COTE: Failure and Failed Genius

Chapter Ⅰ: The Enigmatic Child: Introduction

3rd Person POV

As the gentle morning light streamed through the window, casting a soft glow over Misa's house, she stood in the kitchen, brewing a comforting cup of tea. Her thoughts were consumed by the mysterious child she had discovered in the snowy forest.

With the steaming cup of tea in hand, Misa made her way to the spare bedroom, where the child lay still on a comfortable bed, wrapped in warm blankets. She approached him gently, observing his peaceful expression as he slept. Carefully, she placed the tea on the nightstand beside the bed, hoping its soothing aroma would rouse his senses.

For hours, Misa sat by the child's side, attentively taking care of him. She touched his face gently, revealing his youthful features. Her fingers caressed his hair with tenderness, tracing the shape of his curtain bangs. She couldn't help but feel perplexed about why the child was alone in the forest and how he ended up there.

Misa's heart swelled with a mix of compassion and curiosity as she observed the child's serene countenance. She wondered about the story behind his presence, the circumstances that led him to this moment.

As time passed, the aroma of the tea filled the room, blending with the cool morning air. Misa lifted the cup carefully, letting the steam dance around her face, and brought it closer to the child's lips. The warm liquid, infused with comfort and care, gently touched his mouth, coaxing him out of his deep slumber.

Slowly, the child's eyes fluttered open, revealing the depth of his warm brown gaze. Confusion flickered briefly within them, swiftly replaced by a sense of recognition as they settled on Misa's face. He took a cautious sip of the tea, feeling its warmth envelop his body, bringing a spark of vitality.

"M-my name is Misa," she softly spoke, her voice filled with kindness. "You're safe here. Can you tell me your name?"...

***

Misa POV:

In the soft morning light filtering through the kitchen window, I found myself immersed in the gentle art of brewing tea, my mind swirling with thoughts of the mysterious young boy I had discovered in the forest. Questions flooded my thoughts. How did he come to be alone and unconscious? Where were his parents?

Cupping the warm teacup in my hands, I entered the serene spare bedroom where he peacefully lay. Carefully placing the tea on the nightstand, I silently hoped that its steam would caress his senses and coax him gently back to wakefulness.

Time passed as I stayed by his side, taking care of him with gentleness. I gently revealed his young face and couldn't help but admire the softness of his hair as I touched it.

The room filled slowly with the calming aroma of the tea, its comforting scent blending with the air. Holding the cup, I carefully moved it closer to his lips, offering warmth and comfort. He stirred, his eyes fluttering open.

"M-my name is Misa," I spoke softly, "You're safe here. Can you share your name with me?"

He looked at me with a distant gaze. With a soft voice, he whispered, "I'm Kiyotaka Ayanokouji."

"Ayanokoji Kiyotaka," I repeated, "How did you end up in the forest? Do you know where your parents are?" I asked.

He trembled slightly and looked away, barely audible as he said, "I... I can't tell you."

Confusion and worry stirred inside me, but I tried to push them aside, offering a comforting smile. "Don't worry," I reassured him softly.

He looked at me intently, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Why did you help me?" he asked, taking me by surprise. Emotions swirled inside me, overwhelmed by the thought of leaving a vulnerable child alone in the cold forest, especially in the harsh winter. With sincerity in my voice, I responded, "I couldn't ignore a child who needed help. It was the right thing to do."