Once upon a time, there was a kind and beautiful class monitor. One day, a new student transferred to their class.
"Everyone, this is Oliver Maxwell, the newcomer. I hope you all get along with him." The teacher announced.
Oliver was always quiet. He never spoke to anyone and kept to himself. No one noticed him… except for the class monitor.
One day, she decided to approach him.
"Hey, Oliver! I'm Rizelle, the class monitor. I noticed you're always alone… why not be friends with me?"
"Me? Friends with you? Are you sure? I'm boring and gloomy… I don't think you'd have fun with me." He replied.
"What are you talking about? You're being too pessimistic! Everyone has their bright side, and I'm sure there are plenty of good things about you. So… what's your answer?"
"Of course! If you're okay with it, I'd be honored to be your friend. Please take care of me."
"Likewise! By the way… what's that on your ears?"
"Ah… I—I have to wear a hearing aid."
"O-oh… I see."
Rizelle realized he had a hearing disability, and her resolve to be his friend only strengthened. She decided to protect him from loneliness, discrimination, and mockery.
From that day on, they were inseparable. They ate together, studied together, went sightseeing, walked to and from school side by side, and even went on weekend trips.
Over time, Rizelle noticed her feelings were changing. What had started as sympathy and kindness grew into something deeper. She admired him, yes—but she also found herself captivated by him.
Once she realized she liked him, she began to play little games. Whenever Oliver removed his hearing aid, she would whisper secrets to him:
(During an after-school study session)
"Do you know that you look so perfect from this side?"
"…"
"Heh! He really can't hear anything without it." She thought, giggling.
(On the rooftop during lunch)
"You know, Oliver… I dreamed last night that we were watching fireworks in a park, holding hands. Do you think that could really happen?"
(On their walk home under the stars)
"Oliver… I have to admit something. At first, I hung out with you out of sympathy. But the more time we spent together, the more I realized how many wonderful things there are about you. I thought it was admiration, but now… I can't stop thinking about you. Even in my dreams, it's always you. I pretended to be considerate and kind, but the truth is… I like you. Am I selfish for hoping we'll be together someday? Sigh… I guess there's no point in telling you while you're not wearing your hearing aid."
Oliver looked at her, his expression unreadable.
"I haven't been completely honest either." He admitted.
"…Oliver?"
"I'm sorry I lied. These are just headphones—not hearing aids. I don't actually have a hearing disability."
"Wait… what?! But why would you… fool me?"
"It's because you're the class monitor. I was afraid you'd report me to the teacher if I told you the truth."
"Th-then… everything I said before…"
"I heard it all." He interrupted gently.
"Oh no… this is so embarrassing. Please, just forget everything I said," she muttered.
"But that's impossible." He smiled.
"Huh?"
"Because… I like you too."
"What?!"
"Will you be my girlfriend?"
"...Yes!"
~THE END~
Wish you all find the other half of yours!