A Silent Voice: My First Kiss Was with Nishimiya Shouko

Miyamura Shizuka and Akira were the first to react after the sudden outburst from Ueno's mother.

Using her adult advantage, Shizuka stepped forward quickly, grabbing the woman's raised wrist mid-swing. "Ueno-san, please calm down first," she said persuasively.

Takeuchi-sensei also jumped in, stepping between them protectively. "Yes, yes, Ueno-san, violence isn't going to help. Please calm down."

The teacher was clearly startled by the slap and trying to keep things under control.

"Mom..."

Ishida Miyako's ear was still ringing from the slap, but she shook her head at her son, silently assuring him she was okay.

Ueno's mother tugged against Shizuka's grip for a moment, but realizing she couldn't break free, she exhaled sharply and nodded. Seeing this, Shizuka released her hand.

Ueno's mother then snapped, "Your son's face is bruised, and you've got a mark too. Let's just go to the hospital and have it checked out. I'll pay the bill."

Even after that slap, her anger clearly hadn't cooled.

Ishida Miyako opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by Shizuka, who said firmly, "Since my Akira was the one who hit him, there's no way I can let you pay for it."

Ueno's mother shook her head. "Your boy only acted because he saw my Naoka being bullied. It's only fair that I pay."

She cast a glance at Akira — the pale, fair-skinned boy who had punched Shoya. Her tone, though sharp, had softened slightly. She knew the punch had come out of loyalty, even if she didn't fully approve.

Ishida Miyako quickly stepped in. "No, no, it was clearly Shoya's fault. He's the one who caused all of this." Her bow of apology was deep and genuine.

Ueno's mother didn't soften just yet. She pulled her daughter close and pointed to Naoka's drenched uniform. "Alright then. Let's talk about compensation for emotional distress."

Miyako was caught off guard for a moment but recovered and nodded quickly. "Yes, of course, it's only right."

After a few minutes of tense back and forth, an agreement was reached: Miyamura Shizuka didn't have to pay anything — Ueno's mother insisted. Akira and Shoko were fine, after all.

Ueno's mother pushed for an evaluation at the hospital for Ishida and his mother, then compensation based on the outcome. Emotional distress? She'd tack that on top, depending on the cost.

Just then, the school bell rang.

"Alright, I need to get back to the classroom and speak with the students," Takeuchi-sensei said, sounding like a man just saved from drowning. He bowed and made his exit without delay.

"We should go too," Ueno's mother said, leading Naoka out by the hand. "Come on."

As they left, Shizuka noticed her son still glaring after Ishida's retreating figure. "What are you staring at? They're gone already."

Akira blinked, snapped out of his daze. "It's nothing. Just thinking about something."

"You're not regretting that punch, are you?" she teased.

He sighed. "C'mon, Mom. I'm a model student, remember? I wouldn't hit anyone without a good reason."

Rolling her eyes fondly, Shizuka let it go. Akira turned to Shoko and said, "Let's grab our stuff from the classroom."

Later That Day – 5:00 PM

Ishida Miyako stepped out of the bank holding Shoya's hand. She turned once more to bow toward Ueno's mother, handing over the agreed compensation.

Ueno's mother took the envelope, said nothing, and drove off without a word.

"Mom... I…" Shoya's voice was hesitant as they stood there.

Miyako looked at him, at the guilt in his eyes, the bruise on his face. She waited, hoping he would say something — maybe an apology, or a realization.

But after meeting her gaze, Shoya looked away. His words died on his lips.

She sighed softly, reaching out to ruffle his hair.

"Starting tomorrow... be a good child."

Later That Night – Around 10:00 PM

Ueno Naoka tossed and turned in bed, staring at the ceiling in her white pajamas. No matter how many times she flipped her pillow or turned over, she couldn't sleep.

Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Akira's punch. That solid hit, the way he stood in front of her — it replayed again and again in her mind.

She knew it wasn't for her. He had acted for Shoko, not her.

But...

"Argh! So annoying!" she groaned, burying her face in her pillow.

The Next Day – Morning

Ishida Shoya stepped into the classroom with his two friends, Shimada Ikki and Hirose Keisuke. Almost immediately, he felt it — the strange stares from the girls in the class.

"What happened yesterday?" he asked, sliding into his seat.

Shimada shrugged, unbothered. "Well, Naoka came back soaking wet. Everyone saw it. Rumors spread fast — some say you barged into the girls' bathroom and dumped water on her."

Shoya clicked his tongue. "Hmph. Whatever. They're just girls, I'm not playing with them anyway."

He draped an arm around both his friends' shoulders and smirked. "Let's hang out before class starts."á

Soon after, Akira and Shoko entered the classroom. The atmosphere shifted.

The girls who looked at Shoya with cold suspicion now gazed at Akira with admiration or curiosity. Their reputations were polar opposites.

Ueno Naoka walked over with a neatly folded jacket — the one Shoko had lent her.

"Shoko, here's your jacket. I washed it — thank you again." She offered a small, respectful bow.

Students nearby glanced over, but none were surprised. Word had already spread that Shoko had helped Naoka the day before.

Shoko gently stopped her from bowing, smiled, and accepted the jacket.

"It's nothing. I believe if the situation were reversed, you would've helped me too."

----------------

POWER STONE!!!

Support me at patréon com/Lukas25