"Italicized" = Signed

"Regular" = Spoken

Italicized = Yō typing

= Someone else typing

----- = A spoken word Yō can't understand (or at least not lip read)

...

Yō's POV:

Time had flown by. Before I knew it, school was over. I managed to pass all my classes with straight A's. It was awesome. I get to go back to Japan for school in the fall now.

Mari and I spent a lot of time together. I was going to be living with her, after all. We hung out every day that summer. I spent most of my time brushing up on my JSL and Japanese. I will need these skills when I go back.

Mari asked me to teach her JSL. I wasn't sure about doing it at first, but eventually I gave in and started teaching her. She picked it up really quickly. When I asked her how she knew some already, she told me that two friends of hers learned it to communicate with a classmate of theirs per her request.

When she told me that, my mind thought back to Dia. She had learned JSL because she wanted to talk to a classmate. I wonder if perhaps Mari knows her. I didn't want to ask her though.

...

Time flew and before I knew it it was time to go back. We were going to be about two weeks late for school due to travel issues. The weather had been terrible. Eventually we were able to get a clear day and off we went.

I still don't get why Mari decided a private helicopter was the right way to make an entrance to the school. I didn't question her about it. I just went along with it.

Arriving back in Numazu was interesting. Mari had to do all the talking and helped me. Her Japanese was a little rusty, so we both had struggles. I couldn't speak or understand what anyone was saying and she couldn't reply to them. But, we managed to get through and out.

Mari took me to a hotel. That was where we would be staying. I was surprised by how big and expensive it was, until I remembered who I was with. It doesn't surprise me now that Mari would have a big hotel like this. Her family seems to have everything.

It was only the morning when we got back, so we had nothing to do for the day. I was contemplating if I should try and meet up with someone. Would that be wise? Should I just wait until tomorrow to do it?

Mari excused herself to go and do some work. She had managed to come back to school and be the chairwoman, so she had a lot to do. I had nothing to do. I guess I could go wander around town. School will be starting for them in a few minutes so I can't meet up with anyone right now anyway.

I set out to go and wander about. I had nothing better to do, after all. I walked through the small city and stopped at every place. I had a lot of time to kill. I eventually made my way to the beach. I looked around and saw no one was out. I started walking along the beach. It was nice to have the ocean back.

As I walked, I spotted a building in the distance. I approached it to see what it was. It was a diving shop. I looked around and saw that it was open. I walked inside just because. I wonder what they have in the diving shop anyway.

No one was at the desk when I walked in. I waited and looked around. There were a few racks of bathing suits and diving suits that were being sold. Another shelf had goggles and other gear. Eventually, I spotted movement.

I was not expecting who came out. Kanan was standing in the doorway to, what is assumed was, the backroom. She stared at me with wide eyes. I gave her a nervous smile.

Kanan started speaking something to me. This is where everything changes now. I pulled out my phone and opened up my notepad app. I typed out a message and showed it to her.

I'm sorry. I can't understand you. I lost my ability to lip read. And I also can't speak anymore.

Kanan stared at the message for a few seconds before she typed something in reply.

I transferred back

How is everyone doing?

I hope so

We chatted for a little bit longer and then she had to get back to work. I waved goodbye and headed on my way. I guess I'll go and explore some more. I walked off the beach and started down a street. I don't know my way around this area that well. I hardly went outside at all.

I soon came to a small park. I took a seat on one of the benches and relaxed. It's a really nice day here. I sat there for a while and looked at things on my phone. I had the entire day to do whatever I wanted. I was in no rush.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and looked up to see a girl standing in front of me. She looks familiar for some reason. She spoke to me. Well, this is going to be a common occurence now, isn't it?

I typed out my message and showed it to her.

I'm deaf. I can't hear you.

The girl looked confused for a second, before she wrote back.

I nodded and scooted over slightly. The girl sat down beside me, making sure to give some space between us.

You look like a school student.

What's your name? Mine is Yō.

My eyes widened. I remember her. I met her at the park after that party. So, this is what she looks like.

Do you remember me?

I doubted she did, but you never know. Yohane seemed to be lost in thought. I guess she's trying to think if she knows me. After a few minutes, she shook her head. I guess I have to tell her.

Last year we met late at night. You were doing a ritual or something.

Yohane's eyes widened as they flashed with recognition. She hurriedly typed out a reply to me.

I remembered you're name.

Yohane made an 'oh' shape with her mouth. She was about to reply, when she looked away. There was a woman standing near the entrance to the park. She looks like Yohane. I guess that's her mom.

Yohane typed out and then left. I watched as they walked away. I glanced at my phone to see what time it was. It was getting close to the afternoon. Maybe I should go and find a place to grab some lunch.

I stood up and started walking around the town again. I'm sure there will be a place nearby I can stop at. I think I remember there being one somewhere around here. Now, if only I could find it.

And if only they were accessible...

I found it and tried to communicate with the staff with my phone, but they refused. They wanted me to speak. But I can't speak. I tried to get them to understand, but they wouldn't listen. I ran out of the place with tears running down my face. Why are people so cruel to those who are different than them?

I sat on a bench nearby and cried. I hate this. Why did this have to happen to me? Why couldn't I be normal?

I felt a tap on my shoulder and warily looked up. Kanan was standing beside me with a worried look on her face.

Kanan typed out on her phone and showed me. I pointed to the restaurant before I type out a reply.

They refused me service because I'm deaf

Kanan's eyes widened in shock. She glared at the place.

How are they still running?

Without the income from foreigners, they can't be getting that much money.

I guess they have some way to get enough to stay open. Kanan seemed lost in thought. After waiting a few minutes, she typed out something else to me.

Well, it's not like I have anything better to do. And at least this way I'd have someone to stick up for me if the workers didn't like me for being deaf.

Sure.

Kanan led me farther down the town to an older looking building. It was one of those old houses that was converted into a restaurant. Kanan walked inside and got us a table.

Kanan seemed to be hesitant to do something. I couldn't figure out what it was. What could she be wanting to do that would cause her to be so hesitant. Kanan noticed my stares and shyly looked away. What's wrong with her?

We ordered our food and then I asked Kanan what was wrong. She didn't answer me right away. When she did, I was really shocked by how she did it.

"I know... to sign... a little... I don't know more." Kanan shakily signed out.

She knows a bit a JSL. Now I can see why she was hesitant. She isn't very good at it. I decided to save her the trouble and typed out my reply instead. I don't think she'd understand me if I signed to her.

You know a little bit of JSL? When did you learn it?

So, her and Dia learned it for the same reason. That's cool.

How come you wanted to try and sign if you know so little?

Kanan shrugged in response. I guess it was a spur of the moment decision.

Well, thank you. It's always nice to see people making an effort to communicate with me in my native language

I didn't want her to feel embarrassed about what she did. It must be awkward trying to sign to me when she knows so little. But, I'm really happy she tried her best. It really is nice to see people who actually try to communicate with me the way I prefer.

I nodded in agreement. She's the first one who hasn't bugged me to teach her. Instead she decided to bug Dia. Our food came pretty quickly and we ate in silence.

After we finished, I tried to pay for my meal, but Kanan refused. We left the restaurant and went our separate ways. Kanan had to go back to work. School is out by now. Maybe I can go find someone? But, how would they feel about me showing up?

I pondered my options for a bit. Chika and Riko will be busy with their idol stuff. I probably shouldn't bother them. Perhaps I could go and find Dia? But, she's probably really busy as well. Is there really no one who is free?

Well, maybe later I'll have better luck. I guess I should go back to Mari. Maybe she has a plan for later? Though, I'm not sure how much I would approve of the plan.