Chapter Text
“Eijun, my classmate is coming over so we can go over some notes. Try not to be too distracting, got it?”
The first year’s face twists into a look of confusion before his voice takes an offended tone. “When am I distracting?!”
It’s a fair question. It’s only the third day of school so Eijun hasn’t been presented with much opportunity to actually be distracting, but he’s loud and stupid and surely meeting someone new will excite him.
“Just do your homework, idiot.”
“I’m going to check out clubs today; there’s an hour left, right?”
Youichi nods slowly, thinking about his roommate’s question. “Yeah, I left early today. We won’t start doing much until next week.”
“Okay! See you later, Youichi-senpai!” Eijun says before slamming the door behind him.
The second year runs a hand through his thick hair and sighs as heavy silence settles over the dorm. He pulls his notebooks out of his backpack, placing them on his desk right as he hears the rustling of a doorknob. He turns toward the door, rolling his eyes as Kazuya strolls through the doorway, a grin plastered on his face.
«What the hell are you smirking at?» Youichi signs. «Don’t you knock?»
Kazuya drops his book bag on the floor before he plops down onto the bed, his fingers smoothing out the blankets. «No one knocks for me,» he signs with a shrug.
Youichi stares at his friend, his jaw falling slack in frustration. «Alright, Kazuya, next time I’ll knock and we’ll see how that goes. Bastard.»
«This your roommate’s bed? I think I passed him on the way here. Looked like he came out of your room. Messy hair, idiotic smile,» Kazuya signs before he returns to touching the blankets.
«Calm down, Kazuya, try not to fall in love with him» Youichi smirks, watching his friend squirm uncomfortably. «Sorry. Anyway, yeah, idiotic smile? Sounds like him alright. He’ll probably come back later so we should get some work done before he does. Kid is energetic and noisy.»
«Good thing that doesn’t affect me.»
«I don’t know, man, he’s pretty damn loud. Even you might hear him without your hearing aids.» Youichi raises an eyebrow, noticing the absence of the devices from his ears.
Kazuya laughs as he reaches for his backpack, pulling out his notes and a pencil and looks at Youichi expectantly. The older boy rolls his eyes, confirming the subject they will begin with before asking Kazuya what notes he missed.
The work progresses smoothly; Kazuya hadn’t missed many notes and the ones he did required minimum explanation on Youichi’s part. They work in silence -a silence that, at first, had been daunting to Youichi in his first year. He is, of course, used to noise. He’s used to music, the soft murmur of a television; he’s used to his study partner, well, talking. With Kazuya it’s different. Youichi knows he prefers not to speak if he doesn’t have to and although he knows Kazuya won’t know the difference if he turns on music or not, it somehow feels wrong. He simply copies what he’s missing from Youichi’s notebook, looking up every so often to ask for an explanation or to discuss something he thinks to be off. Over time, the silence had become sort of comforting; now, it helps Youichi focus.
However, as the bedroom door bursts open, he wonders how much longer silence will be accessible in his own dorm.
Youichi rolls his eyes, looking up to see if Kazuya has noticed the disturbance that is his roommate. Unsurprisingly, the other teenager doesn’t seem to notice and Youichi sends a harsh glare in Eijun’s direction.
“W-what’s that look?” Eijun asks as he takes a step back.
“We’re trying to study, you moron. I told you that,” Youichi narrows his eyes at the younger boy.
“I’m sorry! Clubs let out and-”
“Kuramochi, are you paying attent- oh?” Kazuya’s voice softens once he looks up. Youichi watches the way his friend’s lips curl into a light smirk, his eyes playful. “So, that was you that I passed on the way here.”
Eijun stares at the strange boy blankly, his eyes blinking in confusion as he watches Kazuya. “Why’re you moving your hands?”
“Eijun!” Youichi growls.
Kazuya laughs fully, surprised by the boy’s forwardness. “To the point. I like you.”
“It’s JSL, Eijun. Sign language,” Youichi explains when the other boy neglects to mention it.
“But, you can talk,” Eijun points out dumbly. Youichi seriously wants to smack the kid into a coma.
“He’s deaf, you moron, now stop asking stupid questions!”
“I didn’t know!” Eijun yells defensively. “Why are you so-” Youichi watches as his roommate’s look of confusion morphs into one of understanding and he has to admit- he already hates whatever conclusion he’s come to.
“Is he your soulmate?! He is, isn’t he?!”
The colour drains from Youichi’s face before his cheeks heat up, anger and embarrassment flaring once the shock passess. “What?! No, you idiot! Kazuya is a second year! I told you, my soulmate is a third year! And I would never want to be soulmates with this asshole!”
Youichi’s gaze turns on Kazuya when he doubles over, his annoying laugh grating on his ears. “Ouch, Kuramochi. I’m really hurt, I thought we had something special going on,” he slurs between laughs.
«This kid’s a riot, what an idiot,» Kazuya signs.
Eijun stares between the two with a confused expression before turning to Youichi. “Then, who is he?”
«What’d he say? I can’t see his lips.»
«He’s asking who you are.»
“Woah, Youichi, you can do it too?!” Eijun asks.
The oldest boy ignores the question. The answer should be obvious enough to anyone who isn’t Eijun. “Eijun, face him. He can’t understand you if he can’t see your mouth.”
The confusion once again takes hold of Eijun’s features but, regardless, he nods and angles back toward the stranger. “Who are you?”
Kazuya cocks an eyebrow. “Wow, so rude. Asking who I am before even introducing yourself.” His tone is playful and Youichi rolls his eyes when it has the desired effect.
“I’m sorry!” Eijun yells and bows forward sharply. “Please forgive me!”
«He asked you to forgive him,» Kuramochi signs, knowing Kazuya has no way of knowing Eijun even spoke after bowing.
“Ha ha! I’ll forgive you if you quit hiding your mouth.”
Eijun straightens immediately. “I’m sorry! My name is Sawamura Eijun, pleased to meet you!”
Kazuya chuckles, standing up from the first year’s bed. “That’s better, Sawamura. I’m Miyuki Kazuya. Kuramochi and I are classmates, I guess. He doesn’t want to be my soulmate, after all,” he adds.
“Piss off,” Youichi mumbles.
Eijun falls quiet for a moment, his eyebrows furrowing as discomfort settles in his stomach. “Hey, wait- Why use surnames? You’re in our age group-”
“I don’t use given names,” Kazuya says as he packs up his things. “Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but I’ve got some things to get done. It was nice meeting you, Sa-wa-mur-a,” he purrs slowly before he exits the room with a wave.
Youichi and Eijun stand in silence for several moments, both boys staring at the door.
“What the hell?!” Eijun finally yells, frustration evident in his voice. “The nerve of that guy-”
“Don’t waste your energy, Eijun. He doesn’t even use my given name, let alone anyone else’s. Trust me, it’s the least agitating thing about him,” he says as he puts his notebooks away.
“What’s he mean ‘doesn’t use given names’? Doesn’t he wanna find his soulmate?”
“He’s just not interested, how the hell should I know? It’s not something we talk about.”
“But, you’re friends-”
“Listen, Eijun. Don’t go poking into Kazuya’s business, just trust me. That bastard doesn’t open up to anyone, least of all some pesky, noisy first year,” Youichi says, a hint of sympathy in his tone. He knows how infuriating Kazuya can be and Eijun is clearly confused by his attitude. “I know he’s a pain in the ass, but save yourself the trouble. Anyway,” he pauses, putting his backpack near the foot of his bed. “I’m going to Ryousuke’s dorm, I’ll be back later.”
“Is Ryousuke your soulmate?!”
“Goodbye, Eijun,” Youichi says forcefully before leaving the first year alone in their dorm.
~
The second week, in Miyuki’s opinion, is always significantly better than the first. His teachers still inevitably mess up, but for the most part everyone is conscious enough of his condition that he doesn’t have to remind people as often as the first week. Most importantly, people have gotten the hint not to ask him questions, realizing quickly that he’ll just deflect them with sarcasm and cruel jokes.
And, his favourite part -the second week is when clubs start to pick up more.
«Have we gotten many interested first years?» Kuramochi asks as they pack up their things.
«You’ll have to ask Yuki or Isashiki, I don’t pay attention to that.»
[“Of course you don’t,”] Youichi mumbles.
«I saw that, moron.»
«Whatever, let’s just get to the kitchen. Ryou is going to meet us there today.»
«What, no pre-club makeouts in an empty classroom today?»
«Shut up,» Kuramochi scowls.
Miyuki snickers, turning his hearings aids off before they head out into the open halls, Kuramochi trailing beside him casually. They quickly weave through the crowds of students, making it to the first floor when Miyuki stops at the bottom of the steps and turns to his friend.
«I’ll meet you there, I’m going to the bathroom real quick.»
«Don’t harass the first years on your way.»
«I’ll try not to,» Miyuki signs with a grin before heading to the closest restroom.
The second year ignores the looks from some of the new students as he passes them. He’s used to the curious gazes when wandering eyes notice the devices in his ears - mostly he chalks it up to people being unused to seeing a teenager wearing them. Still, it doesn’t stop the annoyance he feels from the unwelcome stares.
He makes his way to the bathroom easily enough, relief flooding him when it’s relatively empty (he isn’t about to try to figure out if there’s anyone in the stalls). He makes quick work of finishing his business, moving over to the sinks once he’s done. After washing his hands, he looks up into the mirror, his eyes glancing at the devices in his ears. He carefully sets them on the sink after removing them, sighing in respite. Though he’s gotten used to them over the years and the soreness is no longer present, he still feels relieved when they’re removed, especially considering the interference from his glasses.
His fingers gently massage his ears; his attention focuses on the devices on the sink as if they can get up and walk away (they’re extremely expensive and his father would be furious if he were to lose them). He doesn’t even notice the addition of another presence in the room, that is, until he finds himself cupping his ears in pain.
“What the hell?!” Miyuki yells as he shies away from the pressure in his ears. He finds it unfair that he still experiences pain from a too-loud noise, even though he can’t exactly hear it. He turns toward the direction he suspects the noise had come from, narrowing his eyes as he recognizes the idiot in front of him.
“Why the hell did you do that?” Miyuki shouts.
[“You heard me?!”] Sawamura asks incredulously.
“No, you moron, but it still hurts!” The second year winces, snatching his hearing aids off of the sink counter. He ears may not work like they should but they still receive all of the muffled pain and discomfort that sharp noises provide.
[“I’m sorry! I didn’t realize-”] Miyuki watches as Sawamura’s eyes widen apologetically, eyes shining with regret.
Miyuki’s expression softens. The first year reminds him of all the children who used to yell into his ears as a test, and of afternoons spent crying to his mother from the pain. It’s the sort of logic that only a child could have and he finds himself chuckling despite himself.
[“What are you laughing at?”] Sawamura’s eyes narrow.
“You, Sawamura. What do you want anyway? You didn’t follow me in here, did you?”
[“No!”] the boy shouts, his cheeks heating up at the accusation. [“And stop calling me that! It’s Eijun.”]
The second year rolls his eyes, ignoring the invitation to use the kid’s given name. “What do you want, Sawamura?”
Sawamura’s lips curl cutely into a pout, his arms crossing in front of him. Miyuki can’t help but notice how properly the first year wears his uniform - his tie is straight, pants pressed and he even wears the blazer, though most opt to wear the sweater instead. He can’t stop the grin from forming on his lips.
[“I just figured since you’re here-”]
Miyuki frowns as Eijun dips his head, his foot scuffling against the floor in embarrassment. “Hey! Head up, I can’t see what you’re saying, moron.”
[“I said, I wanted to ask what club you’re in!”] The boy pauses, looking slightly ashamed of the frustration in his voice. But still he presses on. [“I didn’t follow you! You just happened to be here. I don’t know what club to join, I thought maybe-”]
Miyuki holds his hand up, a teasing smirk playing at his lips. “Ah ah, Sawamura. You’ll have to figure out what club I’m in for yourself. I can’t make it that easy for you.” The second year turns away from the younger boy, fitting his hearing aids back into his ears. “Now, I have to get back, have fun exploring, Sawamura.”
He throws his arm around the first year, noticing the heat rising to the tips of his ears. He laughs, patting the kid on the shoulder before he turns to leave the restroom.
Sawamura is loud, obnoxious - proven once again by shouting in Miyuki’s ear as he invades his space, clinging to him like an octopus. But, as Miyuki unfolds himself from the first year’s side, he finds that he doesn’t actually hate the “noise” - or the pain - that Sawamura brings.
~
As excited as Miyuki is for clubs to start picking up, he should have known that Yuki wants to focus more on recruiting first. Which he isn’t the best at, if he’s being honest with himself.
But it has nothing to do with being deaf.
«You’re bad with people and have a shitty personality,» Kuramochi always tells him.
Well, it’s not like he can deny it.
So he stands against the back wall of the kitchen, arms crossed in front of his chest as he waits for the huddle to adjourn. He just wants to start cooking, it’s what he’s best at anyway.
His attention is suddenly pulled away from Yuki when he sees movement out of the corner of his eye, a tap on his shoulder confirming someone wants his attention.
«Hey, how are you doing?»
Miyuki raises an eyebrow as he watches his fellow club member, Takigawa Chris Yuu, sign to him sloppily. He never really picked it up much he previous year but clearly the break between years has made him pretty rusty.
«I’m fine, and you?»
«I’m good,» he signs as his expression falls. Miyuki knows he’s reached the end of his signing abilities for this conversation.
“I didn’t see you at club at all last week, Takigawa. Finally decided to join?”
[“Actually, I’ve been helping Tetsu with fliers and I wanted to ask you if you’d help out with something,”] he says with a smile.
The second year uncrosses his arms, his interest slightly piqued. “And, that would be?”
[“As you know, on Friday different clubs will set up booth to help recruit first years. Nori thought it would be a good idea to set out some food samples so they can at least know what sort of things we cook and that we’re pretty good at it. I can handle it on my own, but well, you’re the genius chef here,”] he says with a wink. [“I figure we should have some of your work available for sampling.”]
Miyuki blinks, staring at the older boy in front of him. He’s aware that he’s a good cook, he always has been ever since he was younger and had to take over that particular duty (among many others). He’s proud of his natural abilities, always honing his talent and experimenting. However, despite his confidence, it doesn’t stop him from looking up to other people, and Takigawa is definitely someone he admires and respects. It isn’t like he’s never cooked with him before but, to be asked... He can’t help but feel a bit honoured, though he isn’t about to voice that aloud.
“Sure thing, what time are booths setting up and how is preparation going to go?” he asks casually.
[“I’ll get back to you with more information on Wednesday, Thursday at the latest.” He grins before turning to join everyone else. [“Oh, and Kazuya,”] he begins as he turns back around for a moment, [“I’m really glad you agreed to work with me.”]
As much as he doesn’t care for the recruiting aspect, he’s glad that he’ll finally be able to cook. After all, that’s his whole reason for joining Seido’s culinary club to begin with: to cook.
Miyuki’s attention is torn away from his thoughts once more when a hand passes in front of his line of sight. He turns to face the person the hand is attached to, unsurprised to see Kuramochi and Kominato standing before him.
«Tetsu said we’re not going to actually start cooking until tomorrow,» Kuramochi signs.
«Homework?» Kominato knows sign language a bit better than the other club members but his knowledge is still basic.
«Yeah, alright,» he signs, knowing Kominato will understand.
[“You’re not very good at recruitment anyway,”] the pink haired boy says with a smile.
«You’re ba-»
“-bad with people and have a shitty personality. I know, Kuramochi, thank you,” Miyuki grins and turns toward Tetsu at the front of the kitchen, waving goodbye to him. Tetsu returns the gesture, watching as the three leave the room to study.