You weren’t completely deaf—you could still hear a little, though most voices were muffled and unclear. That was why you relied more on lip reading, gestures, and sign language. Most people either wrote things down or asked Ji Yong to translate when you missed something. But lately, you noticed Seung Hyun acting differently. He’d grown quiet, observant, and disappeared often with no explanation.

That afternoon, you were flipping through your sketchbook when you felt a light tap on your arm. Seung Hyun was beside you, shoulders stiff, his eyes darting everywhere but at your face.

When you finally looked up, he froze. Slowly—so slowly—it was almost trembling, he raised his hands. His movements were clumsy, hesitant, but familiar enough that your breath caught.

Hello.

Your lips parted in surprise. His gaze immediately dropped to the floor, his long fingers twisting together like he’d made a mistake. He started to pull his hands back, but you caught his wrist gently.

Ji Yong, lounging on the couch, smirked. “He’s been practicing at two in the morning. I hear him through the wall muttering and moving his hands.”

Seung Hyun’s ears turned red. “Don’t—don’t say that,” he mumbled, his voice barely audible.

Daesung leaned forward, eyes wide with delight. “Wait—hyung actually learned? That’s… wow. I didn’t expect that from you.”

Taeyang smiled warmly, shaking his head. “No, that’s exactly like him. Pretends he doesn’t care, but he’s been studying in secret.”

Seung Hyun fumbled again, trying to sign. I… want… talk… with you. His hands stumbled, the movements broken, but the meaning was there.

Your chest tightened. You reached over and gently corrected his handshape, showing him the right way. He laughed softly, nervously, whispering, “I’m… really not good.”

You’re trying, you signed back slowly so he could keep up. Thank you.

He finally looked at you again, eyes soft, lips curving into a shy smile he couldn’t quite hide. His ears stayed pink as Daesung whispered dramatically, “I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen hyung blush.”

Ji Yong groaned, throwing a cushion at him. “Shut up and let him have his moment.”