COTE: A Mute Person

Vol. 1 Chp. 1: A Strange Student

'Italic': Writing

I was on the bus, sitting on the priority seats. At the moment, the ride was briefly quiet when a problem occurred.

"You there, can't you see the old woman having trouble?"

The office lady urged him to give up the priority seat for the elderly woman. In the quiet bus, her voice became louder, drawing the attention of other passengers.

"That's a crazy question, lady," the guy smiled, recrossing his legs.

"Why should I give this seat to an old woman? There's no reason for me to give it up."

"Isn't it natural to hand over the priority seat to the elderly?"

"I don't understand. Priority seats are just that—priority seats. I have no legal obligation to give up my seat. Whether or not I move is a decision I should make myself. Would you give up your seat just because I'm a young man? That seems like a foolish way to think."

"I am a healthy young man, and I don't feel that standing would inconvenience me. However, standing requires more physical effort than sitting. I don't want to do something unnecessary like that. Or are you suggesting I should be more lively and energetic?"

"What, what kind of attitude is that towards your superiors!?"

I got up, allowing the elderly lady to have my seat.

"Thank you, child."

It was awkward as I avoided eye contact. It didn't take long for the peaceful atmosphere to return.

~Timeskip~

The bus soon arrived at the destination and stopped at the school.

As I got off the bus, a gate made of natural stone was waiting for me.

All the boys and girls in uniform got off the bus and passed through the gate.

Koudo Ikusei High School.

The Japanese government created a school to nurture young people to support the future.

It is a place that I will attend starting from today.

~Timeskip~

Overlooking the classroom, I walked to the seat with my nameplate. I wasn't expecting to find myself here.

I scanned the classroom and noticed it was only half full, with students looking at the class material or talking to acquaintances, trying to make friends.

How lucky they are that they get to communicate with ease.

I heard someone putting down their bag on the seat next to me. I glanced over and saw it was a black-haired girl.

I noticed she was on the same bus as me.

Well, I should introduce myself.

'My name is Kagurazaka Norogumi. It's nice to meet you.'

The black-haired girl scanned the notepad in my hand.

"...Horikita Suzune."

That was the end of our conversation. I placed my notebook on my desk and awkwardly sat there.

I had no idea what to talk to with Horikita. I felt she didn't want anyone to talk to her.

After a few minutes, the first bell rang.

Almost simultaneously, a woman wearing a suit walked into the classroom.

On first impression, she seems like a teacher who finds strict classroom discipline necessary. She looks about 30 years old. Her long hair was tied back into a ponytail.