Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Why, indeed, would I want my soul,

If it feels so good, my guest, by your side?

Being mute isn't easy. Riki always struggle since childhood, kids picking on him for his disability, people pointing fingers at him and calling him names. Mothers that don't want their children near him like he has some kind of disease that's contagious. Riki never understood why people are like that towards him. He had hard time making friends since nobody wanted to put an effort to make friends with a mute person. But its not like he asked to be born without being able to speak? He blamed himself so many times and spend nights crying in his bedroom hugging his duck plushie thinking if anyone would ever like him. He hoped things will change when he goes to school. Well...they didn't. 

He was severely bullied in school to the point he had to move schools since kids there were mean and rude. Always saying something like "You shouldn't study here, why don't you go to special school for mute people?" or "People like you don't deserve to live". They cornered him at school bathrooms and beat him up laughing and filming it. But he never was able to say anything towards them, internally he screamed at them and asked to stop but nobody could hear him. After they were done having "fun" with him they left laughing and calling him weak. RIki just cried in the bathroom trying to tidy up his uniform and wash away all tears and blood. He wished thing were different he wished for someone to stand up for him to protect him, but nobody wanted to. All they did was laugh and point finger at him, calling him mute-boy and disabled. It hurt him so much but he tried to hide it from his parents until one day when he came back being severely injured. His brother couldn't believe his eyes. He asked him who did it and Riki explained it to him and next day he stayed at home being treated and cared for. His brother took care of everything and now he was home schooled.  

His brother worked hard so they both could live happily without any issues. he provided for both of them since Riki couldn't work yet and he needed to go to university or college. After some years being home schooled RIki asked his brother to be transfer to normal school. He felt ready to start something new now that he is much older then he was before. He is more mature and his mental health at much better place. At first Sunghoon refused but eventually gave up since he couldn't handle cute pout on Riki's plump lips. 

That's why now he is standing right in front of his new school. It looks absolutely beautiful he never seen such a beautiful place before. This school is definitely more prestigious then his last one. 

"Are you ready, Kiki?" asked him Sunghoon. 

"Yes", he answered him in sign language.

"You got your notebook so you can communicate with your classmates?"

"Yes brother! I'm really excited to study here. it looks like a nice place", he excitedly moved his hands which draw a smile on Sunghoon's face. 

"I'm happy little duck, now come on we have to go", he laughed at RIki's pouting at his words.

They walked inside and he met a lot of busy students going back and forth, all with smiles on their faces. Riki couldn't help but smile himself seeing the light atmosphere of this place. Its really a nice change of his life. Now they are on their way to headmaster office so he can get his schedule and his school guide. They knock on the door and hear muffled "come in" before stepping inside. 

"Hello mr. Park, welcome to our school! We are happy to have you here Niki-ssi." a woman approximately thirty years old greeted him with a warm smile. "My name is miss Aki, nice to meet you, hope you'll enjoy your time here."

"Hello miss Aki, nice to meet you!" said Riki in sign language but then quickly shook his brothers hand so he can give him his notebook. 

"No need Riki-ssi i understand sign language, don't worry this school is adapted for people with special conditions so you wont feel uncomfortable. Students here are all nice and well educated they can either speak and understand sign language or just understand sing language." she said with a smile on her face and Riki felt more calm about it. Its nice to know that this school might be a better place than any other. Especially knowing that students here understood sign language and he wont feel like an outcast. Like he is weird for not being like other people. Nobody will bully him for who he is. This felt...nice. 

"Now mr. Park ill give you your school schedule, but here you can choose any subjects of your liking, of course there is classes that you have to attend no matter what but you can choose those that are more related to your future job" she explained to him and he nodded quickly, understanding what he has to do.

"If you are ready please sign this paper and you are free to go for your first day", Sunghoon came forward and sign papers for his brother then they both bowed and left the room. 

"Well, Kiki, you are free to go and have fun on your first day of school. I hope you'll enjoy it and make some friends. If anything happens make sure to call or message me, okay?" he softly asks his brother and gets a nod from him. "Okay then I'm leaving. Bye sweetheart", he kissed his forehead and waved before leaving.

Now RIki is left alone in this huge school but with a soft smile on his lips. He looks at the paper in his hand and goes to the class with little hope that since this day his life will be better. He hopes that he will make friends and who knows, maybe not only friends? 

Chapter Text

The true name will open the door

Into the heart of sparkling emptiness.

My joy, believe me -

Nobody believed in me more than you did.

Riki reached his classroom and nervously stood in front of the door. He bit his lip trying to overcome the great fear of unknown, he has to be strong and he promised his brother that he will be okay. And he remember miss Aki words of reassurance that all students are nice here and he has nothing to worry about. Taking deep breaths he was about to open the door when he heard a sweet voice behind him.

"Sorry but are you planning to enter? I kinda need to go to my classroom you know?" said the guy behind him. Riki visibly tensed and gulped before turning around to be met with a beautiful hazelnut eyes. The boy in front of him was really pretty he had foxy eyes and plump lips but not really like his. He had pink hair and it looked really soft actually he looked really cute and had a small smile on his face. They unknown boy looked at him puzzled before he coughed bringing Riki out of his thoughts.

"Ah? Why don't you say anything? Its kinda rude you know" he told him without breaking eye contact. Riki blushed and tried to say something to him in sign language.

"I'm really sorry, i didn't mean to hold you. Please come in i will move away" he said with hand gestures, but the boy didn't move just looked at him amused.  Then he chuckled and moved his hands as well saying "Sorry" to him. Riki was taken aback but felt less worried and smiled at him as well.

"I'm sorry i didn't know you couldn't speak. You are not the first person here who cant talk but i hope i didn't offend you in any way. My name is Kim Sunoo its nice to meet you. Whats your name?" he asked moving his hands. Riki smiled softly and shook his head as if saying that its okay and he shouldn't worry.

"Its okay" he said his hands moving smoothly and delicately, "No offence taken, you didn't know, so please don't worry. My name is Park Riki" he softly smiled and bow. 

Sunoo smiles at him and a small blush creeps up his cheeks staring at beautiful face of the boy in front of him. He has a calming aura to him which makes Riki comfortable in his presence. Riki smiles as well and they both enter the classroom full of people. All eyes are immediately on him and Riki feels shy under their examining gazes. Sunoo softly takes his cold hand and it bring some warmth to the poor scared boy. Riki is afraid that same event will unfold if he reveal his disability despite principal saying that this school is with inclusive education. Sunoo smiles at him and softly whispers that he shouldn't be afraid and their classmates are all nice people. He brings him towards teacher table and they both bow before saying greetings. 

"Ah you must be Park Riki", the woman in her mid thirties gently says with a warm smile on her face. "I'm teacher Lee Min and am your homeroom teacher. If you will have any questions you can ask mr. Yang Jungwon for help since he is class leader," she explains gesturing her hand towards first row of seats where a cat looking boy sitting looking at something from his notebook. "And you can ask your friends mr. Kim. I'm sure he is happy to help you with everything. Welcome to our school, Riki. We are happy to have you." she smiles and Riki bows feeling shy but grateful for her understanding and small instructions.

The woman is very polite and made sure to make him feel welcomed and comfortable at new place. The bell rings making everyone take their sits and Sunoo leaves Riki's side as well to sit in third row close to the window. Riki is standing in front of the class with red cheeks and his head down. He is still shy under so many eyes.

"Students, this is our new addition to the class Park Riki. Please treat him kindly as he cant talk. Please be mindful of your actions and welcome him warmly. I hope you will help him with everything you guys know," she says and Riki bows with a small smile on his lips seeing that his classmates actually looking at him sympathetically. There is no hate in their eyes which makes RIki breath a sigh of relief. The teacher told him to sit next to Sunoo which he gladly accepted.

Lessons went by fast and easy and he even made some friends Jungwon and Sunoo. Sunoo is such a sunshine and was softly talking to him throughout the lesson explaining things that Riki didn't understand at first. He was so grateful to him because no-one before this two made an effort to befriend him. 

The bell rang, signaling the start of the lunch break. The room erupted into chatter and the clamor of chair legs scraping against the floor as the students filed out into the hallways. Riki hovered near the door, his eyes darting around the room, unsure of where to go. Sunoo noticed and waved him over.

"Come on, let's show you the canteen," he called out, his voice cutting through the din.

Jungwon took the lead, navigating the crowded hallways with ease. Riki followed closely, his shoulders slightly hunched as if bracing himself against the noise. Sunoo brought up the rear, keeping a gentle eye on his new classmate. They arrived at the bustling cafeteria, the aroma of steaming dishes wafting through the air. The clatter of plates and silverware, the laughter, and the occasional shout from friends reuniting filled the large space. Riki's eyes widened at the sight, and Sunoo could see the slight tremble in his hands.

They picked up their trays and Jungwon pointed out the different food options. 

"You can have anything you like," Sunoo assured Riki, patting his back. The boy looked overwhelmed but nodded, mimicking Jungwon's actions as he piled food onto his tray.

They found a quiet spot at the far corner of the room. Sunoo pulled out a chair for Riki before sitting down himself. Jungwon slid into the seat across from them, a grin playing on his lips. 

"So, Riki," he began, "what do you like to do in your free time?"

Riki took a deep breath and pulled out a small notebook from his pocket. He began to scribble something down, his hand movements precise and deliberate. After a moment, he handed the open page to Sunoo. 

"I like to draw," it read.

Sunoo's eyes lit up as he took the notebook. "That's awesome! Can I see?"

Riki nodded, his cheeks flushing slightly. He flipped through the pages to show them a series of intricate sketches. Each drawing was a masterpiece of detail and emotion, capturing scenes of the schoolyard, the mountains that surrounded their small town, and even a few candid moments of his classmates.

Jungwon leaned in, his mouth agape. "Dude, these are insane! You're like a ninja artist or something!"

Riki's eyes sparkled with happiness, and he gave a small nod of thanks. They talked and ate, the air thick with the excitement of newfound friendship. Sunoo felt a pang of protectiveness for Riki, who was clearly used to being on the periphery. He made a silent promise to himself to always include him, to make sure he felt seen and heard, even without speaking a single word.

The three of them sat there, sharing smiles and gestures, their bond growing stronger with each passing minute. Riki's arrival had brought a sense of unity to their group, an unexpected gift that none of them had anticipated.

Just as they were about to dig into their meals, Heeseung, Sunoo's older brother, sauntered over with his friends Jay and Jake in tow. Sunoo's eyes lit up at the sight of them, and he waved enthusiastically. 

"Hey, guys! This is Riki, the new kid. He's mute, but he's cool," Sunoo introduced, his voice filled with excitement.

Heeseung nodded with a friendly smile, his gaze lingering on Riki for a moment. 

"Welcome to our school, man," he said, slapping Riki on the shoulder. Riki returned the gesture with a shy grin, his eyes meeting Heeseung's for the briefest of moments before dropping to his lap. Jay and Jake followed suit, exchanging nods and smiles with the new student.

"So, what's your deal?" Jay asked, curiosity piqued. "How do you survive without talking?"

Riki took another deep breath, then flipped to a clean page in his notebook. He wrote quickly, his handwriting neat and legible. "It's not easy, but I manage. I've got good friends here now," he wrote, glancing up at Sunoo and Jungwon, who both nodded encouragingly.

Heeseung leaned in closer, reading the words over Sunoo's shoulder. "That's pretty badass, actually," he said with a genuine smile. "You've got a talent for sure."

Riki felt a warmth spread through his chest, and he nodded vigorously, a shy smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He had never felt this accepted before, and it was a feeling he wasn't quite sure how to handle.

The five of them spent the rest of the lunch break getting to know each other. Sunoo and Jungwon filled the air with their laughter and chatter, while Riki communicated with them through his expressive eyes and the occasional scribble in his notebook. Heeseung's presence was comforting, like a protective older brother watching over them all.

As the bell for the next period approached, they all gathered their things, ready to head back to class. Heeseung clapped Riki on the back again. 

"You're with us from now on, okay?" he said, his tone firm and welcoming. Riki's heart swelled with gratitude.

The rest of the school day went by in a blur of lessons and shared glances. Between classes, Riki found himself surrounded by his new friends, who took it upon themselves to introduce him to others. He noticed that people's attitudes towards him had shifted. There was no more awkwardness or pity in their eyes, just curiosity and a willingness to understand.

As they walked to the bus stop, Riki couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging he hadn't experienced since before his muteness had taken hold. He watched Sunoo and Jungwon exchange banter, Heeseung's deep chuckle rumbling through the air, and Jay and Jake's easy camaraderie. It was like he had finally found a place where he could be himself without fear of judgment.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Riki boarded the bus, his notebook clutched tightly in his hand. He knew he had a long road ahead, but with friends like these, he felt ready to face whatever challenges came his way. The future looked brighter, filled with the promise of shared stories and quiet understanding.

Chapter Text

With what will you pay, as you start crying? 

What will be next is visible in the flame.

Do you hear, hooves are clattering in the dust

The world burns... the world burns because of love

Once home, Riki rushed to find his older brother, eager to share his experiences. He used his hands to animate his words, signing rapidly to convey the events of the day. His brother, Sunghoon, watched with a knowing smile, his eyes crinkling with amusement when Riki got to the part about Heeseung.

"You've got a little crush, huh?" Sunghoon teased, poking Riki's cheek lightly. Riki rolled his eyes but couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. He nodded, his cheeks reddening even further. It wasn't a crush, not really. It was more like a mix of admiration and the comfort that came from being accepted by someone so confident and kind.

Sunghoon chuckled, his teasing gentle. "It's okay, Riki. It's good to have someone to look up to," he said, ruffling Riki's hair. "Just remember, you're pretty amazing too, you know."

The words echoed in Riki's mind as he headed to his room, his thoughts racing with the events of the day. He sat at his desk, the notebook still clutched in his hands. He opened it to a fresh page and began to sketch, his pencil moving swiftly as he recalled the smiles and nods from his new friends. As the lines took shape, he realized that maybe, just maybe, he had found a way to speak without words.

The days turned into weeks, and Riki grew more comfortable at his new school. He still faced challenges, of course, but with Sunoo's patience, Jungwon's jokes, and Heeseung's protective nature, he felt like he was finally finding his voice.

One evening, as they sat around the dinner table, Sunghoon brought up Riki's art. "You know, Riki," he began, his voice thoughtful, "you're really good at that. Have you ever thought about showing your work to others?"

Riki froze, his hand hovering over his rice bowl. He hadn't considered sharing his art with anyone outside their small circle. But the idea grew in his mind, a seed of hope and excitement. Maybe, with the right people by his side, he could break down the barriers that had held him back for so long.

The conversation grew animated as Sunghoon talked about the school's upcoming art exhibition. Sunoo's eyes lit up with the same excitement Riki felt bubbling inside. "You should totally enter!" he exclaimed, turning to Riki.

Riki took a deep breath, then nodded. He had never shared his drawings with anyone beyond his family and new friends. But the thought of showcasing his work, of letting others see the world as he saw it, was too tempting to resist. He would do it. He would find a way to make his voice heard, even if it was through the silent language of art.

The next day, as they were leaving class, a group of guys blocked their path. Riki's heart sank as he recognized them as the same boys who had whispered about him during his first few days at school. They sneered, their eyes narrowed with malicious intent.

"Hey, what's up with the mime act?" one of them jeered, poking Riki in the chest. The others chuckled cruelly, enjoying the discomfort they saw in his eyes. Riki took a step back, his grip on his notebook tightening. He knew this moment would come, but he had hoped it wouldn't be so soon.

Sunoo and Jungwon stepped forward, their expressions a mix of shock and anger. "Back off," Sunoo said firmly. "There's nothing wrong with Riki. He's cooler than you'll ever be."

But the bullies didn't listen. They continued to taunt Riki, pushing him further until Heeseung's voice boomed through the hallway. "Leave him alone," he growled, his stance protective as he placed himself between Riki and the group.

The boys took a step back, recognizing the authority in Heeseung's voice. "What's it to you?" the ringleader sneered, eyeing Heeseung warily.

"He's my friend," Heeseung said simply, his gaze unwavering. "And nobody messes with my friends."

Riki felt his heart skip a beat. He had heard of Heeseung's reputation, of his fierce loyalty and strength, but to see it in action was something else entirely. The bullies exchanged glances, then slinked away, muttering under their breath.

"Thanks," Riki wrote in his notebook, handing it to Heeseung. The older boy read it, his face softening. "No problem," he replied, handing it back. "You don't have to thank me for that."

From that day forward, Riki felt a newfound admiration for Heeseung. The way he had stood up for him, without a second thought, had touched something deep within him. He knew that Heeseung had seen the real him, the person beyond his silence, and that was a gift he would never forget.

The art exhibition grew closer, and the tension in the air grew palpable. Riki worked tirelessly on his pieces, each stroke of the pencil and brush a declaration of his feelings. His art was raw, filled with the emotions he couldn't voice, and Heeseung's protection had given him the courage to be even more vulnerable on paper.

Finally, the day of the exhibition arrived. The school hallways were adorned with colorful artworks, a riot of creativity and expression. Riki's heart pounded in his chest as he approached the display case holding his drawings. His hands trembled slightly as he looked at the faces of his classmates, wondering what they would think of his silent storytelling.

Heeseung was the first to find him, a gentle hand landing on his shoulder. "They're incredible," he said, his voice filled with awe. Riki's cheeks flushed with pleasure. He had never felt so seen, so understood.

The crowd grew around them, their whispers of admiration for Riki's work growing louder. Heeseung stood by his side, a silent sentinel, watching the reactions with a proud smile. And in that moment, as their eyes met, Riki knew that he had not only found a friend, but perhaps something more profound. A love that transcended words.

Chapter Text

I will not let go - and don't you let go.

Sunoo had noticed the way Heeseung's gaze lingered on Riki, the protectiveness that radiated from his brother. Curiosity piqued, he decided to confront Heeseung after school. They walked home together, the setting sun casting a warm glow on their faces. 

"So, do you like him?" Sunoo asked, his voice a mix of teasing and sincerity.

Heeseung blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean?"

"Come on, Heeseung," Sunoo prodded. "I've seen the way you look at him, the way you stand up for him. It's like you've got a crush or something."

Heeseung's cheeks reddened, but his eyes remained steady. "Maybe I do," he admitted. "There's just something about him, Sunoo. He's strong, in his own way. And he sees the world with such clarity."

Sunoo grinned. "Well, if you like him, you should totally tell him."

Heeseung's smile was bittersweet. "I don't know if it's that simple. I don't want to mess up our friendship. Plus, he's just found his voice through his art. Maybe it's too soon to burden him with my feelings."

The conversation lingered in the air between them as they walked the rest of the way home. Riki was unaware of the undercurrent, his mind still swirling with the excitement of the exhibition. But Sunoo couldn't shake the feeling that something monumental was shifting within their group dynamics.

The next day at school, the air was charged with an unspoken tension. Heeseung's glances at Riki were more frequent, his smiles a tad warmer. Riki noticed but remained oblivious, his thoughts focused on the upcoming art competition. But as the days passed, he couldn't help but feel a warmth whenever Heeseung was near, a comfort that seemed to seep into his very bones.

During lunch, Sunoo and Jungwon pulled Riki aside, their faces alight with mischief. 

"So, we know your little secret," Sunoo began, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Riki's heart skipped a beat, his cheeks flushing. He hadn't been expecting this. He tried to play it cool, shrugging and pretending to write something in his notebook, but Jungwon snatched it away. 

"Come on, spill it," he said, his tone teasing.

Riki looked up, his eyes wide and slightly panicked. Sunoo leaned in closer. "We're not going to tell anyone," he whispered. "But we do think it's pretty cute how you look at him." Jungwon nodded in agreement, his mouth full of food.

Riki's face grew hotter as they continued to tease him, their laughter infectious. He felt a strange mix of embarrassment and happiness. They knew. And somehow, it didn't feel so daunting anymore. He had friends who accepted him for who he was, even with his unspoken feelings.

With a dramatic flourish, Sunoo slapped Riki on the back. "Don't worry, we've got your back," he said, grinning. "We'll help you confess."

Riki's eyes widened. He hadn't told them about his crush, but somehow they had figured it out. He wrote hastily in his notebook, "What if he doesn't feel the same?"

Jungwon read the note and rolled his eyes. "Oh, please. Heeseung talks about you all the time."

Sunoo nodded. "He's totally into you, man. You just have to tell him."

The thought of confessing made Riki's stomach somersault. But their confidence in him was strangely reassuring. He took a deep breath and nodded, his heart racing. If he had friends like these backing him up, maybe he could find the courage to take that leap.

The trio huddled together, brainstorming a plan. It had to be perfect, a moment that would convey Riki's feelings without scaring Heeseung away. They tossed ideas back and forth, each more absurd than the last, until Riki had to put a stop to it. He wrote down a simple idea, one that was true to his nature. An art confession.

Sunoo and Jungwon read it over, their expressions softening. "That's beautiful," Jungwon murmured.

Sunoo clapped Riki on the back. "We're with you, bro. We'll make sure it goes smoothly."

And with that, the stage was set for Riki's confession. A canvas of emotions laid bare through his art, with Heeseung as the audience of one. It was terrifying, but as he thought of the kindness and understanding in Heeseung's eyes, he knew he had to try.

The day of the art confession arrived. Riki had spent hours perfecting his piece, a portrait of Heeseung that captured his strength and kindness. His hands trembled as he placed it in the designated spot at the exhibition, his heart pounding so loud he could hear it in his ears.

As the crowd gathered, Heeseung's eyes searched the room until they landed on Riki's artwork. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes lingered longer than on any other piece. Riki watched from the sidelines, his heart in his throat.

When the moment was right, Heeseung approached, Sunoo and Jungwon giving Riki a reassuring nod. He took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Heeseung's. With trembling hands, he held up his notebook, a single question written on the page. "Do you feel the same?"

Heeseung's gaze dropped to the paper, then back up to Riki's hopeful face. Time seemed to slow down as everyone held their breath. The room was silent, the only sound the beating of Riki's heart. And then, Heeseung's lips curved into a gentle smile. He reached out and took the notebook from Riki's trembling hands.

With a nod, Heeseung wrote his reply. "I do," he said, his voice barely a whisper. The room erupted into applause, the tension shattering into a symphony of cheers and whistles. Riki's heart soared, the warmth of Heeseung's gaze a balm to his soul.

Heeseung took a step closer, his hand reaching out to cup Riki's cheek. The air grew thick with anticipation, the world around them fading into a soft-focus blur. He leaned in, and for a moment, Riki thought his heart might stop. Then, Heeseung's lips met his in a beautiful, tender kiss that seemed to hold all the unspoken words that had passed between them. It was a declaration of affection and acceptance, a silent promise that resonated louder than any spoken word could.

The kiss was gentle, filled with the softness of a thousand shared smiles and the strength of a hundred silent conversations. Riki's eyes fluttered shut, his hand coming up to rest against Heeseung's chest. He could feel the steady thump of his heart, a rhythm that matched his own. It was a moment of pure connection, a bridge built across the chasm of his muteness.

When they pulled apart, Heeseung took the notebook from Riki's hand and scribbled something quickly. He handed it back, his smile brighter than the sun. 

"Now everyone knows," he said, his voice a warm caress. The note read, "And I'm proud of you."

Riki felt a tear slip down his cheek, his chest tight with emotion. He had never felt so seen, so loved. He looked around, his friends' faces a tableau of shock and happiness. Jungwon and Sunoo were grinning like fools, their eyes shimmering with joy for their friend. The whispers had turned into full-blown conversations, the room buzzing with excitement and curiosity.

Heeseung leaned in again, whispering in Riki's ear. "Let's tell the rest of our story together," he murmured, his breath warm against Riki's skin. Riki nodded, his eyes shining with unshed tears. He had found his voice in the most unexpected of ways, and it was a melody that harmonized perfectly with the beat of Heeseung's heart.

Their relationship grew from that moment, a tapestry woven from the threads of their shared experiences and silent understandings. They faced challenges, of course, but with their friends' support and the power of their newfound love, they faced each hurdle with courage and grace.

The art exhibition became a symbol of their bond, a testament to the beauty that could be born from the most unlikely of connections. Riki's art continued to flourish, each piece a silent shout of love and defiance. And Heeseung? He became Riki's voice when words failed, his champion and confidant, the one who had taught him that sometimes, actions speak louder than words.

As they walked home that night, their fingers entwined, Riki felt a sense of peace settle over him. The world was a brighter place with Heeseung by his side, their hearts speaking a language that needed no voice. The future was uncertain, but in that moment, all that mattered was the warmth of Heeseung's hand and the promise of their shared tomorrow.

End.