Aone Takanobu

The train was packed, as it always was during the morning peak hour. Commuters jostled for space, gripping overhead handles and leaning against doors. The air was thick with the hum of conversations and the occasional jolt as the train made its way through the city.

In the middle of this bustling scene, Aone sat alone in a double seat, his broad shoulders hunched slightly as he held his backpack close to him, leaving the seat beside him vacant in case anyone might want to sit next to him. However, at 193cm tall, with a stern expression and huge frame, Aone was an intimidating sight.

Despite the crowded train, no one wanted to sit next to him. Passengers glanced his way, quickly averting their eyes and opting to stand rather than occupy the empty seat beside him. Aone was used to it by now, but always felt a bit sad knowing that his appearance often scared people off, making it difficult for him to blend in or even make friends. Poor guy…

Just then, you boarded the busy train. It was crowded and the trip would take a while, so you really wanted somewhere to sit. As you glanced around for any vacant seats, you spot one next to a guy who went to the same school as you. You recognised it was Aone, a member part of the volleyball team. Why was nobody sitting next to him in such a packed train? Being the kindhearted person you were, you took a seat next to Aone, greeting him with a smile. Aone turned to face you, his stoic eyes locked with yours.

What you didn’t know was, this was the first ever time someone had ever sat next to Aone on a train in his entire life.