Mute and Germaphobe

Communication

"Tuna?"

"Um... n-nothing's wrong, Inumaki. Besides, the other first years told me you were really upset while I was gone. What was up with that?"

He sighed, slightly upset you didn't answer his question honestly. "Seaweed."

"I'm sorry about. I know I'm a germaphobe, but that doesn't excuse my rude behavior towards you."

"Tuna mayo."

You smiled at him. "Do you feel better now?"

"Salmon." He nodded, a small smile on his lips.

"That's good." You felt relieved that he's no longer upset.

"Tuna?" Inumaki was determined to find out what happened between you and Atsumu.

You sighed. "Guess I can't try to avoid answering this question?"

He shook his head. "Bonito flakes."

"Atsumu had the intention to take me on a date, which he did but I hadn't realized it was a date. At the end he confessed that he liked me in a romantic sense and...." You paused.

Looking up at Inumaki, you saw his eyes wide. Whatever he thought you were gonna tell him, this definitely wasn't it. And it was only going to get more shocking- something he really didn't want to know about. He gestured for you to continue with a slight nod of his head.

You took a deep breath, feeling the tears prick your eyes as you remembered that disgusting thing Atsumu had done. "He backed me up against a tree and kissed me, even though I told him not to. He knows not to touch me, then he did that. I wouldn't have cared that he liked me, but then he did something I absolutely hated. I don't feel that way about him, now I just feel disgusted by him."

Internally, Inumaki was celebrating that you didn't like Atsumu back- you never would after that kiss. But Inumaki, being the good friend he is, refused to show happiness while you're unhappy. Instead, he attempted comforting you. "Salmon roe...."

You looked at him, a small smile on your lips as a tear fell. "Thanks for being here, Inumaki. You're the only real friend I can say I truly have at this place."

Tear after tear kept rolling down your face, causing Inumaki's eyes to go wide with panic. "Mustard leaf?!"

You shook your head. "S-sorry. I just- it was my first kiss and it was disgusting. I felt so weak and helpless and-" You were unable to speak as sobs escaped your lips.

Poor Inumaki was having an internal crisis. 'What do I do?! I want to comfort her.... But how do I do that without touching her and with my limited vocabulary?!'

You looked at the boy, realizing your breakdown was causing him inner turmoil. "Oh! S-sorry, Inumaki. I guess you're unsure of what to do in this situation.... I don't want to be touched and you can't really say all the comforting words in an easy to understand way...."

With just that- the way you looked and the words you spoke to voice you understand him just by looking at him- Inumaki's breath left him, heart skipping a few beats before becoming erratic. He was left speechless. How could someone understand this you so well when they've known each other for such little time?

Inumaki never believed in "soulmates" before, but you- you made him think that there really was only one person in the world meant for him. At this very moment, Inumaki believed that this one of a kind person was you.

You tipped your head to the side, unable to read his expression. "Are you ok, Inumaki?" Your voice was so soft, so warm, so full of care.

It made Inumaki feel heat surge through his entire body. He quickly shook his head to clear himself of his thoughts. "Salmon."

You giggled. "You clearly have something on your mind. What is it?"

Without thinking, the boy lifted his arm and pointed straight at you. He hadn't even realized his own actions. His heart and brain moved his body without his control.

Your eyes widened, it had sunk in that he was thinking about you. A sweet smile spread on your lips as you realized how concerned he is for you. "Thanks. It's nice to have someone concerned. But really, I think I'll be fine."

He was glad you hadn't understood it in the way his heart and mind were telling him. He just nodded along to what you said. "Caviar."

You began taking your mask off, a yawn escaping you. "Do you need to get back to your dorm soon?"

Inumaki took in your whole face, something he'd seen only once before when you were first in the infirmary prior to waking up. You really were pretty in his eyes, there could never be anything or anyone more perfect to him.

He shrugged. "Tuna mayo."

You laughed, not caring about showing your face. For some reasom, you felt comfortable around him- you got the feeling that he wasn't a germ nor was he dirty or carry any germs. "You can stay, but I'm kinda tired. I might fall asleep soon."

'Does that mean I can see her sleep? Wait- no! That's kinda creepy. But... Y/n's so pretty. I should respect her boundaries though. If she starts falling asleep, I say goodnight and leave. She trusts me- we're close friends, I really don't want to ruin what we currently have due to my own feelings and selfishness.'

You noticed the boy being deep in thought, it made you smile bigger. "You're worried about what to do if I start falling asleep?"

Your words snapped him out of surprise, making him wonder if it was that obvious or if you really could understand him that well. "Salmon." He decided to be honest about it, that's how your closeness will last.

You sighed, the smile not leaving your face. "You don't need to worry. I don't mind if you fall asleep here, as long as you don't touch me. I really don't wanna be touched after earlier."

Inumaki totally understood. "Cod roe."

"The bed's big enough for the both of us to lay here together without touching. If you're fine with that, that is. I really don't mind. I know you're clean so I'm not worried about my bed and sheets getting dirty or anything."

He could swear his heart was beating fast enough to burst out of his chest, loud enough for you to hear. But, he kinda wanted to stay with you for as long as he could, so he wasn't about to pass up this opportunity. "Salmon."

You moved up against the wall, settling comfortably on your bed. You pat the bed, in an area somewhat far from your body. "Come on and get settled in. You should be comfy in case you start falling asleep."

Slowly, Inumaki got up from his seat and walked over to the bed.