-jin. She leans against the counter, arms crossed, her painted red lips curved into a smug smirk. She raises an eyebrow, as if daring you to do something about it.
Youโre in your school's art room, surrounded by the faint smell of turpentine and dried paint. Art has always been your peace. But your love for it didnโt go unnoticed by your stepmother.
It wasnโt long before she pushed her daughters into it too. Youโre not sure if it was to force some kind of twisted togetherness between you, or if it was her way of ensuring they would always outshine you, in everythingโeven this.
You push yourself up, your clothes clinging to your body, damp. Your eyes narrow as you stare at Chae-won. You want to tell her off, to demand an apology, to ask why she does thisโ
"Cat got your tongue?" she taunts, her lips curl into a cruel grin. "Oh, wait. You canโt speak. Poor girl. Thatโs what you get for being such an attention seeker."
Your breath hitches as your brows knit in fury. You canโt reply with words, but actionsโactionsโwill do just fine.
As she turns to leave, you grab her hair, yanking it back with all the frustration and hurt bottled up. She shrieks, spinning around to claw at you, and soon youโre both tangled in a fierce struggle.
The others jump in.
Someone grabs your arm, wrenching it back. Another slaps you hard across the face, the sting reverberating through your skull. A foot connects with your leg, sending you buckling. You hit the ground again, tasting blood on your lips as they shove you down.
Your things are heartlessly thrown at youโyour bag, your books, your sketchpadโhitting you like stones. Footsteps retreating, laughter echoing in their faces. They close the door before you can even blink.
You force yourself to your feet, every movement a struggle against the ache in your body. You stumble to the door, testing the handle. It doesnโt budge. Of course, it doesnโt. Theyโve done this before.
Silence.
You sink back down onto the hard floor, your chest heaving as tears spill freely down your cheeks. Trembling hands reach up to the corner of your lips, fingers brushing the split skin. The sting makes you wince.
The clock ticks on, indifferent. 4:50 p.m.
You take a shuddering breath and wipe your tears with unsteady hands. You smooth your hair, trying to tame the mess they made of it. With a quick swipe, you clear the blood from your mouth, leaving behind only the faint metallic taste.
All you can do now is wait. Aloneโprayingโthat someone will come and find you in this empty room.
What you didnโt expect was that someone would comeโthree hours later, long after the sun had set. Youโd been staring at the door for so long that when it finally creaked open, you were already halfway to your feet.
But then you froze.
Itโs him.
Of all people, itโs him.
You swallowed the surprise in your throat, pulse-quickening as you watched him slip inside, crouching low, moving backward like he was avoiding something.
He was hiding. From what, you didnโt knowโnot until a beam of light swept across the windows above, brushing against the walls like a searching hand. Your body stiffened, instinct telling you to stay still.
You werenโt sure you could.
When his gaze finally landed on you, the shock in his expression was unmistakableโand you knew yours mirrored his. Suspended in that shared disbelief.
โQuiet, please,โ his lips shaped the words. His hand rose, a single finger pressing against his mouth. The dim light barely reached him, but you caught the faint pink of his lips.
Minutes passed. Neither of you spoke, just staring at each other like you were both trying to figure out something. He shifted, his eyes widening in alarm.
โB-blood,โ he stammered, pointing at your forehead.
Your hand shot up instinctively, fingers brushing against the skin there. When you pulled it back, you saw itโsmudges of red streaking your fingertips.
He's as startled as you, he tapped his chest, like he was trying to centre himself, and quickly rummaged through his pocket. He pulled out a handkerchief, holding it out to you with a slightly trembling hand.
You didnโt take it. You couldnโt. It must be the ache in your bones, the hunger in your stomach, the blood still fresh on your handsโor maybe... your mind was still catching up to the fact that he was here, standing this close to you.
When you didnโt move, he took another step forward, hesitating only briefly before carefully pressing the cloth to your forehead. His touch was cautious, you could feel the warmth of his hand through the fabric.
From this close, you could smell him. Clean, with a faint trace of musk, and something sweet underneath. You hated how your chest tightened because of it.
โWhat happened? Why are you here?โ he asked, his fingers were steady as he wiped the blood from your skin. His brow furrowed as he inspected the small cut, his concern written plainly on his face. โDid someone lock you in?โ
You shook your head, hesitant. You couldnโt bring yourself to look at him, so you let your gaze fall somewhereโanywhereโbut on his eyes.
He didnโt press for more. โLetโs get out of here.โ
His hand found yours. All you could do was stare at your entwined fingers. You can feel the tip of your ears go warm. He gave it a gentle squeeze before he stood and pulled you up from the cold, unforgiving floor.
The boy who had only ever been a distant figure to you. The boy youโd sketched on countless pages, the one whose smile crinkled his eyes so perfectly it made your chest ache. The boy you were sure didnโt even know you existed.
He pulls you out of this suffocating room. His tall, sure figure led, guiding you as you ran. Every so often, he glances back, his eyes searching yours and for a fleeting moment, you glance down and see your shadows on the wallโtogether. His hands never let go of yours until you weren't in the dark anymore.
Huening Kai.
Kai slouches in his seat, letting out another heavy sigh. His bodyโs in class, sure, but his mind? Itโs stuck somewhere elseโsomewhere back last night.
He canโt stop thinking about you. And he's not sure why.
You both made it out of the school grounds safely, and he even helped you gather your things from your locker. He stood there awkwardly, watching when you downed a bottle of water in one long gulp like your life depended on it. His suspicions were confirmedโsomeone did lock you in that room.
How long had you waited, sitting there in the dark? His stomach churned at the thought. What if he hadnโt been hiding that way? What if no one had found you? The idea of you spending the entire night in that empty space until a teacher or janitor happened upon you made his heart race. Itโsโฆ eating him alive.
But the thing that gets him, the part he canโt stop replaying, is howโฆ quiet you were. No explanations, no complaintsโjust a nod here and there, avoiding his eyes the whole time. Did he cross a line? Say something wrong? Overstep somehow? Did he offend you without realizing? Or worseโdo you just not like him?
He rubs the back of his neck. And yet, despite all that, he also canโt stop thinking about how your eyes seem soft under the moonlight, making them look soโ
โDude.โ Beomgyuโs voice cuts, โWhatโs with the brooding? Bell rang.โ
Kai glances around the classroom. Almost empty. โOh. Right. Nothing,โ he mumbles, grabbing his bag.
Beomgyu narrows his eyes. โYouโve been sulking like my dog when I donโt share my snacks.โ
Kai remained silent, pouting and followed Beomgyu out of the classroom. Itโs lunch now, and as usual, theyโre headed to meet Taehyun at the cafeteria. Heeseung and Jay will probably join them too.
Walking through the hall, Kai forces a polite smile at the people who greet him. Beomgyu, on the other hand, is his usual exuberant self, grinning and dapping up every other guy who greets him as they pass.
The two make their way into the cafeteria, people stared. They walk toward their usual spot, a table near the centre of the room. No one ever sits there. Everyone knowsโitโs their table. Yeonjun made that mark. It's an unspoken rule.
Kai drops into his seat, setting his bag down and pulling out his packed lunch. The cafeteria food doesnโt really do it, not when his momโs food is always better.
โWhat do you have?โ Beomgyu asks, leaning over.
โTempura and some beef,โ Kai replies, popping a piece of shrimp into his mouth.
โGive me some,โ Beomgyu demands, already reaching for his chopsticks. Kai rolls his eyes but slides the container a little closer, watching as Beomgyu happily steals a piece.
Taehyun walks in, weaving the crowded tables with his usual stride. โYou're early,โ he greets, his seat across from them. "That's a record."
Kaiโs eyes flick toward the entrance, catching sight of you slipping. You moved slowly, clutching your tumbler. You keep your head low, glancing around as if to make sure no oneโs watching. Kai stands, pushing his chair back abruptly. He can't miss this chance.
Beomgyu pauses mid-bite, raising an eyebrow. โWhatโre you doing?โ
Taehyun gives him a sideways glance. โKai?โ Kai ignored them. He just heads toward you.
โHey,โ he calls out, but you donโt turn. Hesitating for only a second, he gently taps your shoulder.
You whirl around. Your grip tightens on the water bottle, and your eyes widen slightly when you realise itโs him. Around you, a few people glance over.
โHey,โ he says again, softer this time. โHowโs your head?โ He tilts his own slightly, trying to catch a glimpse of the bandaid peeking out near your hairline. โThat looks better,โ he murmurs.
โWould you like to join us for lunch?โ He points behind him toward his table when you don't answer, where Beomgyu and Taehyun are undoubtedly watching. As he expected, you shake your head quickly, almost instinctively, avoiding his eyes.
The small rejection stings more than it should. Kai nods, trying to hide his disappointment. โAlright,โ he mutters. Then, before he can second-guess himself, he gently takes the tumbler from your hands.
He heads to the water station, fills it to the brim, screws the cap on tightly, and hands it back to you. โHere,โ he says simply. It's small. But he wanted to do it for you.
You nod, a small, polite gesture, and turn to leave without a word or a backward glance.
Kai watches you, chest tight. When he trudges back to his table, Beomgyuโs smirk is already waiting for him.
โWhat was that about?โ Taehyun asks, leaning forward.
โI was just checking on her,โ Kai mumbles, slumping into his seat. โShe never talks to me. I donโt get it.โ
Taehyunโs gaze sharpens, and he studies Kai for a moment before letting out a quiet sigh. โShe canโt,โ he finally says, voice calm but firm.
Kai blinks, caught off guard. โWhat do you mean?โ
โShe canโt hear you.โ Taehyun explains, his tone softening. โSheโs deaf, Kai,โ
Taehyun filled Kai in, sharing what he knew about you.
Kai was surprised to learn that you were in the same advanced class. As always, you kept everything to yourself. Taehyun admitted he had tried reaching out to you beforeโonce or twiceโbut even he hadnโt gotten far.
โSheโsโฆ just quiet,โ Taehyun said with a shrug. โNot just because sheโs deaf, either. Iโve tried writing things down for her, you know? Like, in a notebook, to make it easier. But she only ever gives one-word answers. A โyesโ here, a โnoโ there.โ He sighed, โItโs hard to get through to her.โ
Kai leaned back in his seat, dragging a hand through his hair. Guilt tugged at him. Heโd been so quick to assume you were ignoring him, brushing him off on purpose. But now?
Now, he couldnโt stop imagining what it must have been like for you that night. Locked, no way to call for help, no way to know if anyone was coming. Alone. Not even the sounds of footsteps approaching to give you hope.
He swallowed hard, his chest tightening. Would he have been able to handle that? Sitting there for hours, completely cut off from the world? Probably not. Heโd have broken down.
That's why Kai finds himself walking in the opposite direction of his classroom, away from Beomgyuโs puzzled stare. He doesnโt look back. His feet carry him toward where Taehyun had goneโtoward where he knows you are.
The hallway buzzes with life. Groups of students linger outside classrooms, laughing and chatting, their voices blending into the hour of lunch break. A few glance his way as he passes, curiosity in their eyes.
Kaiโs steps slow as he approaches the room. The back entrance gives him a clear view inside. His eyes scan the rows of desks. Someone calls his name. Heads turn, smiles and greetings thrown his way.
But not yours.
Youโre sitting in the front row, by the window, farthest from where he stands. The sunlight filters through the glass, casting a soft glow over you. Thereโs a sketchbook open on your desk, the pages large and blank except for the lines youโre drawing with practised ease. The way your hand movesโpurposefulโtells him this is second nature to you.
Youโre so focused, so completely lost, that you donโt notice the subtle breeze dancing through the window. It catches your hair, making it sway just enough to draw his attention.
He watches as you pause, tucking the stray strands behind your ear before continuing with your sketch. You look just like him whenever he's with his guitar. Kai feels something tighten in his chest.
You look beautiful.
He doesnโt even know your name. But now, he wants to. More than anything, he wants the honour of knowing you.
Itโs free time now, and the history teacher had just left. Most of the class scatteredโsome heading out to the grounds, others roaming the halls for a little fun. But you stayed. You always stayed.
The thought of running into your stepsisters made your stomach turn. They acted so innocent the night you came home, as if they had nothing to do with your wound. Your stepmother, of course, scolded you for being late, hurling her usual cutting remarks, but she didnโt dig any deeper. Sometimes you wondered if she knewโif she already suspected it was her daughters who had done it and simply chose to stay oblivious.
You sighed, flipping another page of your book, trying to block out the noise in your head.
The sudden sight of a chair being pulled up in front of your desk jolted you. You look up.
Huening Kai.
He was sitting right there, a small, easy smile on his face. His eyes held a kind of softness you werenโt used to. And then, he waved.
Your eyes widened in surprise, and instinctively, you turned your head to check if he was talking to someone else. Surely, this wasnโt for you. But the room was nearly empty. The only other person was fast asleep at the back.
Kai watches as you glance around nervously, he might have thought how beautiful you were from afar, but sitting this close nowโyouโre breathtaking.
When your eyes meet his again, questioning, he clears his throat and speaks. โHi.โ
You nod, silentโattentive. His voice softens, deliberate as he says the next words slowly, โCan I have your name?โ
It takes a moment for the meaning to click, and then youโre reaching for your bag, fingers fumbling slightly as you pull out a notebookโthe one you use to communicate.
Kai watches as you flip through the pages, landing on a blank one. You jot something down quickly and then turn it toward him.
Y/N.
He reads it, and a smile breaks across his face, his dimple appearing. You notice for the first time the delicate constellation of beauty marks scattered across his skin. How it suits him.
โY/N,โ he repeats, your name rolling off his tongue like heโs trying it out for the first time. His gaze lifts to meet yours. โThatโs a pretty name.โ
The compliment catches you off guard, and heat rises to your cheeks. You look awayโembarrassed. His fingers tap lightly on your desk, drawing your attention back.
โHow are you?โ he asks.
You write, Iโm okay.
Kai reads it, his brows furrowing slightly. Without hesitation, he leans in, his voice low but insistent. โDoes anyone bother you? You knowโฆ when I found you that night. That wasnโt an accident, was it?โ
You stare at him, lips parting slightly in surprise. Kai thinks for a moment that maybe you didnโt catch what he said. But then, slowly, you lift your pen: Why?
Just as he opens his mouth to explain, youโre already writing again.
Is it because you pity me? Youโre looking at him nowโdirectly, unflinchingly.
He doesn't want you to misunderstand anything. So he gently takes the pen from your hand, his fingers brushing yours for a moment. Without saying a word, he leans down and writes his response in your notebook.
Because I want to be your friend...
Your breath catches as you read his words. He adds another line beneath it, the letters a little bolder this time.
And because no one deserves what happened to you.
Kai looks at you then, his expression earnest and open, waiting. The notebook sits between you, and the sound of a new bridge forming in the back of your mind.
When you didn't write anything back, he glances down and picks up the pen again, his handwriting slow and deliberate.
By the way, my name isโ
Before he can finish, you reach forward, your hand brushing his ever so slightly making him freeze. You write, finishing it for him.
Kai. Right?
The faintest flicker of surprise crosses his face when he sees what youโve written. His lips twitch into a small smile, trying his hardest not to let out a wide grin.
You look up, meeting his gaze again, and shrug lightly as if to say, Of course, I know who you are.
Everybody knows you.
The words hang there on the page, Kai blinks, processing your response, and then lets out a soft laugh, his shoulders shaking gently, lips slightly apart.
You watch him, a strange ache tugs at your chest. You wonder, How does his laugh sound? Does it sound as pretty as he looks? Now, you're wishing for something youโve trained yourself not to wantโa window into the world youโve long been shut out of.
It'll be nice to hear his laugh.
The two of you spent the rest of your free time in that same spot. You talkedโor rather, wroteโfilling the pages of your notebook with conversation. He was surprisingly talkative, and before you knew it, you'd used up two blank pages. When the conversation naturally faded, you went back to your book, but this time, you pulled another one from your bag and handed it to Kai. He took it with a small smile and began to read as well.
There you were, two students, sitting across from each other, lost in your own worlds yet somehow sharing the same one. The room felt warmer, leaving just the two of you in the bubble. You were aware of the flush in your cheeks, the way it stubbornly lingered, but you didnโt mind.
You snapped out of your thoughts when you noticed classmates filtering back into the room. Their steps slowed as they took in the sceneโKai, the schoolโs band guitarist, slouched in front of your desk, reading quietly across from you, the school's outcast. The deaf girl. His long legs stretched out under the desk, almost touching yours.
He didnโt bother to look up. He didnโt greet them or acknowledge the weight of their stares. Instead, his eyes stayed on the page, though every now and then, they flickered back to you. Each time, heโd give you that same small, reassuring smileโthe one that made your heart flutter.
He snapped out of it when your foot gently nudged his leg. The classroom was full now, with students bustling back to their seats, most kept stealing glances at Kai. Their eyes darted back and forth, curiosity written all over their faces, as if trying to make sense of why he was here with you.
Out of the corner, you saw Taehyun make his way over. You couldnโt catch their conversationโTaehyunโs body was turned slightly awayโbut it was clear from his expression that he was asking why Kai was here. Kai gave him a brief nod, and after a moment, Taehyun returned to his seat, still throwing occasional glances in your direction.
You glanced at the clock. Five minutes left of free time. Before you could process it, you felt a light tap on your shoulder. Kai stood, waving a quick goodbye. He slid his hands into his pockets, all eyes on him as he walked out.
He had just spent his entire free time here. Here, with you.
You swallowed hard, your heart thudding in your chest. Your gaze drifted down the newly etched words he left in your notebook.
See you later :>
You found yourself smiling at nothing, the memory of your afternoon with Kai playing over and over in your mind. Back home now, the evening settling around you, it felt.. warm.
With a watering can in hand, you moved through the small gardenโyour motherโs garden. It was one of the few things left untouched by your stepmother, a living memory of the woman who once nurtured it with care. What had started as a modest patch of green had grown into something more of a sanctuary.
Your gaze fell on the cornflowers nearby, their vivid blue seeming to shine a little brighter today. Maybe it was the light, or maybe it was the joy still bubbling in your chest, making everything around you seem moreโฆ alive, more beautiful. You crouched, fingers brushing gently against the petals, and it felt like your mother was right there, as if she, too, could sense the happiness blooming inside you.
Your thoughts were abruptly cut off by an icy cascade of water, soaking you from head to toe. The coldness stole your breath, bit into your skin and you let out a shriek, the shock more than you could bear. Spinning around, you found Chae-won standing there, a smug grin plastered on her face, the empty bucket tossed carelessly to the side. Behind her, Yun-jin stood with her arms crossed, her glare sharp.
"Are you a witch now, too?" Chae-won sneered, her voice dripping with mockery. Her eyes locked onto yours, glinting with cruel satisfaction. "For someone who's deaf, you're pretty damn loud."
Before you could react, she grabbed a fistful of your hair, yanking you down with a force that sent you stumbling. Your knees hit the ground hard, the sting of the impact mixing with the cold that seeped into your clothes. You trembled, pain and humiliation washing over you.
"Kai? What did you say to him?" Chae-won continued. "What the fuck did you say to make him hang out with trash like you?"
Tears welled up in your eyes. You tried to stand, but Chae-won shoved you back down, making you cry out in frustration. You reached for her, desperate to defend yourself, but Yun-jin stepped in, pulling Chae-won away, smirking and enjoying your helplessness.
Chae-won then dusted off her shirt as if your touch had soiled her, letting out an exaggerated huff. "You better not think aboutโ"
Her threat was cut short by the arrival of your stepmother. "Chae-won," She approached, her eyes sweeping over your sodden form with a detached disapproval. "Her father might come home today."
That was enough to make Chae-won and Yun-jin roll their eyes, angrily retreating into the house, but not before casting you one last withering glare.
Your stepmother's gaze lingered on the garden, then flicked back to you, her expression unreadable. "Fix yourself," she said coldly before turning away, following her daughters inside, as if she just didn't witness them assault you.
You wiped your tears with the back of your hand. The cold water seeped into your skin, its touch biting deep, while the chill of the nightโs wind wrapped around you, amplifying the discomfort.
Whenโwhenโwould they ever stop? When would they finally fail to crush anything close to the hope you dared to feel? You swallowed hard, heart hurt when you saw one of the cornflowers crushed, the delicate blue petals were bent and broken, scattered across the dirt like they didnโt matter.
Just like what they did to you.
Kai thrummed his guitar, his head bobbing in time with the beat as Jay kept pace on the drums. A wide grin spread across his face as he glanced at Jay, impressed. That guy could really play.
The upcoming festival had everyone excited, especially since their band was set to perform. It wasnโt just their idea; the school had practically begged them to be part of the lineup. Naturally, everyone agreed.
As the final song ended, Kai slung his guitar strap off and gave Heeseung and Jay playful pats on the back. โGood session,โ he said, voice light. Taehyun had already disappeared for some student council meeting, and Beomgyu crouched near the amp, fiddling with the cables.
As Heeseung and Jay left the practice room, Beomgyu glanced up, a sly smirk tugging at his lips. โSoโฆ you caused quite a stir yesterday, huh.โ
Kai paused, brow furrowing. โWhat are you talking about?โ
Beomgyu leaned back, his arms crossed over his chest. โEveryoneโs talking about you andโฆ the deaf girl. How you were hanging out with her.โ
Kaiโs hand stilled on his guitar case. โDonโt call her that,โ he said sharply, โShe has a name.โ
Beomgyu blinked, taken aback by the intensity of the glare Kai shot him. He raised his hands in mock surrender, smirk faltering. โWhoa, okay. Chill, man. That was disrespectful of me. I'm sorry.โ Kai didnโt respond, his focus shifting back to securing his guitar. The other could tell he was still irritated.
โSo,โ Beomgyu's tone was now more careful. โWhatโs her name?โ
Kai hesitated, his fingers pausing over the latch of the case. When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter, โY/N.โ
Beomgyu caught itโthe way Kaiโs whole demeanour shifted, softening just at the mention of your name. He grinned knowingly, a teasing glint in his eye.
โOh, man, youโve got it bad, huh?โ Kai didnโt answer, but the way he bit his lip, was enough. Beomgyu chuckled, shaking his head as he stood. โYouโre in deep, dude.โ
The two of them walked out of the band room, sunlight streaming across the school grounds as they headed toward their next class. Kaiโs guitar hung over his back, his steps light with anticipation. He had a plan for todayโs free timeโhe was going to show it to you.
Then he froze.
โWhyโd you stop?โ Beomgyu asked, frowning at his friendโs sudden halt.
Kaiโs gaze was locked on you. You were walking across the yard, a book clutched in your hand. But something was off. Your steps were uneven, almost shaky, like you were struggling to keep your balance. His chest tightened as he noticed you blink rapidly, expression dazed.
A cold knot of worry tightened in Kaiโs chest.
Kai bolted toward you, his long strides eating up the distance between you in moments. The world around him blurredโvoices, students, the sunโall of it drowned out by the urgency pounding in his chest. He reached you just as your legs gave up. You fell into his arms.
โHey, hey,โ he murmured, voice shaking. His hand settled on your face, and the heat of your skin sent alarm bells ringing in his mind. Scorching hot. A fever.
Your eyes fluttered closed, forehead creased, and face was pale. Too pale.
โWhat the hell happened?โ Beomgyuโs voice came from somewhere behind him, but Kai barely registered it. "Is she okay?"
Without thinking, Kai shrugged off his guitar, letting it drop carelessly to the ground. โHelp me,โ he said quickly, his voice tight. He grabbed your arm, trying to shift your weight. Beomgyu caught on immediately, stepping forward to assist.
Together, they managed to lift you onto Kaiโs back. His arms hooked under your legs, his grip firm but gentle as he adjusted you. โHold on,โ With you securely on his back, Kai broke into a run, his breath coming in quick.
โSlow down, man! Youโre gonna trip!โ Beomgyu followed close behind, clutching the guitar Kai had abandoned without a second thoughtโbecause of you.
The school nurse moved quickly, her practiced hands checking your temperature and administering care as Kai stepped back, his chest still heaving from the run. He stood there, hands on his hips, watching you, his heart refusing to slow down. Beomgyu excused himself, talks about getting water, leaving Kai alone.
His eyes fell on the notebook you had been clutching, which fell on the floor. He reached for it carelesslyโa loose page slipped free, back to the floor. He crouched to pick it up, and the moment he turned it over, his breath caught.
It was a sketch. Of him.
Every detail was there, drawn with painstaking precisionโthe dusting of freckles on his cheeks, small moles he often forgot about, his jawline, his hair. The lines were sure, as though you had poured hours into capturing him justโฆ right.
His throat tightened as he stared, unable to tear his eyes away. Was this really how you saw him?
Kai swallowed hard, and glanced at the rest of the page. Small sketches of cats bordered the margins, their playful forms lightening the otherwise focused artwork. A soft smile enters his lips when his eyes also land on your pen, its barrel adorned with tiny cat designs. His fingers touch the paper, careful not to smudge your work.
You're perfect, he thought, the words echoing in his head, shouting like a whispered confession. How could someone be so perfect?
Kai had to leave you at the clinic to attend classes.
He hesitated, lingering by the door, his eyes darting back to your still form on the cot. You were fast asleep, but the colour slowly returned to your cheeks. He wanted to stay, to make sure you were okay, but he knew he couldnโt. With a defeated sigh, he left. And you were gone when he returned.
"Someone came to fetch her," the nurse explained when he asked. He's still bothered. You were home now, he told himself, safe and resting. Right?
The next morning came, he sat at the kitchen counter. What he wanted to do first thing, was to see you. "Hiyyih,"
She glanced at him over her shoulder, her brow raised. "Yeah?"
"Can you, uhโฆ can you make my lunch today?" Hiyyih stopped, turning fully to face him. "What? But I always make your lunch."
Kai shifted in his seat, awkwardly. "I meanโฆ could you make it like yours?"
"Like mine? What do you mean, like mine?"
Kai hesitated, the words sticking in his throat. Finally, he blurted out, "The cat rice balls. Can you add those?" There was silence as Hiyyih stared at him, her lips tight. Then, she broke into a slow, knowing smirk. "Cat rice balls, huh?"
Kai felt the heat up his neck, and he quickly averted his stare. "Justโjust make them, okay?" He groaned, dropping his head onto the counter.
Hiyyih burst out laughing, her teasing ringing through. Oh, he's sure. This was going to haunt him for days.
Kai spent the day in restless anticipation, his usual self replaced with something far more jittery. Even his friends couldnโt ignore it. He fidgeted during class, zoned out at times, and seemed to barely hear what anyone was saying.
It was all because of you.
When he saw Taehyun at band practice earlier, the first words out of his mouth werenโt about music. โIs she coming today?โ
Taehyun had nodded, confirming you were attending class, and Kai had been tryingโand failingโto calm his racing thoughts ever since. By lunchtime, the decision was made. He slung his bag over his shoulder, he turned to Beomgyu. "Iโm skipping the cafeteria today."
Beomgyu just gave him a knowing look, his smirk light, teasing. "Didnโt think you needed to explain," he points out. "Your face already did."
Kai didnโt even bother denying it. Instead, he took a steadying breath and headed toward the one place he knew heโd find you. Your classroom.
His steps slowed when he spotted you inside, seated at your desk. The heaviness in his chest lifts. You were pulling open a lunch box, carefully arranging everything, your expression calm and focused.
He stepped inside, and when he was almost infront of you, you glanced up, your eyes widening slightly when you saw him.
"Hi," Kai said, a small, nervous smile sitting on his lips. You blinked, surprised, but a faint smile broke through as you set your chopsticks down.
He scratched the back of his neck, suddenly feeling warm under your gaze. "I, uhโฆ I figured Iโd check on you. Make sure youโre okay, you knowโฆ after the other day."
You nod, reaching for your notebook to write a reply, but Kai gently stopped you with a small shake of his hand. โYou should eat first, okay?โ he said softly, his lips forming the words carefully for you to read.
Your response was simpleโa quick thumbs-upโbut it was enough to make a boyish grin spread across his face.
Pulling out a chair, Kai sat across from you, his movements just a little nervous, though he tried to hide it. He set his lunchbox on the table, the bright cat decorations catching your eye. It's hard to really miss how much effort had gone into itโcat-shaped rice balls, tiny details, and colourful accents that screamed effort.
Kai caught your expression. "Hiyyih made it," he admitted. What he didnโt mention was how heโd spent an entire morning persuading her to make it perfect, offering bribes, doing her chores, and enduring her teasing, all just to get her to agree.
He opened the lid and carefully moved a portion of the food into your lunchbox. "Here," he said, nudging it toward you.
You glanced at him in surprise, then back at the food, your lips parting slightly before they curved into a smileโa real smile. Not the polite, hesitant ones you used to give him, but a full, bright smile. It reached your eyes, crinkling them at the corners.
Kai froze for a moment, his breath catching in his throat. Youโd smiled at him before, but not... like this.
He had never quite understood why his sister went to such lengths with these little creationsโwhy she got up before sunrise to shape rice into animals or why her mood seemed to brighten whenever someone praised her work. But now, watching the way your face softened, the way your smile seemed to linger longer than usual, it all started to make sense.
If something as small and silly as this could make you look at him like this, if it could bring you even the smallest bit of joy, then he thought to himselfโheโd start doing it too.
Swallowing, he picked up his chopsticks, forcing himself to eat even as his appetite felt oddlyโฆ irrelevant. He stole glances, and it struck him how happy you looked. The memory of when heโd first met you flashed in his mind, alone, wounded and withdrawn. And yet, here you were now.
His stomach fluttered, suddenly feeling fullโnot from the meal but from something that only your smile seemed to give.
After lunch, Kai didnโt get the chance to spend his free time with you. Beomgyu practically dragged him to practice, which he didnโt resistโespecially since seeing you healthy and smiling had already lifted his spirits. His energy during practice was unmatched, his fingers flying over the guitar strings with a renewed vigour. For once, it felt effortless, like his heart was finally in sync with the music again.
When the day wound down, he found himself waiting by the school gates. A few students greeted him as they passed, and he returned their smiles politely, though his attention remained elsewhere. His heart leapt the moment he spotted you walking toward him, your steps purposeful yet light. His lips curved into a small smirk before he could help it.
"I wanted to see you before you went home," he said softly.
Your smile in response made his chest tighten, and you pulled a small notepad and pen from your pocket. After a brief moment of scribbling, you held it up for him to read:
Thank you for everything, Kai.
The simple words hit him harder than he expected, and a warm smile tugged at his lips. โYou waiting for your sisters here?โ he asked, but as soon as he mentioned them, your smile faltered slightly, and something shifted in your expression.
He remembered Taehyun mentioning that you had two sisters at school, but nothing beyond that. He didnโt press. All he knew was that you usually arrived and left together in the same car.
You scribbled another note. They went home early. Shopping, I think.
Kaiโs brows furrowed slightly. Why didnโt they wait for you? Before he could ask, you were already writing your next reply.
Iโll take the bus today.
โLet me take you home,โ he said, leaving no room for argument.
The bus was packed, and you followed Kai closely as he led the way. He glanced back, his eyes searching for something until they landed on an empty window seat. With a small nudge of his shoulder, he gestured for you to take it.
Sliding into the seat, you couldnโt help but notice how his arm brushed against yours as he stood beside you, gripping the rail overhead. He leaned down slightly, reaching for the notepad in your hands. His handwriting was a little crooked, he had written quickly, but his message was clear:
Are you okay?
You nodded and took the pen to write your response. Yes.
Satisfied, he smiled. He reaches out, hooking his pinky finger to yours. It stays there, throughout the ride. One that you wished that didn't have to end.
Kaiโs eyes widened when you gestured toward your home.
Sure, his own house was comfortableโhis family could provide everything he neededโbut this? This was on another level. Massive gates, the sprawling estate beyond them, the kind of place that practically screamed wealth, grand estate that made him feel like heโd stepped onto the set of a drama. His thoughts stumbled over themselves as the realization hit: you were a chaebol.
And yet, the thought lingered in his mind: how could they leave you to manage on your own, just because your sisters decided to go out? The question sat uncomfortably in his chest, though he kept it to himself.
You turned to him, drawing his attention back to you. Standing there, you looked up at him, your figure small against his tall, broad frame. He looked so effortlessly handsome it made your chest ache. You wished, fleetingly, to reach out and run your fingers through those dark locks, to feel their texture beneath your hands. He had done so much for you todayโmore than you could put into words.
See you later?
Kai read it, his lips quirking into a gentle smile.โGo inside,โ he said, tapping your head softly. โSee you later.โ
As you turned and walked toward the house, he stayed rooted to the spot, watching your retreating figure until you disappeared through the gates. He let out a quiet breath he hadnโt realized he was holding, his heart beating steadily against his ribs.
He could do this every day, he thought. Waiting for you, walking you home, making sure you were safe. He wanted to do this every day, however many days, as long as youโd let him.
After sending you home, Kai steps into a familiar bookstore, and the scent of old paper hits his face.
The owner greets him, casually mentioning the new volume of Slam Dunk just released, but Kai doesnโt even register the words. Heโs already moving past, heading toward the back of the store where the shelves are less familiar.
He stops in front of a sectionโfar away from the music books, the theory guides, and mangas. He picks it up.
Beginners: Sign Language.
You closed the door behind you, the weight in your chest heavier than it shouldโve been. Dinner was supposed to be a happy time, right? Eating with your family, sharing moments. But it never felt like that for you. Not in this house.
Your eyes caught the sight of the fax machine on the side table, a piece of paper hanging loosely from the tray. You walk over, your steps slow, uncertain. Only two people know your number: your dad, andโฆ Kai. You grabbed the paper, the handwriting unmistakable.
Come out. Will be there in 20 mins.
โKai.
Your breath caught. Dinner had taken longer than that. You scrambled to the window, heart pounding, and there he wasโa silhouette against the dim streetlights, a mess of dark hair leaning casually against the gate.
You didnโt hesitate. Grabbing your pen and notepad from the desk, you ran. The startled looks of the housemaids blurred past you, and even the sharp, judgmental gaze of your stepmother from the couchโteacup poised mid-sipโcouldnโt stop you. She doesnโt matter right now. Nothing does but getting to him.
You burst through the front gates, your eyes locking with his. His face breaks into a soft, immediate smile when he sees you, the sight of you in your loose shirt and pyjamas makes his heart skip a beat.
You raise your notepad, writing quickly, then holding it up for him to see. What are you doing here?
You reach for your notepad and pen, the confusion evident on your face as you extend them toward him. But instead of taking them, his hands move, and the world around you seems to pause.
"Hi." His fingers shape the sign, hesitant, uncertain. Your heart stumbles as you watch his hand move again, spelling out your name, letter by letter, in sign language. Itโs slow, almost clumsy, but every movement is intentional. Heโs trying, and it sends your heart racing.
"How was yourโ" He falters mid-sign, his hands falling to his sides. You watch as he digs into his pocket, pulling out a small book. The title catches your eye, and your chest tightens. He scratches the back of his neck, looking at you with an embarrassed sort of determination as he mouths, Wait.
And then he tries again, repeating the signs, "How was your dinner?" His movements are a little smoother this time. The question lingers in the space between you, and you feel your throat tighten as tears prick at the corners of your eyes. It feels like you can hearโhis voice.
Your body moves before you can think. You step forward and wrap your arms around his neck. Your head presses against his chest, and you feel the slight hitch in his breath before his arms slide around your waist, holding you close. His warmth steadies you as a single tear slips free, trailing down your cheek.
No one had ever done this for you before. No one had ever tried to meet you in your silence, to understand the world you lived in. At home, theyโd dismissed sign language, rejected it, treating it like some kind of shameful reminder of what they wanted to ignore. Theyโd made you feel like you were something to be hidden, something that's less.
But here he wasโa boy who, just weeks ago, had been a strangerโbridging the gap, pouring himself into learning just to reach you. Crossing the distance to meet you where you were alone.
For the first time, you didnโt feel stranded on an island of your own.
Kai spent the next few minutes basking in the warmth of your presence. When another tear slipped past your eye, he reached out, his thumb brushing it away with the gentleness of someone afraid to break something precious. His attempts at signing sentences were clumsy at best, and your happiness marked your faceโsomething that made his heart do flips.
"Yah, I'm trying, you know," he huffed, feigning indignation as he stomped his foot playfully. His pout only deepened when you smiled at him, and he could feel the heat crawling up his neck to his cheeks. He wanted to tease you back, but the words caught in his throat when you raised your hands.
It was the first time you signed in front of him. The motion was small but deliberate, the flick of your hand touching your chin before extending toward him. Kaiโs eyebrows knit together, his mind scrambling to catch up. He flipped the pages of his book, muttering, โWait, what does that mean?โ
You reached for your notepad, scribbling the word: Thank you.
Before he could process the words, you signed again, your hands moving with a fluidity that stopped him in his tracks. The glow of the moon and the faint light from the lamppost illuminated your every move, casting soft dancing shadows across your face. And Kaiโhe forgot how to breathe.
You lookedโฆ different. You were stunning. Not the shy, hesitant version of you heโd grown used to, but confident and sure. Each gesture was almost poetic, and he was utterly mesmerized. The way your fingers moved felt like a song without soundโit suited you in a way words never could. He didnโt even want to blink, because he was afraid heโd miss something.
All he could do was watch, completely captivated by the real you.
"You didn't really have to. But thank youโฆ for learning it for me."
The moment was shattered by the loud creak of the gates swinging open. Kai turned, his gaze meeting a womanโs sharp, glaring eyes. He opened his mouth to bow in greeting, but he quickly realized her scowl wasnโt for himโit was directed squarely at you.
Confused, Kai glanced back at you, his eyes scanning your face. Panic was written all over it. You hastily scribbled on your notepad, the letters uneven and rushed: Step-mother. Go home now, Kai.
He read the words and nodded, even if he didnโt fully grasp the situation. When your eyes met his again, there was something pleading in them. Turning back to the woman, Kai mustered a polite bow. โGood evening,โ
She didnโt acknowledge him. โGo inside or weโll lock you out here all night.โ
Kai froze, the words almost too cruel to believe. He remembers you being locked up that night at school. His jaw clenched, but he kept his expression neutral, eyes flicking back to you. You were already scribbling again: Good night. Be safe travelling home.
He noticed something thenโwhy hadnโt you signed it? Heโd learned those words, and he knew you knew them too. But he didnโt ask, didnโt want to add to your distress. Instead, he nodded silently, stepping forward to close the distance between you. He bent down and pressed a light, lingering kiss to your hairline. A small gesture to remind you that he was here, even if he had to leave now. "See you later."
When he straightened, he turned to your stepmother, who was staring at him with thinly veiled disdain. Kai met her gaze, nodded politely, and then stepped back.
He didnโt look away until he saw you retreat inside.
The gates slammed shut with a force that rattled him. Your stepmother's tone echoed in his ears, harsh and dripping with contempt. He hated the way sheโd spoken to you, the way her eyes had looked at you as though you did something so wrong.
He walked away, fists clenched at his sides. The thought of you living in a house with someone like that left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Kai reunited with you the next day.
He carefully tried to bring up the encounter with your stepmother, but you avoided the topic entirely. He didnโt push, though. Instead, he quietly accepted it when you told him you lived with her, your stepsisters, and that your father was out of town on business. He said heโd waitโthat heโd listen when you were ready to open up, when you felt comfortable.
Now, heโs on his way to the band room, arriving half an hour early for practice. His hand is wrapped around yours as he pulls you along. The soft warmth of your fingers in his feels just right. Students pass by, glancing your way, but Kai doesnโt care. Not when youโre here with him.
You agreed to come, though you werenโt sure what to expect. When you step into the room, your eyes widen. Trophies line the shelves, instruments are arranged neatly against the walls, and thereโs a large, inviting couch in the corner. There's also a small door that must lead to a private bathroom.
Kai settles you on the couch, his lips curving into a gentle smile as he pulls his guitar out of its case. He tells you he wanted you to see this. He also mentions the upcoming festival in two daysโa subtle invitation in his words.
As he strums the first notes, your eyes are drawn to him. The memory of the first time you saw Kai surfacesโyour second year of high school. That day, he was being calmed down by Soobin, the bandโs previous genius pianist. Even then, he left an impression so strong that you couldnโt forget him, no matter how much time had passed.
Now, sitting here in the band room as he plays his guitar for you, it feels surreal. If someone had told you back then that this would happen, youโd have laughed it off or called it impossible. But here you are, and he glances up, his eyes flickering between the strings and your face.
"I like it," you sign.
Kaiโs face lights up. He reaches for somethingโyour eyes are drawn to his hands. There, faint guitar scars run across his fingers, etched into his skin like a map of all the hours heโs poured into his craft.
An idea enters your mind.
Two days later, the school day comes to an end. You quietly pack your belongings, slipping books and papers into your bag as the chatter of students fills the room. The festival is less than an hour away. Youโre just about to zip up your bag when movement near the doorway catches your attention.
Choi Beomgyu steps into the classroom, his eyes scanning the room like heโs on a mission. You glance at him curiously as Taehyun notices and stands up, greeting him with a nod then points in your direction. Beomgyu makes his way over with Taehyun trailing behind him. "Hi, Y/N," he signs, the motion catching you completely off guard. Your eyes widen in surprise. Did Kai teach him that? Did he teach both of them?
Before you can even process the thought, Beomgyu hands you a folded shirt. You take it hesitantly, inspecting it as the fabric unfurls in your hands. The moment you see the name Huening Kai printed boldly on the back, your heart skips. Itโs his band shirt.
โHeโll love it,โ Beomgyu says, a small grin tugging at his lips and winks. He reaches out, lightly tapping your head like itโs the most casual thing in the world. Without another word, he throws an arm around Taehyunโs shoulders, and the two of them leave the classroom together. Some girls in your room look at you with dirty looks. It matters not, you'll have to change your shirt first.
Kaiโs eyes catch on your shirt almost instantly, his pace slowing as he closes the distance between you.
Confusion flits across his face, but then realization dawns. His band shirt. His name, his number on your back. His eyes widen in disbelief, and he lets out a laugh.
When youโre close enough, he reaches out, gently turning you around so he can see the full print. His fingers linger lightly on your shoulders. His grin widens, a mix of pride and something softer that you canโt quite name.
โYouโll watch, right?โ he asks. His throat feels tight, and itโs not just the sight of you in his shirtโitโs everything it means.
You nod, slowly reaching into your pocket, pulling out a small gift box. You hold it out to him, โFor me?โ he asks softly, taking it with both hands.
When he opens the box, his breath catches in his throat. Inside are guitar picks, each one smooth and carefully chosen, but what draws his attention is the tiny, handwritten phrase etched onto them. He squints, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tilts the pick closer to the light.
See you later.
The phrase so familiar, a staple in all your goodbyes. Itโs what he always waits to hear from you, what he secretly pouts about if you forget to say it. Itโs a simple phrase, used by so many people in passing, but between the two of you, itโs differentโreassurance that youโll always find your way back to each other.
His chest tightens, emotion welling up in a way he hadnโt expected. He steps forward, pulls you into a hug, holding you close, his chin resting on your head. "What do I do with you?" He whispers to himself. He finally pulls back, his hands linger at your elbows, eyes searching yours. You lift your hands to sign, your movements slow.
"Good luck, rock star."
Soobinโs hand rested on your back, touch steadying as the crowd began to thicken around the stage. Kai had entrusted you to him and Yeonjun, and though the absence of Kaiโs presence made you nervous, Soobinโs calm demeanour offered an unexpected sense of safety.
Yeonjun had gone to grab water, leaving you and Soobin to hold your place by the barricade. The festival was just moments away from starting, with students from your school, other schools, and alumni who had come back for the event. You found yourself gripping the metal tightly, the unfamiliar placeโฆ overwhelming. It's your first time to even attend one.
Soobin noticed immediately. He tapped your shoulder gently, โAre you okay?โ
You turned to him, his concern reflected in his face. You nodded, returning a small smile. His kindness felt natural. You could see why Kai spoke of him so fondly.
You barely had time to respond before you were pulled into a sudden hug. The embrace was tight, and a sweet floral scent filled your senses. You froze in surprise, but when the person stepped back, the grin on her face was so bright and genuine that you couldnโt help but soften.
โHi! Iโm Hiyyih!โ she exclaimed, her face full of excitement, her eyes shining like sheโd been waiting forever to meet you. Her name made you pause, recognition flashing through your mind. Your eyes widened slightly, but you smiled back at her, quickly scribbling in your notepad.
Y/N. Nice to meet you, Hiyyih.
She read it, and immediately squealed, her reaction so heartfelt and full of life that it drew laughter from Soobin. โHow did my brother pull you, huh?โ she teased, shaking her head in disbelief. Then, with mock irritation, she turned to Soobin and added, โSeriously, how?โ
Soobin chuckled, clearly amused. โI know. She's too pretty. Magic, maybe,โ he offered casually, and Hiyyih groaned dramatically. She hooked her arm through yours, as if youโd known each other for years. You're glad they didn't mention the blush evident on your cheeks.
Yeonjun returned, handing you a cold bottle of water. โYou okay?โ he asked, his tone just as kind and considerate as Soobinโs had been. You nodded again, clutching the water tightly as you looked between them allโHiyyihโs bright enthusiasm, Soobinโs quiet reassurance, and Yeonjunโs laid-back charm. It feels nice to be surrounded by people you want to be with.
You could get used to this. Being with people who made you feel like you matteredโmore than your own family ever had.
It was dark now, the festival lit only by the vibrant glow of stage lights, casting shifting colours across the crowd. The ground trembled beneath your feet as people jumped and swayed, their cheers blending with the music in an electrifying symphony.
Your eyes scanned the stage, searchingโand then you saw him. Kai. There he was, guitar in hand, lost in the music. The way he moved was effortless as if the instrument was an extension of himself. His face was lit up, not just by the stage lights but by a joy that radiated from within. He looked alive. Happy. He belonged there. He owns it.
And then his eyes found yours.
The chaos around you seemed to fade. Slowly, you signed, "You look cool," your hands steady even as your heart raced. You watched as his gaze followed the movement of your hands, his eyes softening with every word you formed. You didnโt need to be close to him. You didnโt need to hear his voice. As long as you could see himโand he could see you.
His lips curved into a smile, and he winked, the playful gesture making you smile back, heart swelling with pride.
The performance was incredible, each member of the band owning their moment, their energy filling the space and igniting the crowd. When the last song ended, the crowd erupted into cheers, and the band bowed together, camaraderie evident even from a distance. But before you could fully take in the scene, Kai was running.
The moment he stepped off the stage, his eyes searched for your face. His shoulders eased as soon as he saw you, surrounded by people he trusts. He loves performingโhe truly does. But the thought of returning to you, is louder than any applause. His feet move before his mind can think.
Straight to you.
He reached you in seconds, his chest heaving, adrenaline still coursing through him. "I can't stop looking at you,โ he said, his voice low, the words had been waiting to escape all night. His hands cradled your face, calloused by the guitar scars. "I need to kiss you right now or I'll go crazy."
You barely noticed the stares of the crowd or the murmurs of those nearby. All you could see was him. He leaned in, his breath mingling with yours, and his lips brushed against yours in the softest kiss. Youโd always known his lips looked soft, but they still managed to surprise youโhow perfectly they fit against yours.
When he pulled back, his grin was so wide. His arms wrapped around you tightly, holding you close as if you were the only thing that mattered. Around you, his friends clapped him on the back, their faces proud with congratulations.
โSee you later?โ Kai signed, his movements fluid, more confident. You nodded with a smile, waving as he stepped back. His grin widened, and he watched you enter the gates of your home.
That smile lingered on your face, carrying you all the way inside. The front doors opened for you, the maids greeting you with quiet bows, and you headed for the staircase, ready to retreat to your room.
But before you could take the first step, a hand seized your wrist and yanked you back. The slap came next, sharp and sudden, leaving a sting that spread across your cheek like fire. Startled, your hand flew to your face, and your wide, disbelieving eyes met the furious glare of your stepmother.
โYou skipped your painting lesson,โ she hissed, face trembling with anger, โand came home late without even telling me.โ
โAnd what for?โ she spat. โTo loiter with boys? To parade yourself in public, chatting in sign language for the entire neighbourhood to see? What else do you have left to ruin? Do you have any idea how embarrassing this is for the family?โ Her voice grew louder, shriller, her hand resting on her hip as she glared at you like you were something she could barely tolerate.
You noticed your stepsisters standing just out of the line. Equal anger on their faces. It was clearโthey had told her. Once, their expressions had the power to make you shrink, to make you doubt yourself. Now you felt nothing but disdain. Family, you thought bitterly, scoffing as you turned your head away.
Your stepmotherโs hand shot out, grabbing your chin and jerking your face back toward hers. Her nails bit into your skin as she snarled, โDid you laugh? How dare you laugh at me?โ
You shoved her hand away. โDonโt touch me,โ you signed, your movements sharp, gaze unwavering. You didnโt care that she couldnโt understand. This was the only way you could speak, and you were tired of swallowing your voice.
Her face twisted with fury. โI said stop using sign language!โ she barked.
You didnโt flinch. Instead, you signed again, your hands trembling. โIโm not alone anymore,โ you told her, the tears burning at the edges of your vision. โYou can be the queen of this house, control everything and everyone under this roof. But thereโs a world outside these walls. And out there, I have friends. People who see me. People who care.โ
โTalk! Talk like a proper person! I told you to talk!โ The slap came hard and fast, snapping your head to the side. Your cheek burned with the impact, but this time, you didnโt freeze. You pushed her. Hard.
The room erupted with a collective gasp.
โTouch me again, and youโll see your name in the newspaper.โ Your glare shifted to Chae-won as she stepped forward, her mouth opening to speak, but you didnโt wait to hear what she had to say.
You bolted up the stairs, your heart hammering in your chest, panic fueling every frantic step.
The space felt thick as you threw yourself into your room, slamming the door shut behind you. You moved toward your desk, your hands shaking as you tore your bag open, yanking out a piece of paper. You didnโt have time to think, only enough to scrawl a desperate message, the words barely legible through the blur of your haste.
The door creaked open behind you. Panic surged. You turned, your pulse pounding as you spotted themโthe maids stepping into the room. You bolted to the fax machine, shoving the paper in and frantically typing his number. You had to send it. You had to.
The machine whirred, halfway through sending, when two pairs of hands grabbed you, one on each arm. You thrashed and kicked, trying to wrench free, but their grip was too strong. Your stepmother appeared in the doorway, her smirk was cruel, triumphant, and your stomach churned with dread.
And then you saw itโthe glint of metal in her hands. Locks.
"Get her upstairs. Now." Your breath caught in your throat. The room seemed to tilt as a memory surged forward, unbidden and suffocating. The attic. The last time she locked you up, you were fifteen. Your skin crawled at the thought of being trapped there again. You were dragged out, your feet sliding against the floor, your cries echoing down the empty hall. It took three of themโthree people to overpower you, until the door loomed.
They shoved you inside, your body hitting the floor with a dull thud. You scrambled to your feet, lunging for the door, but it slammed shut in your face. You pounded on the door, fists aching, tears burning behind your eyes. It was harder for you to breathe.
This was her punishmentโher way of crushing you every time you dared to fight back, dared to speak your truth.
Sheโd leave you here, in the dark, in the suffocating silence, until you broke. Until you admitted she was right. Or until your fatherโs nearing return forced her to let you out, pretending everything was fine.
You had tried to tell him before. Slipping notes into his pockets, scribbling messages when she wasnโt looking. But her eyes were always there, sharp and watchful, snatching away every chance you had. You canโt help but wonderโif you hadnโt stood up to her, if you hadnโt accepted that small, fleeting chance to feel alive, would you still be here right now? Or would you just be trapped in another kind of prison, shackled to the cycle your stepmother has forced you into?
Dust coated every surface, the faint light that seeped through the cracks wasnโt even enough to pierce the gloom to give you hope. You curled up against the wall, knees pulled to your chest, fingers trembling as they pressed against the cold floor. It was something that you had to endure before.
For years.
Kai was running.
He didnโt care about the stares from strangers or the disapproving grunt as he ran the streets. He didnโt care about his motherโs worried gaze when he bolted out the door or the sting of his lungs from sprinting so fast. None of it mattered. All that mattered was getting to you.
The fax had come just minutes ago. He had been half-asleep when the machine whirred, spitting out a crumpled piece of paper with words that sent a shrill down his spine.
Kai, pick me up. Come get me, please. He knew it was you.
His heart pounded as he reached your gates, the mansion unwelcoming under the grey sky. He rang the door frantically, and when a maid opened the door, her polite greeting barely had time to escape her lips before Kai pushed past her.
โSir, what are you doing?โ she cried, alarmed. But Kai didnโt stop. He pushed through the grand double doors, his eyes scanning the room wildly. His gaze landed on a young woman, about his ageโyour stepsister, he realized with a flare of anger.
โWhereโs Y/N?โ he demanded, his voice booming through the space. The room fell silent. The maids froze, glancing at one another nervously, while your stepsister stiffened, her lips tightening into a scowl. โWhere is she?โ Kai shouted again, taking a step forward. A timid maid finally cracked, her wide eyes darting toward the stairs before quickly looking away. It was all he needed.
Kai took off, his legs carrying him up the staircase two steps at a time. As he neared the top, he heard itโa faint pounding, far but desperate. His blood ran cold as realization struck.
The attic.
Kaiโs chest tightened as he reached the door. His fist slammed against the wood, the sound reverberating down the hall. The pounding on the other side grew more. His heart felt like it might tear itself apart.
โOpen this door!โ he says, spinning to face the maids who had followed him upstairs. โWhat the hell is wrong with you people? Do you want to go to prison for this? Do you want to be accomplices?โ The maid whoโd glanced upstairs earlier flinched, her hands shaking as she fumbled with a key.
Finally, the lock clicked, and he shoved the door open. His breath caught as he saw you huddled on the floor, your arms wrapped tightly around your knees, your face streaked with tears. โY/N,โ he breathed, rushing to you.
"You found me." You signed, eyes locking on his. He crouched, his arms wrapping around your trembling frame. He pulled you close, his hand smoothing over your hair as he held you against his chest.
โItโs okay,โ he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. โIโm getting you out of this place.โ His eyes darted around the attic, taking in the oppressive walls, scattered drawingsโsketches you mustโve made. Some looks old, others newer. They had been locking you up here. Trapping you.
Kai stood, pulling you with him, โCome on,โ his hand tightened around yours, and you nodded.
He led you down the stairs, his grip never faltering. At the bottom, your stepmother appeared, her expression twisting into one of fury the moment she saw him.
โDo you even realise what youโre doing right now?โ she demanded, her voice sharp and grating. โThis is kidnapping. Do you have any idea how much trouble youโre in?โ
Kai didnโt flinch. He didnโt hesitate. His voice was steady, cold, and razor-sharp. โNot as serious as imprisonment. Or abuse.โ
Her lips curled into a mocking sneer. โIโm disciplining her,โ she spat, as if the word justified everything.
Your stepmotherโs eyes flicked to you as your hands moved, signing. โYouโre hurting me.โ
Her face darkened. โHow many times do I have to tell you to stop signing?โ
Kai froze, his mind reeling at her words. โWhat?โ he said, voice low. His jaw tightened as he stared at her, fury building in his chest. โHow do you expect her to communicate if she canโt speak?โ
She sneered. โReturn her inside while Iโm still asking nicely,โ
โNo,โ Kai snapped, he turned to her fully, standing tall and unyielding. โIโm not talking to you. Tell her father, when he finally gets home, to come find me personally if he wants to see his daughter again. And donโt even think about stopping me. My mother knows Iโm here.โ
Your stepmother opened her mouth to argue, but Kai didnโt give her the chance. He turned away, tugging you along behind him as he strode toward the door. His glare silenced any maids who dared step forward, daring anyone to challenge him.
โIf you walk out that door,โ your stepmother hissed, โyouโll regret it.โ
Kai didnโt stop. He didnโt even look back.
The cool night air hit your skin as he pulled you through the gates and into the street. He didnโt care about her threats. He didnโt care about what came next. The only thing he knew wasโhe would regret it far more if he didnโt leave with you tonight.
When the two of you arrived at Kaiโs home, his mother was already at the door, her face filled with concern. The moment she saw you, her eyes softened, but they couldnโt hide the shock and sadness she felt at your condition. โOh, sweetheart,โ she said gently, ushering you inside with open arms. โLetโs get you settled.โ
She led you to a spare room, โThis was Leaโs room,โ she explained with a small smile. โKaiโs sister. Sheโs away at college now, so itโs all yours for as long as you need.โ
Kai, stepped outside, pacing the front yard. His hands clenched and unclenched, breathing unevenly as he tried to calm himself. โHow could they do that to her? As human beings?โ he spits, in disbelief. โEven animals wouldnโt treat someone like that.โ
His mother followed him out, gently placing a hand on his arm. โKai, breathe,โ she said softly. โShe needs space to process everything right now.โ
Kai shook his head, โWhat you did was good,โ his mother continued. โLet her stay here for now. Sheโs safe with us.โ
โAnd what happens when her father comes back?โ Kai snapped, โWhat then? She just gets sent back to that place?โ
His mother sighed, her grip on his arm steady. โKai, itโs obvious he doesnโt know whatโs been happening. Do you think any father would knowingly allow this?โ
โThat man, he lives in the same house as her. How does he not know? Heโs either blind or he doesnโt care because all he does is make money and turn ignorant to everything else.โ
His mother stepped closer, pulling him into a hug before he could spiral further. โItโs not your place to decide what kind of father he is, or if she should forgive him. Thatโs up to her. Right now, she needs rest.โ
You sat curled up on the edge of the bed, knees pulled tightly to your chest, your back pressed into the corner. Your fingers picked at your nailbeds. Every breath you took felt shaky, like you were on the verge of falling apart.
It was the first time youโd ever stood up to themโto that whole oppressive house. The weight of it settled heavily on your chest, but more than that, you worried about Kai. About his family. Would they be okay with you here? What if they went after Kai or his family for taking you in? Would your presence bring trouble to their door? You felt like a curse, dragging misfortune wherever you went.
The sight of the door sliding open startled you. You looked up to see Kaiโs mom stepping in, her form soft in the dim light. She carried a stack of clothes in her hands, a small smile on her face.
โHiyyihโs already asleep, so I had to grab these for you,โ she said, setting it down in front of you. โThese are LeaโsโKaiโs sister. Iโm not sure if youโll like them, but I thought these might fit you.โ
You nodded silently, your heart pounding as you glanced at her. You could not shake the fear that she might say youโd put Kai in danger, that bringing you here was a mistake. Or how much trouble you mightโve caused him. The guilt plague, making your stomach turn.
She didnโt say anything at first, just sat there, her gaze soft and thoughtful. Then her smile widened, and her eyes crinkled at the corners like Kai does. โGosh, youโre so pretty,โ she said, as if she was stating the most obvious fact in the world. โLook at your eyesโtheyโre so clear, so bright.โ Her words made your breath hitch.
โNot being able to talk must be so hard,โ she continued, face replaced with sadness. โYou mustโve felt so upset. So frustrated.โ She moved closer, her hands reaching for yours. Her touch was warm, and something about it made the tears in your eyes sting even more.
โBut you did such a good job, honey,โ she said, her voice breaking slightly. โGrowing up into such a beautiful, strong young lady.โ Her thumb gently brushed the back of your hand, and she smiled again, โIโm proud of you.โ
Her words shattered something inside you, breaking through the walls youโd tried so hard to keep up. You bit down on your lip, but it was no use. The tears slipped free, rolling down your cheeks.
โIf anyone ever hurts you again, if anyone tries to trap you, you come here,โ she said firmly, her tone shifting to one of conviction. โDonโt ever put up with it. Just come back here. Or stay here and live with me." She grinned at the thought, expression animated, like it was the simplest solution in the world.
You couldnโt hold it back anymore. You cried, your shoulders trembling as the sobs punished your body. All the days you had endured in silence. The days they made you feel invisible, like you didnโt matter. The way they looked at you, spoke about you, treated you, as though you were something other, something different. Not belonging. Not normal.
"Don't cry," She pulled you into her arms, holding you tightly as she rubbed your back in soothing circles. You were starting to see it wasnโt true. Starting to believe. And her embrace is soโฆ familiar. It was like holding onto a memory youโd been too afraid to revisitโthe one youโd clung to as a lifeline but had started to fade, little by little.
It felt like you were eight again, back in timeโcradled in your motherโs warm arms.
Kai stood at your door, it's been an hour when he saw his mother leaving, her eyes red from crying. She had tried to reassure him to give you space, to let you be alone tonightโbut Kai's heart couldnโt rest. He knocked softly before slipping inside.
You were facing away from him, the sheets pulled up high against your body. He walked over, unsure of what to expect, and tapped a single finger on your shoulder to check if you were awake. You shifted and glanced back at him, your face still soft with the remnants of tears.
He offered a small smile, his hands signing softly, โHi.โ
You didnโt respond with words instead, you scooted over, making room for him on the bed. He slid in beside you, leaving just enough space between you both. โAre you okay?โ he signed, his face filled with concern.
โYes,โ you replied quietly, your fingers moving slowly, tracing the air. โBecause you always come whenever I need someone.โ
His heart skipped a beat. โAnything for you,โ he whispered, gaze never left yours. "I'll do anything for you,"
His fingers slowly lifted to cradle your face, his thumb brushing gently across your cheek. Your eyes fluttered closed at the touch, and Kai could feel your breath hitch. You shifted closer to him, pressing your head to his chest, seeking his intoxicating smell.
He tucked you in carefully, his arm lying beneath your head as his head rested gently on top of yours. His touch was warm and soothing as his hand trailed down your back, the warmth from his skin seeping through the fabric of your clothes. You closed your eyes, feeling the calm settle in your chest, until a small movement in his chest caught your attention.
You pulled back slightly, confusion in your eyes. His face was soft, but his eyes shimmered with tears that hadn't yet fallen. His lips parted, searching for the right words. โHow did you put up with all of that?โ he whispered, a tear slipping down his right cheek. His chest seemed to tighten with the weight of the question. โWhat they did to you, it was the worst. Iโ should've found you sooner. I promiseโฆ you will not be alone anymore, okay?โ
You nod, tearing up at his words. It was the first time someone made a promise to you that you knew he wouldn't break. A small smile found its way to your lips. His hands moved, fingers gently pressed against your palm as he spelled out.
"You're safe now,"
You wake up slowly, your eyes squinting as they adjust to the soft morning light spilling into the room.
Kai's arms are still wrapped around your waist, his body pressed against yours, his face nestled against your chest. You gently trace the lines of his face with your fingers, captivated by the details you never want to forgetโthe way his freckles and moles give his features a softness, an angelic quality. He's so beautiful. The light in a world that once felt so dark. In a life thatโs often felt like a nightmare, heโs the one thing that pulled you into the almost impossible daylight.
You lean in, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. He murmurs in his sleep but doesnโt stir. You smile softly at his innocence, feeling your heart flutter. You try to untangle your legs from his, hesitant to leave the safety of his embrace, but you slowly make your way out of the bed.
As you step into the living room, the smell of breakfast makes your stomach rumble. You find Kaiโs mom and Hiyyih already in the kitchen. The latter smiles warmly at you. โGood morning,โ she greets, and you return the smile.
Breakfast is simple but comforting. The food amazing, your appetite comes back little by little with every bite.
When youโre finished, Hiyyih looks at you with a bright smile. โWant to help me with the lunch boxes?โ she asks, and you nod eagerly. She helps you slip on an apron, her fingers fumbling with the straps as she giggles. It's contagious, and makes you smile.
She pulls her hair back into a ponytail, a few strands fall loose, and you reach for your notepad. You quickly scribble, Let me braid your hair?
Hiyyihโs eyes widen with delight, and she nods. You gather her hair gently, carefully weaving the strands together. A soft smile spread across her face at the comforting touch of your hands.
Kai stretched his arm to your side, but the space was empty.
His eyes snapped open, sleep quickly fading as he registered the absence of your presence. He sat up abruptly, fumbling to slide his feet into his house slippers, the soft padding of his steps barely audible as he hurried out of the room.
Where could you have gone? Has someone come to take you home? His thoughts raced, each one more frantic than the last. He barely noticed the cold air of the hallway as he hurried toward the kitchenโthen he stopped, heart halting in his chest.
There you were.
The tension melted away as he took in the scene. You stood at the counter, laughter spilling from your lips as you helped Hiyyih pack three lunch boxes. The soft fabric of an apron hugged your frame, and his mother moved gracefully beside you, pouring cups of steaming chocolate milk, a soft smile gracing her lips as she watched the two of you.
Your eyes found his, and the world seemed to slow. A smile softened your features as you raised a hand, signing a simple "Hi," and motioning for him to come closer.
"Good morning," Kai murmured. His heart swelled at the scene before himโthree women who meant the world to him. "Morning, Mom."
The two watched as Kai closed the small distance between you and him. He softly placed his hands on your shoulders, the touch gentle. Then, he leaned down, pressing a light, quick kiss to the top of your head. His small act makes you blush.
"Good morning, Son," his mother interrupts warmly, passing him a plate of pancakes and sausages. "Y/N and Hiyyih have already eaten. Hereโs your breakfast."
Kai took his seat, the clatter of cutlery mingling with the soft sounds of your and Hiyyihโs giggles. His mother, ever attentive, placed a notepad on the counter, making sure nothing was lost in translation as she communicated with you.
If you truly want to express something, youโll find a way. And if you want to say even more, youโll learn, until your heart speaks louder than words ever could.
It was the first time you were in a car, heading to school, and there was a grin you couldnโt wipe from your face.
Everything felt lighter todayโthe warmth of Hiyyihโs arm gently looping around yours, and every now and then, Kaiโs glance in the rearview mirror caught yours.
Last night seemed to burn away, slipping from your mind like smoke on the breeze. The car pulled up, and you all said your goodbyes to Kaiโs mom, her lips warm against your cheek as she kissed you. โWhat food would you like later?โ Her question made you pull her into a tight hug, surprising her with the warmth you hadnโt known you had in you. It's true, that if you surround yourself with better people, you'll be better too.
It felt like everyone in school was watching, but you didnโt mind. Kaiโs hand in yours felt so right, and Hiyyih was chatting away beside you, making everything feel like a dream. When the time came for Hiyyih to part ways, she also kissed your cheek with a smile, waving goodbye.
Kaiโs eyes were on you, a smirk tugging at his lips as you laughed softly. He loved seeing you so light, so happy. When he walked you to your class, you bumped into Taehyun, who ruffled your hair with a grin and a gentle pat on the head. You felt like he already knew, given that his stare much more concerned than it ever was.
Is this what it feels like to be part of something? What a family is supposed to feel like?
You washed your hands in the sink, the corners of your lips still tugged into a faint smile. But the moment was cut short when a splash of cold water hit you, soaking your uniform. You gasped, the fabric clinging uncomfortably to your skin. You only know two people who find joy in these acts. Turning quickly, you saw Chae-won and Yun-jin standing there, flanked by three other girls whose names you didnโt even know but who were always with them.
โAre you done living your life like a victim?โ Chae-wonโs voice rang out, sharp and biting. A few other students in the bathroom froze, unsure of what to do, before slipping out the door, desperate to avoid being caught in the middle.
โGo home,โ she spat, her glare searing. โIโm not letting my mother deal with trash like you.โ
Your chest tightened, but you refused to show it. You held her gaze for a beat longer than you thought you could, then turned to leave. The quicker you got out of their sight, the better. You don't want to waste your energy on dealing with her. But before you could make it to the door, two of them grabbed your arms roughly and shoved you back.
โGo home now,โ one of them hissed. โOr Iโll make sure everyone knows just how pathetic you really are.โ
Something inside you snapped. The words stung, but your hand moved faster than your thoughts. The slap echoed in the tiled bathroom. Chae-wonโs face twisted in shock before anger overtook her features. She lunged, pushing you into a cubicle. Her hands tangled in your hair as you tried to fight back, her nails digging into your arm as you struggled to block her strikes.
They always kept it hidden, their cruelty tucked away in the shadowsโbehind the closed doors of your home, in the quiet corners of the art room, places where no one else would see. Never here. Never out in the open like this. These were the same people you once looked at with longing, the ones you dreamed would someday call you their friend.
Tears blurred your vision as you struggled to catch your breath. The sharp ache in your scalp subsided when Chae-won was suddenly yanked off you, her grip torn away by a rough hand.
Hiyyih. Your eyes widened as you saw her, fierce and blazing with anger. โGet the fuck away from my sister, bitch!โ she screamed, face cracking with rage. Before Chae-won could recover, Hiyyih kicked her hard on her thigh, her fury igniting as she saw the blood smeared across your arms.
Another girl was with her, someone you vaguely recognized, stepping in to help. Suddenly, it was three against five, chaos erupting in the cramped bathroom.
Hiyyih glared daggers at Yun-jin, voice trembling with raw emotion. โYou think you can just hurt people? You think youโre strong because you can?โ
The bathroom erupted into noiseโshouting, scuffling, and the sound of feet scrambling for safety. Students crowded at the doorway, peeking in with wide eyes, while others bolted to find a teacher. You stayed close to Hiyyih, your chest tight with fear. What if they hurt her the way they hurt you?
You felt yourself shoved against the counter in the commotion, your pulse pounding in your ears. And then, cutting through the chaos, you saw them. Three figures pushed their way through the crowd, pushing onlookers, unconcerned that this was a girlsโ bathroom.
Kai. Beomgyu. Taehyun.
Everything seemed to blur as Kai desperately reached you, pulling you close against his chest. His arms wrapped around you, steady and protective, shielding you from anyone.
Kaiโs hands cupped your face, his touch trembling as he scanned your cuts and bruises. His jaw tightened, his eyes dark with anger and fear. His eyes check his sister, now standing between Beomgyu and Taehyun. He exhaled sharply, pulling you behind him, his body a wall between you and the rest of the room.
โStop this,โ he said coldly, his words directed at Chae-won, who was fixing her hair with a smug expression. "This is your last warningโstay away from her.โ
Chae-won sneered, venom dripping from her voice. โWhy do you keep protecting thatโฆ thing?โ she spat. โSheโs abnormal. She canโt hear. She made us miserable. Sheโs selfish, always making everything about her. She plays the victim like itโs a sport.โ
Her words made Hiyyih surged forward, ready to strike, but Taehyun held her back with a firm grip.
โAre you fucking serious right now?โ Chae-won blinked, startled by the harshness in Kai's toneโa tone so unlike the boy known for his warmth and kindness. โSheโs the best person to ever walk these grounds,โ Kai adds, eyes locked on Chae-won. โSheโs everything youโll never be.โ
You tried to step out from behind him, to meet Chae-wonโs glare head-on, but Kaiโs arm gently stopped you, keeping you behind him, his body a wall between you and her cruelty.
โIf anyone here isnโt normal, itโs you. Never her.โ
For the first time, Chae-wonโs smirk faltered, her confidence visibly shaken. Her eyes dart between Hiyyih, Beomgyu and Taehyun. They all look at her in disdain.
Her mind raced, her thoughts spiralling back to the words her mother had drilled into herโhow you were less, how people would never care about you. But nowโthese peopleโthey were standing with you, like they would shield you from anything that came your way. It made her gulp. She bolts outside, Yun-jin was hot on her heels, matching her pace. The other girls had already disappeared.
For the first time, she was afraidโof the consequences that might happen if she ever dared to hurt you again.
โYou donโt have to forgive them, you know?โ Kai says, his shoulder brushes against yours, as you both sit, legs dangling off the edge of the makeshift bench in the yard. The watermelon ice cream in your hand drips slightly, the heat of the sun melting it. His sister and mother are out of the house, shopping for tonight's supper.
โItโs okay to take your time,โ he adds, glancing at you from the corner of his eye. โOr never forgive them at all. You can stay here with us for as long as you want. Thereโs no rush to figure everything out.โ
You shift your feet, wiggling your toes against the warm wood beneath you. Both of you are still in the loose, comfortable clothes you threw on after rolling out of bed. No shoes, no plansโItโs a Saturdayโyour first weekend here.
You look at him, and the light catches his face. A small smile tugs at your lips as you sign, โYou know, Iโve never given you a proper nickname.โ
Kai pauses mid-bite, blinking at you in surprise at your random words. โHuh?โ he mumbles around the end of his ice cream. โWhat do you mean?โ
You let out a soft laugh, your hands moving fluidly as you explain, โSince calling out your name in sign language takes a little more effort, itโs better to give you a nickname. Something simple but special, something that means โyou.โโ
Kaiโs heart stutters in his chest. How was it possible that every time he saw you sign, it felt like the first time all over again? "Wha- what would you call me?"
You smile, a little shy. Youโd thought of this nickname days ago, waiting for the right moment to share it. โDiamond,โ you sign, your hands forming the shapeโyour thumb and index finger meet to form the letter D, before tracing an elegant upward motion, like a sparkle.
Kaiโs breath catches. His chest feels tight, like his heart is swelling too big for the space itโs in. Diamond. The way you did it, the way it lookedโit felt intimate. "Itโs beautiful."
You smile softly at him, and his entire world shifts. โI canโt hear your voice, but I see it. You shine the brightest when youโre making music. Thatโs when you look the coolest, like youโre untouchableโฆ like a diamond. But even then, I donโt feel left out when Iโm with you. I never felt I don't belong when I'm with you.โ Your hands falter slightly, your eyes glassy with unshed tears.
Kai watches every movement, every micro-emotion on your face. He understands every word.
Heโs in love with you. Completely, helplessly.
He doesnโt need to be the doctor to diagnose his own symptoms, a teacher to put his feelings into words, or to be the scientist to prove his theory. None of those roles matters becauseโthese things will never speak as loud as his heart. He loves you. And with every moment he spends knowing you, he finds himself falling even deeper.
And now, he can give you his musicโsomething he once thought was beyond him. Loving you has been the easiest thing heโs ever done.
Kai's desperate need consumes him as he grabs your face, his heart racing with aching desire to kiss you. His lips crash onto yours, devouring the sweetness of your watermelon-flavoured mouth. You moan, a little sound that only fuels his need as he leans back. "You're so beautiful. I need you, please." He pulls you closer and kisses you again once you nod, unable to resist his sweet kisses. He breaks away and takes your hand, leading you. Like he always does.
You let him pull you into his room, the scent of him wrapping around you like a quiet embrace. The space feels personalโlived-in. It feels like... him.
Before you can say a word, his arms encircle you from behind, holding you close as his lips brush softly against the side of your head. His hands move slowly, sliding from your waist to your stomach. With a gentle tug, he lifts your shirt just enough to reveal the bare skin beneath. His touch is tender as his fingers graze over you, tracing delicate patterns, and caressing. Kai turns you around.
Kai's mind swirls with uncertainty. He stares into your eyes, and he signs the words that he has been holding back. "I love you." You respond by pulling him close, kissing him fiercely and tangling your fingers in his hair. Your mind is consumed by his confession, and his touches.
He pushes you onto the bed, flooding your senses with his smell. You wrap your legs around him instinctively, surprised at yourself for doing something naturally you haven't done. You're craving his touch.
"I need you," His voice is low, repeating the words. He wants to know. He wants to make sure that you're alright with this. You give a slight nod, granting him permission. He eagerly accepts, his lips crashing against yours in a frenzy of need. His hands roam your body, leaving trails of fire as he hungrily kisses down your neck. He goes down, he bites down on the fabric covering your nipples, eliciting a gasp of pleasure from you.
He gingerly lifted your shirt over your head, revealing your flushed skin. He took one of your hardened nipples into his mouth and gently sucked, watching closely as your face contorted in pleasure and your eyes fluttered shut.
He slides his hand under your silk pyjama top and gently traces the curve of your back with his fingers. He settles himself beside you, leaning as he reaches your waistband. His long fingers slip inside and finds you already wet, he spreads your lips apart and expertly flicks his finger over your clit. He adds another finger and watches your face for any signs of discomfort, peppering kisses along your cheeks as you shake your head in pleasure. Slowly, he inserts them deeper, making you grip his shoulders tightly as he stretches you.
He rolls his knuckles over your sensitive clit. With a swift movement, his hand opens like scissors, his thumb teasing your swollen nub. You let out a gasp and clutch onto his now longer hair, pulling him closer as he continues to pleasure you with his skilled fingers. Your mouths meet in a passionate kiss, his hot tongue brushing yours as he works his fingers in and out of you.
As he pulls out, you can feel his gaze on you, his eyes tracing every inch of your body. Every part of your body is beautiful.
You try to reach for his pants, but he shakes his head with a small smile. "This is all about you." He whispers, and places a kiss on your lips.
He slides into you, causing tears to escape from the corners of your eyes as you feel yourself being stretched and filled. He's so big, hot inside you. "Baby, I got you," He leans in close, his warm breath mingling with yours as he gently wipes away your tears.
Kai searches your eyes and waits for you to signal him to move again, you hummed nodding your head. He presses deeper, and the sensation makes your whole body tingle. With each thrust, he presses you further into the mattress, leaving hot kisses along your skin as his other hand finds its way back to your clit.
His lips found your ears, and he left traces of kisses. The overwhelming pleasure builds and builds until finally, you can't hold back any longer and release with a shudder. But he doesn't stop there; he continues to move inside of you groaning, pulling out before his release, he fists his erection and hot white cum comes undone on his hands. He leans down to give you a quick kiss on your forehead, smirking at your fucked out face.
Kai's touch was careful as he ran the cloth over your skin, wiping away, and cleaning you up. He worked slowly, keeping one of his hands holding your own.
When he was done, he looked up at you with that same soft smile. You feel your lips curve in response, reaching out to touch his flushed cheeks, your fingers brushing against his warm skin. The simple touch makes his smile widen into a boyish grin. You see his mouth open, saying "I love you." The same words he kept repeating over and over again even without you knowing it.
It feels unreal, like a fragile dream stitched together by your desperate mind to escape the torment of your reality. Kai doesnโt seem realโa fleeting fever dream youโre terrified will vanish the moment you wake. Your hands move almost on their own, signing the words your heart refuses to deny. "I love you too."
A floor table is set up in the yard, resting on a wide blanket with soft cushions scattered around it. Plates of food and side dishes fill the table, the space alive with chatter and laughter.
Kai sits beside you, his knee brushing yours beneath the table his hands caressing your back when no one's looking, Hiyyih is in the center, her laughter bright and infectious, while Taehyun and Beomgyu are across from you, locked in their usual back-and-forth.
Or rather, Beomgyu trying to bait Taehyun into bickering, and Taehyun rolling his eyes with amused restraint.
The sliding door opens, and Kaiโs mom steps out, balancing a steaming pot in her hands. โHere comes the ramen!โ she sings. The broth makes you realise just how hungry you are.
She begins ladling out bowls, and the clinking of utensils signals the start of the meal. As the first bite warms your throat, the cold night seems to retreat, replaced by the simple joy of being here, with them.
You reach out toward the dessertโripe, glossy strawberriesโbut your hand freezes as you see Beomgyu grab the last one. He pauses mid-bite when he catches the longing look in your eyes. โOh,โ he says, a smirk tugging at his lips. Slowly, he pulls the fruit away from his mouth, holding it out to you with his chopsticks. โBecause Iโm a good guy, Iโll let you have it.โ
Before you can protest, Kai reaches over with his own chopsticks and snatches the strawberry back. He shoves it into Beomgyuโs mouth, earning a muffled yelp. โYou can keep it,โ Kai says flatly, shooting a half-hearted glare at his friend.
Taehyun bursts out laughing, pointing at Beomgyuโs shocked expression. โHeโs jealous,โ he teases, his grin wide.
โI am not,โ Kai snaps, cheeks betraying by giving a soft pink hue. โI just donโt want his germs spreading to Y/N.โ
Beomgyu, finally swallowing the strawberry, points a dramatic finger at Kai. โYou little shiโโ
You laugh as Beomgyu leaps to his feet, determined to catch Kai, whoโs darting away with that grin that melts your heart every time. Kaiโthe one who didnโt just save you from your own darkness, but who opened up his world and invited you in, piece by piece.
You sigh, not out of sadness, but happinessโa feeling slowly becoming familiar. It doesnโt feel impossible anymore.
You avoid your fatherโs gaze, his concerned eyes scanning you with a frown etched deep into his forehead. You shift, positioning yourself behind Kaiโs broad back. You can still see your father, but having Kai in front of you makes it all feel bearableโalmost safe.
Your father arrived first thing in the morning, dressed sharply in his suit, as though he hadnโt wasted a second to come get you ever since he came back.
He explained everything in a rushโwhat heโd done back at the house. Your stepmother was gone, and sheโd taken your stepsisters with her. Without a marriage binding them, he ended it quickly, as swiftly as heโd once welcomed her into your home, believing she could be a solution, a saviour for you.
The maids who had turned a blind eye or worseโenabled the abuseโwere fired on the spot. And now, he was determined to make things rightโdetermined to press charges, to hold accountable anyone who had ever hurt you. His voice cracked when he spoke of it, the guilt etched deep into his expression.
"Would you mind if I speak for a moment?" Kai asks stance proud, and unwavering. Your father looked at him, taking in the way he stood in front of you, protective. It reminded him of the days when he had stood like that for your motherโthe only woman he had truly loved.
โMy mom doesnโt know any sign language,โ Kai begins, โBut she still talks to Y/N all the time. They understand each other perfectly.โ He pauses, letting the words settle.
โThatโs when I realized something,โ Kai continues, his gaze unwavering. โYou can say anythingโanything at allโif it comes from a willing heart.โ He pulls out a book. Itโs a little worn around the edges, its cover creased from being used so often. Itโs the same sign language book heโs been studying with you, the one heโs cherished so much.
He holds it out to your father, โI thought this might help. Itโs a good place to start, so you can reach her too.โ Your father takes it, his fingers brushing against the cover. His lips part, voice thick with emotion, โThank you, Kai.โ He extends his hand, and Kai shakes it firmly, a quiet understanding passing between them.
Then Kai turns to you, placing a gentle kiss on your forehead. His mom and Hiyyih wrap you in tight hugs, their warmth lingering long after they let go. You havenโt even stepped outside the gate yet, but theyโre already asking when youโll come back.
You smile, trying to give them an answer, but the truth catches in your throat. The truth is, you donโt know if you can live your life without them anymore.
The trip back to your house was quiet.
You opened the doors, but no one was inside. No one inside, yet it felt moreโฆ welcoming than it ever had. You walk into your room, and are about to reach to close your bedrooms behind you. But before it shuts, your father steps inside.
โIโm sorry,โ he starts, โFor everything.โ All you can do is nod silently, feeling the sting of tears welling in your eyes. Youโve thought about this moment a thousand timesโhow you would say everything youโve kept inside, how youโd finally tell him that his silence and distance hurt more than the physical abuse they gave.
You wanted him to know what his absence caused, how it made everything worse. You wanted to shout, to let him feel the anger youโve carried for so long. But as you hear his apology, you find yourself lacking the heart to do so. Because this momentโitโs the one youโve been waiting for your entire whole life. For him to finally come back to you.
He takes a hesitant step closer, his hands trembling as they reach up to cup your face. His eyes that screams nothing but regret. โYouโre the only one left who matters to me,โ he says, โIโm so sorry I didnโt see it sooner. I promiseโIโll make it up to you. Somehow, Iโll make it right.โ Before you know it, he pulls you into his arms, holding you as if heโs afraid to let go.
The two of you cry, clinging to each other in the quiet of the house. No other words are spoken. The walls that once held the echoes of your pain now bear witness to somethingโฆ starting to heal.
The horrors of the past donโt, won't disappear, but they begin to blur, fading as you melt inside your father's arms. You close your eyes as you cryโbroken sobs, like a child needing comfort after a big bad nightmare, tasting the salt of your own tears as they fall.
It tastes like forgiveness.
"Do you want to come with me on my next business trip?" your father signs, his hands moving carefully beside you in the car. "New York."
You smile at his effort, the clumsy yet intentional movements making him seem more approachableโso different from the figure you once knew.
"I'd love that, dad." His face lights up with your response, a genuine smile spreading across his lips. He looks relieved, maybe even proud, that he's able to communicate with you more clearly now. Your gaze drifts to the newspaper folded in his lap, the bold numbers marking the yearโ1996.
The car slows to a stop, signalling that you've arrived. Your father leans over, pressing a soft kiss to your cheek. "See you daughter,"
You wave goodbye, stepping out onto the pavement, watching as the car pulls away. You clutch your shoulder bag, a soft smile playing on your lipsโone that seems to have taken permanent residence these past few months. Your steps are light, your eyes brighter, and your heart hums a melody only you can hear.
Community for the Gifted: Advanced Sign Language
The words on the board seem almost dreamlike. A reminder that you're here. Everything that happened wasn't just a dream.
Before you can dwell on it, your bag is gently lifted from your hands. You turn, meeting his eyesโwarm, full of affection. He dips his head, pressing a sweet, fleeting kiss to your lips, followed by another on your nose, and your brows.
"Hi, pretty girl," He says softly, shifting your bag to his other hand. He reaches for your free hand, fingers intertwining with yours. He squeezes it three times.
I love you.
Together, you step through the doors, hand in hand with the boy who loves you in ways you didnโt think anyone ever could. The boy who simply found you in your silent world. It amazes youโhow one person can make life feel so undeniably worth living.
Huening Kai, who learned to speak your language, so you won't have to spend your lifetime translating your soul.
THE END.
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