silence and bows // harry styles au

one

i sat in the back of the classroom doodling on my notebook when a ball of paper fell on my desk. i quickly looked up and saw that everyone's eyes were fixed on me, including the new teacher. my face flushed when she began speaking, i tried to focus on her lips but she stopped talking and turned around. when everybody finally stopped looking at me, i exhaled.

students began to get up and leave so i gathered my things and waited until it was just me and the teacher. i approached her as she was erasing the board, clearing my throat so she'd be aware of my presence.

"h-hey. um i'm s-sorry for not paying attention in c-class but i, um.. i can't hear" i stuttered

'well maybe if you'd pay attention more in class you would' she said

"no, you don't get it. i can't hear, at uh, at all. i'm...deaf" immediately her face softened and her mouth dropped. she began to apologize over and over, pulling me into a hug. i went stiff and just patted her back. after she let me go i asked for the work we did today, she just shook her head and said 'don't worry, you won't have to do it'. i nodded and began to head towards the exit.