The Silent Victory

Mute but Not Invisible – Volume 1, Chapter 2: The Silent Victory

The Persistent Rival and the Class Rep's Sanctions Morning Routine: A Temporary Peace?

Yuu Takahashi had mastered the art of arriving at school precisely on time—not too early to attract unwanted attention, but not late enough to cause a scene.

Today, however, that plan failed spectacularly.

The moment he stepped into the classroom, Rika Aoyama was already waiting.

Her expression was triumphant, her hands planted firmly on her hips. "Morning, Mute-kun!" she chirped, far too energized for this early hour.

Yuu sighed inwardly. She's plotting something.

He gave her a brief nod in acknowledgment before swiftly making his way to his desk, hoping to at least get through homeroom in peace.

Rika, unfortunately, had no intention of letting that happen.

She plopped down beside him. "So, I was thinking—"

Yuu immediately lifted a hand, signaling stop before pulling out his notebook. He flipped to a fresh page and wrote: "No."

Rika gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "You don't even know what I was gonna say!"

Yuu calmly flipped to the next page and wrote: "It's always the same."

Rika's Next Grand Scheme

Rika pouted. "Listen, I know I failed last time, but this time, I have a plan so perfect, so foolproof, you'll HAVE to talk!"

Yuu raised an unimpressed brow.

She smirked, leaning in. "We're gonna play a game. A challenge, actually. You and me, Mute-kun. If I win, you have to say one word. Just one."

Yuu simply wrote: "No."

"Oh, come on! You don't even know the rules yet!" Rika whined, shaking him lightly by the shoulders. "At least hear me out!"

Yuu sighed and reluctantly flipped to a new page. "Fine. Explain."

Rika's eyes sparkled with victory. "Alright! The game is simple—Rock, Paper, Scissors. Best of three. If you lose, you have to say something." She grinned. "If you win… I'll leave you alone for the rest of the day."

Yuu narrowed his eyes. That was… oddly fair.

He tapped his pen against the notebook before writing: "And you'll actually keep your promise?"

Rika placed a hand over her heart. "Absolutely!"

Yuu considered it. A one-day reprieve? That was worth the risk.

With a sigh, he held out his hand in agreement.

The Battle Begins

Their classmates started to gather around, curious about the unusual silent showdown. Some whispered bets were exchanged, and a few people even pulled out their phones to record.

"Alright, Mute-kun! Best of three!" Rika announced, determination gleaming in her eyes. "Let's do this!"

They both raised their hands.

Round One:

Yuu: Rock

Rika: Scissors

Victory.

Rika groaned. "Nooo! Okay, okay, next round!"

Round Two:

Yuu: Rock

Rika: Scissors (Again?!)

Yuu blinked. The class burst into laughter.

"WHY DID I PICK SCISSORS AGAIN?!" Rika wailed.

The match was over. He had won.

Yuu calmly picked up his notebook, wrote "Deal's a deal.", and slid it toward her.

Rika slumped onto her desk, defeated. "Fine… but tomorrow is another day, Mute-kun! Just you wait!"

The Class Rep's Verdict

Before Yuu could fully enjoy his short-lived victory, a new presence loomed over him.

"Enough."

The classroom went silent.

The class rep, Ayane Fujimoto, stood beside them, arms crossed. Her piercing gaze immediately silenced Rika's theatrics.

"This has gone on long enough," she stated. "Takahashi clearly wants to be left alone. Harassing a classmate—especially one with a medical condition—is unacceptable."

Rika pouted but wisely said nothing.

Ayane turned to Yuu. "If she continues, let me know. I'll ensure disciplinary action is taken."

Yuu blinked. He hadn't expected anyone to step in on his behalf. He hesitated, then nodded in thanks.

Rika gasped. "Wait, wait, wait! That was almost a verbal agreement! It counts!"

Ayane sighed. "No, it doesn't."

Yuu simply smirked at Rika, picked up his notebook, and wrote: "Better luck next time."

Rika flailed dramatically in response.

The day wasn't perfect, but for once, Yuu had won.

End of Chapter 2