**INT. HIGH SCHOOL ART ROOM - DAY**
The art room buzzes with activity as students work on their projects. Emma continues to paint, occasionally glancing towards the door where Liam had stood earlier. Lily sits nearby, flipping through an art magazine.
**EMMA**
(through sign language)
Do you think he’s still here?
Lily shrugs, then grins mischievously.
**LILY**
(through sign language)
Maybe you should go talk to him.
Emma blushes slightly but shakes her head, focusing back on her painting.
**EMMA**
(through sign language)
I don’t know. He seems... different.
**LILY**
(through sign language)
Different can be good, you know.
Just then, Mr. Thompson, the art teacher, enters the room with a warm smile. He approaches Emma and Lily.
**MR. THOMPSON**
(through sign language)
Emma, Lily, how are my star artists today?
Emma smiles and signs back.
**EMMA**
(through sign language)
We’re good, Mr. Thompson. Just trying to capture the essence of spring.
Mr. Thompson nods appreciatively, then notices Liam’s sketchbook on a nearby table.
**MR. THOMPSON**
(through sign language)
Ah, Liam. Our newest addition. Have you settled in okay?
Liam, who had been quietly sketching in the corner, looks up. He hesitates for a moment, then responds in sign language.
**LIAM**
(through sign language)
Yes, Mr. Thompson. Thank you.
Mr. Thompson nods and continues around the room, checking on other students’ progress. Emma steals another glance at Liam, who catches her eye and gives a small smile before returning to his sketch.
**LILY**
(through sign language)
He smiled at you!
Emma’s cheeks turn pink, but she returns Liam’s smile with a shy one of her own. She looks down at her painting, heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and curiosity.
**EMMA**
(through sign language)
Maybe... maybe I’ll talk to him after class.
Lily grins broadly, knowing Emma’s usually reserved nature.
**LILY**
(through sign language)
Go for it, Emma. You never know what could happen.
Emma nods, determined, as the bell rings, signaling the end of the class. Students begin packing up their supplies, including Liam, who carefully tucks away his sketchbook.
**MR. THOMPSON**
(through sign language)
Great work today, everyone. Don’t forget to clean up before you leave.
As the room empties out, Emma gathers her courage. She walks over to where Liam is standing, sketchbook in hand.
**EMMA**
(through sign language)
Hi, I’m Emma.
Liam looks up, surprised but pleasantly so. He smiles warmly.
**LIAM**
(through sign language)
Hi, Emma. I’m Liam.
Their eyes meet, and in that moment, a silent connection is forged between them.
**FADE OUT:**
**TO BE CONTINUED...**
---
This scene deepens the interaction between Emma and Liam, showcasing their initial attempts at communication through sign language and their budding connection. It sets the stage for their relationship to evolve amidst the backdrop of art and understanding.