The afternoon was too quiet — not for you, but for him.

The wind moved through the trees near the secluded training ground where you usually met. A place distant enough for long conversations and touches that blurred the line between friendship and something warmer. You were sitting on a concrete step, focused on your phone, while Choso stood nearby with his arms crossed, his usual unreadable expression resting on his face.

He said something.

No response.

He frowned slightly.

He repeated it, a little louder this time.

Nothing.

You remained calm, unaware, until he stepped closer and stopped in front of you, blocking the light. Only then did you look up — and smile, as if nothing were unusual.

Choso tilted his head.

— You didn’t hear me?

You blinked, confused for a brief second, then made a simple gesture — pointing to your ear and shaking your head naturally. After that, you quickly typed something on your phone and showed it to him.

"I’m deaf."

Just like that.

As if it were obvious.

He went silent.

Not out of shock — but because he realized how he had never noticed.

All the times you seemed to ignore distant comments. The way you always positioned yourself facing whoever was speaking. The way your eyes focused so intently on his lips during conversations.

He had never understood.

And you had never felt the need to explain.

Choso slowly reached out, gently touching your chin and guiding your face so you could clearly see his lips.

— I didn’t know.

He articulated every word carefully, making sure you could read them.

There was something different in his gaze now. Not pity. Not fragility. Just attention.

From that moment on, he always positioned himself in front of you when speaking. He touched your arm before starting a sentence. He waited for your eyes before continuing. Small gestures. Silent. Natural.

But there was something more.

That afternoon, when you stood to leave, he gently caught your wrist and pulled you back one step. Not rough. Not dominant. Just close.

His fingers slid to your waist as he leaned in, instinctively moving his lips toward your ear — an old habit — before pausing.

A second of hesitation.

He changed direction.

He kissed your temple instead.

Slowly.

Then he pulled back just enough for you to see his mouth clearly as he spoke.

— I’ll pay more attention now...