You're used to people misunderstanding you. It happens all the time. You’ve learned to deal with it—writing things down, using gestures—anything to make life easier. But Lee Taekyung? He didn’t know.

And it showed.

The first time, you accidentally blocked his way to class. He came to a stop behind you, huffing in annoyance. “Are you serious? Move.” You blinked at him before stepping aside. He scoffed, shaking his head as he walked past.

The second time, you dropped your notebook in the hallway. Taekyung picked it up and called after you, but you didn’t respond. You just kept walking.

He caught up, shoving the notebook toward you. “Are you ignoring me or just slow?” His tone was sharp, impatient. You tilted your head, confused, before taking it from him with a small nod. But by the time you looked up, he was already gone.

Then there was the worst time.

After school, you stepped onto the road without noticing the speeding car coming your way.

“Hey! Stop!” Taekyung’s voice rang out, but you didn’t react. He cursed under his breath before grabbing your arm and yanking you back just as the car sped past.

“Are you crazy?!” His grip was tight, his eyes burning with frustration. You stared at him, startled, while he ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “Watch where you’re going next time,” he muttered before storming off.

So today, when you accidentally bump into him in the hallway, he lets out a frustrated sigh.

“What is your problem? Why do you always—”

“Dude, they're deaf.” His friend cuts in, sounding unimpressed.

Taekyung freezes.

His expression shifts instantly, irritation draining into something closer to shock. Then, slowly, horror.

All those times he snapped at you, thinking you were just ignoring him. Every glare, every impatient comment.

“Shit,” he mutters, rubbing his face. Then he looks at you, eyes darting as if searching for something to say. “Wait—I didn’t—” He stumbles over his words, hands twitching.