COTE: Ayanokoji Socially Capable

Chapter 1: Pilot

Ayanokoji POV

Matsuo, my butler, insisted on taking me to school in the limo. As a wealthy kid, I was used to being chauffeured to places, but on this particular day, I wanted to experience what it was like to be a regular high school student. I didn't want others to treat me differently after finding out I was rich, so I decided to take the bus instead.

As I approached the bus stop, I noticed a girl with long silver-blueish hair reading a book. I recognized the book as one of my personal favorites - Where the Red Fern Grows. I thought it was a great opportunity to make a new friend, so I started approaching her.

"Hey," I said as I waved my hand.

She slowly looked up from her book and met my gaze. "Oh, hi there," she quietly said.

I looked down at the book she was reading and said, "That's a good book," pointing towards the book she was holding.

This instantly got her excited and more involved in our conversation. "Yes," she said, "this is my second time reading it. I just can't help but keep reading it more."

"The story is very sad yet so good," I said, nodding in agreement. "Oh, and I am Kiyotaka Ayanokoji of Class 1B," I introduced myself, reaching out my hand.

She took my hand and smiled, "Hiyori Shiina of Class 1C, pleased to meet you, Ayanokoji-kun."

We continued our conversation, discussing the book and other topics.I decided not to bother her much longer, so I said, "Well, I won't distract you anymore. I just wanted to introduce myself. I hope we meet again."

"Yes, and I would love to read with you sometime," Shiina said, smiling and then returning to her book.I couldn't help but feel excited about the possibility of a new friendship.

As soon as the bus arrived, we all got in and found our seats. I noticed one of my friends, Rokusuke, and waved at him. He nodded back, but I decided not to sit with him since we weren't close friends. I looked around and saw Shiina sitting at the very back of the bus, but I was contemplating whether I should join her or not. After a moment's thought, I decided not to and found an aisle row seat in the middle to sit down.

As I looked around, I noticed a girl with black hair on my left reading The Godfather. I found it interesting that someone her age would be reading such a book. However, it seems that my gaze did not go unnoticed because she soon saw me looking at her. I decided to avert my gaze to avoid unwanted attention and nicknames. So I just stared out my window, pondering what my school life would be like.

This peaceful moment was soon interrupted by a commotion at the front of the bus. It turned out that it was none other than my friend Rokusuke. He was known to be a bit of a troublemaker, but I didn't pay much attention to it and continued to look out the window.

(Skipping the Koenji scene cause why not) 

I found myself standing in the back of the bus, but despite all the commotion, Shiina was still happily reading her book.

After a few minutes, I noticed the girl with strawberry-blonde hair from before walking in my direction. As she got closer, I could see that she had bright blue eyes that sparkled in the sunlight. Eventually, she reached me and stood a few feet away, looking up at me with a friendly smile. We made eye contact, and she smiled and waved at me. I was surprised that she approached me 

"Hey there, I just wanted to come up and thank you for giving up your seat," she said as she bowed.

I scratched the back of my head. "Oh no, it's nothing. I'm sure someone else would have done it sooner or later."