Chapter 3
Most deaf people would claim that spending the majority of their time with hearing people could make them feel excluded. Not everything can be heard, and it's difficult to participate in discussions. Even if there is someone to translate things into sign language, some things will be missed and left out. But solitude isn't something Aomine usually minds. Even before his hearing loss, he preferred isolating himself, and making the most out of the minimal time he had alone. So he tends to spend a lot of time with people who can actually hear, despite being left out majority of the time. It's better that way, he thinks; because then he has an excuse to not engage in conversation.
A few people have asked him, "If you were offered the ability to hear again, would you accept the proposal?"
…If anything, he doesn't mind being deaf. Silence is peaceful. And when people give him that usual pitiful look when they discover his inability to hear all he can do is scoff and roll his eyes, because they don't understand how appreciative he is to not be able to hear their fucking mouths.
Aomine stirs in his spot on his bed as the vibrating alarm beneath his pillow begins to shake obnoxiously. It takes him a while, but eventually he opens his eyes, and sits up with a disgruntled expression. Despite it being light outside, it's dim in his room; he makes sure to seal any area that light could possibly leach through. The loss of one sense has enhanced the intensity of the other four. So he's usually easily awakened by the sunrise, or by the considerately soft vibration of his cellphone.
He can smell food being made, and the scent causes him to hurry out of his languid state and roll out of bed. Aomine slowly shuffles out of his room; a hand slipped up his shirt so that he can lightly scratch his chest, and his mouth hanging open as a yawn carelessly escapes his mouth. Kuroko and Kagami, who he so unfortunately shares an apartment with, have their backs turned to him, and seem to be smiling about something he can't hear. It's disgusting, really; how inseparable they are. It's like he's watching some shitty romance, but instead he lives in it.
With a deadpan spread along his features, Aomine attempts to sit down on a stool quietly as to not interrupt their little moment. Though, he's sure he's made a lot more noise than he intended, because the both of them instantly look over their shoulders and in his direction. His expression remains unwavering, and he returns the stare without a word. Kagami begins to speak, and just by looking at his lips, Aomine is able to pick up, "Tell Aho…" The rest is undistinguishable, and in turn, causes Aomine to narrow his eyes curiously.
Kagami says you look like shit, Kuroko signs. And that you smell like shit as well.
"Fuck you," Aomine retorts, and his brows furrow until the creases in his forehead become prominent. Nothing has changed between the two, despite them both being adults and supposedly more mature. Every other comment is an insult; one would think with Aomine's deafness, that the harmless quarrelling between the two would cease, but if anything, it's gotten worse.
Kagami signs in response, fuck you too. A simple hand gesture that Aomine had taught him during one of their days filled with immature antics.
Aomine rolls his eyes and brings his attention back to Kuroko. What are you guys making?His hand movements are languid.
Kagami-kun and I are grilling fish. You are welcome to have some, if you'd like, Kuroko responds.
He nods his head as to assure that he would like some. He's too lazy to get up and make something himself, so he figures he'd take advantage of the moment. Still a bit groggy from having woken up only minutes ago, Aomine presses his cheek down on the tabletop, and keeps his gaze set on his roommates. Kuroko and Kagami go back to cooking, smiling and talking all the while. Aomine can see that Kagami is laughing, and he can't help but wonder what is so funny. Though, he doesn't bother asking, not wanting to butt in on a conversation he clearly wasn't part of. After a few moments of this, he feels as though he's invading their privacy, so he turns his head the other way and lets his eyes flutter close.
Just as he's about to slip unconscious once again, he can feel something nudging against his head. With a disapproving look, he lifts his gaze to see Kagami pushing a plate towards him, and Aomine instantly sits up right. Kuroko sets his plate in front of the seat across from Aomine, and then sits down with a look that shows traces of curiosity. Shit. It's that look, Aomine thinks, and he instantly turns his gaze down to his food as to avoid any means of conversation. It's the look Kuroko usually gives him when he has something on his mind, and unfortunately, Aomine isn't in the mood for countless inquiries.
Minutes pass, and Aomine thinks he's successfully escaped Kuroko's inquisitiveness; that is until the phantom kicks him underneath the table, and causes his navy orbs to furiously snap up as to shoot dagger like glares in his direction. Kuroko's expression remains blank, as though he hadn't just tried to injure Aomine in hopes of grasping his attention.
Kise-kun told me that you two had lunch together the other day,Kuroko says.
Aomine averts his gaze, and a shaky breath escapes his lips. Figures. Kise seems like the type of person who can't keep their mouth shut for shit; the type of person he's content with not being able to hear. Yet, somehow, he's the type of person who seems to captivate him and gets him to talk.
Sometimes… sometimes, Aomine will feel a tinge of guilt for acting inconsiderately towards someone's feelings. It's rare, to say in the least. Yet Kise had some prevailing ability to make him feel like a complete and total ass majority of the time.
It's like telling a dog you don't want to play with them, only to have them sit by your feet with a dejected look that tugs on your heart, and ultimately causes you to change your mind. Aomine couldn't… reject the kid. Kise had been trying so hard to get on his good side, the least Aomine could do was give him a chance.
And turning down free food wasn't something he did often.
Yeah, Aomine finally responds after a few seconds of hesitation. He talks a lot.
He can't help but wonder, just how much did he tell Tetsu?
I think he likes you, Kuroko claims.
What the fuck is that supposed to mean? Aomine's hand gestures become stiffer, as though he's offended by the other's previous statement.
I mean, I think he's quite fond of you. He wants me to teach him sign language, because you stated that it's easier for you to communicate that way. Aqua eyes shift downwards momentarily, as he begins eating what's left on his plate.
The stated piece of information causes Aomine to roll his eyes. Damn, this kid doesn't know how to give up.
Kise literally stumbled into his life, radiating and bright, despite Aomine not being able to hear a single word coming out of his mouth. He would think after the many scoffs, obvious disregards, and having blatantly declined his invitation to his concert, that Kise would realize that he didn't like him. At least, that's what Aomine had tried to convince himself at first. He didn't like Kise because there was just no way he could get along with a bubbly personality like his…
It's when he lets Kise treat him to lunch that he realizes that perhaps he isn't so bad… And perhaps he doesn't dislike him after all. Either way, he has no intentions of frequently hanging out with him. Or ever again, for that matter.
As Kuroko finally lifts his gaze from his plate, Aomine signs, You didn't say yes, did you?
That's rude, Aomine-kun. And I told him I would be more than happy to help him learn. Kuroko's expression seems disinterested. Also, it's your turn to do the dishes.
A scowl accompanies Aomine's features, and he shakes his head in disapproval. He really hates how casual Kuroko can be when stating such things; it's a quality about the phantom that remained unchanged since middle school. And usually when Kuroko had his mind set on something, there was no persuading him otherwise. In other words, Aomine was hopeless. So instead of further pressing the subject, he pulls out his phone and sends a text to the one person that he least expected he would take the initiative of sending a text to first.
Kagami mutters something to Kuroko, and Aomine can tell that he asks, "What's going on?"
"Mind your own business," Aomine hisses.
Kagami narrows his eyes, and signs the only statement he knows how to sign. Fuck you.
It's a pleasant feeling, Kise thinks; standing in his own apartment with his hands set on his waist as he examines the boxed-filled room. His toes curl into the new carpet beneath his feet, and he lets out a content sigh. There's something about hearing the words 'Kise's place' that makes him feel extremely giddy, almost to the point that his stomach churns.
He has yet to hang up his curtains, so the light from outside seeps through the windows luminously; causing the heat from the sun to soak into his skin. It's not that big of a place; just a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment with a decent size living room and kitchen. But he loves it, because it's his. It's like a sense of pride, to finally acquire enough money to move out of his parent's house and into a place that he can call his own.
"Did we get everything?" Kasamatsu asks as he sets his hands on his hips.
"Yes, senpai. Thank you for the help, I really appreciate it," Kise flashes the other a wide smile.
"It's no problem, but I should probably get going soon." Kasamatsu glances down at his wrist watch, and then brings his gaze back up to Kise. "Can you handle the rest from here?"
A humored chuckle slips past Kise's lips, and he nods. "Of course. Hurry to class before you're late."
Kasamatsu rolls his eyes, and begins making his way to the front door. "I'll be back later, to help you unpack. Maybe we can practice some songs, if it's not too late."
"Sounds good to me." Kise nods.
After Kasamatsu finally leaves, Kise starts unpacking while humming quietly to himself. The first box he opens contains kitchen supplies, so he picks up the cardboard container and sets it in the middle of the kitchen before sauntering off to open another box. Soon, his humming breaks out into a song, and he's prancing around his apartment as though he's performing at a concert. He's able to organize his closet and make his bed before his phone begins going off. With it being his first day away from home, he expects it to be his mom, or one of his sisters checking in on him to see how things are going.
It's much to his surprise to see that it's neither, and he can't help but bite back a grin as he stares down at the name that had popped up on his phone's screen. It's a bit unexpected; Kise didn't deem Aomine as the type to initiate conversation, so to see that he's received a message from the tanned male causes him to beam happily like a dog that has just spotted their favorite ball.
From: Aominecchi
Tuesday 09:05
Msg: hey. wut r u up to?
Kise chews the inside of his cheek as he glares down at the text; his mind trying to put together the perfect response.
To: Aominecchi
Tuesday 09:08
Msg: Aominecchi! () What a surprise to hear from you! I just moved into my apartment today.
He hesitantly sets his phone down, and continues with unpacking the boxes he left open. When he hears his phone going off again, he runs over to the device a bit faster than he had intended.
From: Aominecchi
Tuesday 09:13
Msg: congrats
To: Aominecchi
Tuesday 09:14
Msg: Thank you! You should stop by and visit sometime when I finish unpacking! I have gori-gori-kun popsicles (o´ω`o)ノ
Instead of going back to unpacking, Kise sits down on the floor and stares at his phone in anticipation. It's nothing big… he's invited all his friends over to check out his new place. But knowing how unapproachable Aomine is, he can't help but feel a bit nervous about how he will respond. It's when he doesn't get a response as fast as he'd hoped that he begins to feel somewhat regretful for even asking.
Perhaps I'm pushing it? He's not used to feeling so… disregarded.
From: Aominecchi
Tuesday 09:45
Msg: i'll think about it.
Kise huffs softly, because that's usually what someone says when they don't want to say no. Though, he supposes the vague rejection isn't as bad as it seems. It gives Kise an excuse to continue bugging him about it. He has no intentions of letting Aomine off the hook that easily. He was able to get him to say yes once, and he plans on having it happen again. His lips twitch into a miniscule smile as he thinks that, perhaps he answered vaguely not because he didn't want to blatantly decline, but because he didn't want to blatantly accept.
Before Kise can type out a response, another message pops up on his screen.
From: Aominecchi
Tuesday 09:47
Msg: i heard u asked tetsu to teach u sign language
His smile widens at the thought of learning sign language, he finds it to be extremely interesting, and he can't wait until he knows enough to hold a conversation with Aomine. He was never really good when it came to learning other languages, but with sign language being something that he can learn through visual comprehension, he predicts that it will be a lot easier to pick up.
To: Aominecchi
Tuesday 09:49
Msg: Yes! I thought it'd be a lot easier to converse with you if I actually knew sign language.
From: Aominecchi
Tuesday 09:51
Msg: ur doing a bit too too much for someone u just met, don't u think?
Something about Aomine's text causes Kise's brows to furrow, and his previous jovial façade falters altogether. He doesn't understand… how he can be so against the idea of someone trying to reach out to be his friend. It causes him to purse his lips and sport his famous pout, despite no one being around to see it.
It's obvious, their personalities don't clash. And one would think that, by this time, Kise would have just given up and continued on with his life as though the blue-haired male didn't exist. But… he couldn't. Aomine is interesting, and as apathetic as he can be, Kise can't help but to continue trying. He's never met anyone like Aomine; so carefree and seemingly disinterested, and he wants to know what exactly is going on in his head.
To: Aominecchi
Tuesday 09:55
Msg: Well, if we're going to be friends, then I at least want to be able to communicate with you properly.
From: Aominecchi
Tuesday 09:56
Msg: wuts up w/ u and this friend shit?
To: Aominecchi
Tuesday 09:57
Msg: No need to be rude.
Becoming a bit frustrated with Aomine's insensitive responses, he sets his phone aside and goes back to unpacking his things. Unlike before, he unpacks in silence, his lips pressed into a straight line, and his brows furrowed as he rummages through boxes. Aomine really has a way of getting to him. And to think that they've only known each other for a week makes him wonder if Aomine is even worth going out of his way to befriend.
Pushing a strand of hair behind his ear, Kise finally begins unpacking his kitchen supplies, and placing the few groceries that he had bought prior to moving into the apartment into his refrigerator and cabinets. It's quiet, causing the sound of pots and pans clinging together to echo throughout the room. Displeased sighs escape his lips every so often as he moves around the kitchen, and he finds it difficult to stop pondering over the conversation he had with Aomine just a few minutes prior. He's never felt so… worked up over one person before.
After he's done unpacking what he can, he saunters back into the living room. His couch isn't scheduled to come in until the next day, so he settles with sprawling out across the floor, and staring up at the ceiling. It dawns on him that he probably should have laid in his bed rather than the floor, but by that time, he's already comfortable and too lazy to stand back up. It's not until he lets himself relax in his spot that he realizes how exhausted he is, and he finds himself easily slipping unconscious. Plus, he can use the nap to take his mind off of things.
"Kise."
A foot gently shoves into his side and causes him to squirm a bit on the floor. Kise slowly lets his lids flutter open to see Kasamatsu hovering over him with a paper bag in his hand. He turns his head away; the light from the setting sun inflicting pain on his sensitive orbs.
"Oh wow, I didn't mean to sleep that long." Kise brings a hand up to his eyes and begins rubbing at them.
"My last class was cancelled so I was able to get here earlier. I brought us some takeout." Kasamatsu nudges his head towards the bag in his hand, and then walks off into the kitchen as to set the food on the counter. "You need to get into a habit of locking your door. Anyone could have come in here while you were sleeping, idiot."
Kise sits up and lets an appreciative smile spread on his lips. "I'm so used to living at home, it kind of just slipped my mind," he admits. "You didn't have to bring me anything to eat, senpai."
Kasamatsu scoffs and begins taking the containers out of the bag. "Yeah, because I would let my partner starve," he states sarcastically, and peeks over his shoulder at Kise. "It's no big deal. But, you should hurry up and eat before this stuff gets cold. It doesn't look like you have a microwave."
"That's because I don't," Kise returns the sarcasm with a playful tone, and stands up. He runs a hand through his hair as to tidy the disheveled strands, and then proceeds to reach for his phone. "You brought your guitar, right?" With his eyes set on his phone, he begins making his way into the kitchen.
"Yeah," Kasamatsu responds, although his voice is only heard in the back of Kise's mind as he reads the messages displayed on his screen.
From: Aominecchi
Tuesday 10:00
Msg: i'm not being rude
From: Aominecchi
Tuesday 11:20
Msg: sorry i'm just not used to all of this…
From: Aominecchi
Tuesday 14:00
Msg: i might have time to stop by this week, but don't count on it
From: Aominecchi
Tuesday 14:34
Msg: wut flavor popsicles did u buy?
A small grin spreads on his lips, and he can't help but laugh at how easy it was to break through the tanned-male's seemingly apathetic disposition. He brings a hand up to his mouth as to stifle his laughter, and shoots a glance in Kasamatsu's direction as to make sure he isn't being too obvious with the whole situation.
"Talking to a girl?" Kasamatsu asks, though he seems disinterested.
"Huh? No! No… Just a friend." Kise's eyes widen minimally, and he shoves his phone into his pocket after sending the message he had been typing out.
To: Aominecchi
Tuesday 16:20
Msg: I'm counting on it anyways, Aominecchi! (*´`*) I hope you like vanilla soda flavor.
