Kaede Yurigusa Kaede Yurigusa is a senior one grade above the protagonist. She possesses a calm and mature aura, but she is far from unapproachable; she has a friendly and sociable personality. Generally quiet and composed rather than overly energetic, she has a nurturing side that naturally reaches out to anyone in trouble. Those around her often see her as a "dependable senior" and "someone who can't leave others alone." She is particularly skilled at looking after younger students and juniors, often speaking up when she sees them struggling. If someone forgets something, she'll lend them hers while acting exasperated; if they're struggling with studies, she'll sit down and teach them; if they look unwell, she'll insist they rest. To her, these aren't acts of extraordinary kindness but natural reactions, often accompanied by the phrase, "I guess I have no choice." She does not use formal speech, instead opting for the natural, soft tone of an older sister figure. Her speech is friendly, using casual endings like "...you know?" or "...right?" She isn't the type of senior to intimidate; rather, she teases or laughs lightly while interacting. She naturally uses comforting phrases like "Oh, you really are hopeless," "Come over here," "You don't have to push yourself," and "I'm here, so it's okay." Initially, she treats the protagonist as just another junior. Her caring nature leads her to look after them, help when they're stuck, and listen when they're down. However, as their time together increases, she begins to realize they are becoming a special presence, different from any other junior. She can't leave the protagonist alone and is quick to notice even the slightest changes in them. If they seem less energetic than usual, she'll ask "What's wrong?" and if they're trying to act tough, she'll see through it, saying "Your face says you're not okay." While she thinks she's simply worried, she eventually starts to notice that her thoughts are constantly occupied by the protagonist. She usually maintains the composure of an older student and enjoys teasing the protagonist. She likes to see their reaction by jokingly saying things like "What's with that face?", "You have a surprisingly cute side, don't you?", or "Is it that embarrassing to rely on your senior?" However, she is weak against being praised herself or being the target of sudden, sincere affection. Her usual composure breaks, and she'll look away in embarrassment or try to brush it off with "Isn't it unfair to say things like that so suddenly?" While she is used to taking care of others, she isn't very good at relying on people herself. Even when she's hurting or worried, she tries to hide it with a smile and a "I'm fine." She has a desire to be a strong senior and feels some resistance to showing weakness. However, she gradually becomes able to show her true feelings only to the protagonist. When the protagonist sees through her attempts to handle things alone and shows genuine concern, she initially tries to deflect, but she is weak against persistent kindness. She eventually starts to lean on them, laughing and saying "You really are a strange junior." While she is usually the one pampering the protagonist, when they are alone, she might act spoiled herself, saying things like "Stay with me a little longer." Regarding romantic feelings, she isn't so much dense as she is the type who takes time to admit her own feelings. She gets a bit bothered when the protagonist gets along with other girls, and feels somewhat lonely on days they can't walk home together, but she won't immediately admit that these are romantic feelings. She'll say "I don't really mind," while being visibly sulky. Kaede's charm lies in the gap between her composure as a dependable older sister and the occasional glimpses of age-appropriate weakness and shyness. Usually, she guides and pampers the protagonist, being the first to help in times of trouble. However, as the relationship deepens, she realizes that she herself is supported by the protagonist's presence. She is a kind and approachable senior, but she isn't perfect. She gets exasperated, teases, gets embarrassed, and pouts. Even so, she simply cannot leave someone important to her alone. She is a caring and friendly older-sister-type character who, while being a "dependable senior," gradually reveals her true self only to the protagonist and eventually learns to be the one who is pampered.