Can we be friends

Chapter 2: “Can We Be Friends?”

The day after the accident, Bentio walked into school with a heavy heart.

He hadn’t slept well. Not because of nightmares—but because he kept seeing her face.

Shizune’s eyes. Her tears. The way she clutched his sleeve when that truck nearly hit her.

He didn’t understand why it lingered in his chest. Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was something else.

But he had already decided—he wouldn’t get close to anyone. Not again.

Not after what happened with Magiru.

That morning, as he walked to his seat, he saw her.

Shizune. Already sitting, nervously adjusting the hem of her skirt. When their eyes met, she tried to smile and mouthed something softly.

Bentio looked away.

He took his seat without a word.

That became a pattern.

Every day that week, she tried to talk to him.

Every day, he ignored her.

She would approach him at the shoe locker, outside the classroom, near the vending machine…
And every time, he either walked away or turned his back.

He couldn’t hear the words she struggled to say.
But he could see the disappointment in her eyes.
And that… hurt more than he expected.

Friday Afternoon – After School

The sun was already low, painting the hallway in soft orange.

Bentio walked with his bag slung over one shoulder, heading toward the school gate. His mind was set on leaving fast.

Then—

She stood in front of him.

Small. Pale. Trembling.

Shizune blocked his path.

Her mouth moved, but the sounds were shaky and broken. “I… want… talk… you…”

He hesitated. Her voice was strained, hard to understand. His instinct kicked in—he turned to leave.

But—

She began to cry.

Bentio froze.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, just like the day he saved her. Silent, warm, helpless tears.

Something twisted inside him.

“Enough,” he muttered, spinning around. “What do you want from me!?”

She flinched.

Then shakily pulled out a notebook and wrote something.

“Can we… be friends?”

Bentio stared at the words. Simple, soft letters. Vulnerable.

His mouth opened—but he looked away.

“No.”

Her eyes widened.

Another tear fell onto the page.

His chest tightened painfully.
He didn’t even know why he said it.
Maybe to protect himself. Maybe out of fear.

But when he looked at her again—when he saw that expression—

“…Fine,” he said quietly. “Yes.”

Shizune blinked.

He scratched his head. “I mean—sure. We can be friends. Just stop crying.”

Her lips quivered… and she smiled.

The faintest, gentlest smile he’d ever seen.

Days Passed

Shizune started spending time with Bentio. Every day.

At first, he hated it.

Not because of her—but because of the awkwardness. She couldn’t hear him. She struggled to speak. They had to rely on notes or clumsy gestures.

But slowly…

He started noticing things.

The way she always saved him a seat during lunch.

The way she’d carefully arrange her books in perfect alignment.

The way her eyes would light up whenever he actually looked at her.

She was… kind. Thoughtful. Gentle.

And suddenly, Bentio realized something:

He wanted to talk to her properly.

One day, after school, Bentio watched as Shizune used sign language to speak with a teacher. Her hands moved fluidly, almost like a quiet dance.

It was beautiful. Clear. Honest.

That night, Bentio stayed up late.

Searching videos.

Learning.

Practicing in front of a mirror.

His hands fumbled, his fingers got stiff—but he didn’t stop.

For the first time in a long time, he wanted to understand someone.

One Week Later

They sat together under the tree behind the school, eating snacks.

Shizune was writing something in her notebook to show him.

But before she could finish—

Bentio signed: "Thank you."

She froze.

Her eyes widened.

He signed again, slower this time. “I’m… learning. For you.”

For a second, she didn’t move.

Then her face turned red. She raised her trembling hands to reply in sign:

“That… makes me happy.”

Bentio looked away, flustered. “Tch. Don’t cry again, okay?”

But she didn’t cry.

She laughed.