Ishikawa Hayato

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Ishikawa Hayato (石川隼)
Alias(es)	Hayato-kun; Ishikawa
Gender	Male
Occupation/Role	First-year high school student; keyboardist; band member; manuscript writer
Affiliation	Kessoku Band; STARRY
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background

Hayato was aloof and emotionally distant as a child, including around his own family. His younger sister Hibiki later recounts that he helped her confront bullies and family problems, and he is known for using a “summoning card” that lets people call on him when they need protection. 110 111 183

After a near-death experience, Hayato resolves to live differently. He begins openly greeting people, interacting with his family and neighbors, and presenting himself without restraint—even when that behavior earns him a reputation as a pervert. 1 8

At school, he initially keeps to himself, studies diligently, and refuses invitations to socialize. After being targeted by bullies and finding his desk vandalized, he retaliates against Kuroda Aya and publicly commits himself to protecting classmates from bullying. His actions dismantle the class’s bullying cliques and substantially change its atmosphere. 19 20

Hayato joins Nijika and Ryo at STARRY after deciding that he wants to learn keyboard and make relaxing music. He becomes involved in the band’s performances, promotion, rehearsals, and later its growing public success. 3 10 158 360 362

Appearance

Hayato is a tall, handsome young man with sharp, deep-set eyes and a build that can appear slim under clothes despite his considerable physical strength. 24 169 288

• His hair later grows long enough for his bangs to reach his eyebrows, giving him a deliberately messy, lazy-looking appearance. 107 112
• Slicking his hair back noticeably changes his appearance and impresses Nijika, Ikuyo, and Ichiri. 266
• He is capable of carrying large amounts of equipment and people without apparent strain. 8 166 180
• His clothing choices can be unconventional, including a loincloth-and-bracers outfit while playing keyboard and a sign reading “The restroom is to the right” while working at STARRY. 24 53

Personality

Hayato is outspoken, theatrical, and unusually direct. He openly identifies himself as a pervert, treats sincere questions with sincere answers, and refuses to hide his feelings or intentions even when doing so unsettles others. 8 10 60

Beneath his provocative behavior, he is observant and protective. He recognizes when others are overwhelmed, comforts Bocchi after she faints, worries about her wellbeing when speaking with her father, and works to understand the insecurities of the people close to him. 48 60 228 287

He dislikes bullying and responds forcefully when confronted with it. His confidence allows him to reshape hostile social environments, although his own loneliness and anxiety persist despite his strong outward persona. 19 20 138 325

Hayato is also pragmatic and committed to honesty in his relationships. He makes clear that he will not conceal his feelings or enter relationships under false expectations. 214 316 328

Abilities & Skills

Physical Strength and Endurance

Hayato possesses exceptional strength, stamina, and balance.

• Reports carrying a maximum load of 73.2 kg for 156 minutes. 8
• Carries multiple instruments and band equipment at once. 8 166
• Throws Kuroda Aya to the ground and moves desks without spilling liquid placed on them. 19
• Carries Ichiri uphill while running toward a fireworks viewing spot. 180
• Uses a handcart to take the group up Enoshima’s stairs. 281 282

Rapid Learning and Academics

Hayato learns skills quickly and is an excellent student.

• Improves his keyboard playing soon after beginning to learn. 10
• Earns perfect scores across his tests. 125
• Is described as having exceptional learning ability, prompting concern about how it could be used. 273
• Prepares review notes for Kita and tutors Ichiri when she fears being held back a year. 228

Music and Production

Hayato plays keyboard and contributes beyond performance.

• Joins the band specifically to learn keyboard and support its sound. 3
• Performs with Cute Girls Band at the Shinjuku Folkt auditions. 158
• Participates in Kessoku Band’s festival preparations and stage performances. 360 362
• Produces a music video that impresses the other members with its quality and creativity. 205
• Works with Ryo on composition and Ichiri on lyrics. 357

Strategic Thinking

Hayato approaches business, social situations, and problems with calculated confidence.

• Negotiates with managers interested in signing the band, retaining control of the discussion. 166
• Plans financial security sufficient for himself and Ichiri to complete college, while privately holding enough for all five of them. 200
• Uses a television and wireless computer connection to improve the group’s viewing setup. 205
• Is identified as the behind-the-scenes manager and financier of the Youth Psychology Association, and is recognized as the world’s best doctor. 366

Heightened Hearing and Water Manipulation

Hayato is implied to possess unusual sensory and supernatural abilities.

• Hibiki states that his hearing is sharp enough to hear activity through a wall. 111
• Uses a water-manipulating skill to start a water fight at the beach and later brings water for the group to rinse off. 140
• Is associated with bone-conduction mind-reading in Ichiri’s understanding of his abilities. 180

Relationships

• Gotou Hitori / Bocchi / Ichiri — Hayato consistently supports her through social anxiety, reassures her, and becomes one of her romantic partners. 37 60 176 364
• Kita Ikuyo — Classmate, bandmate, and girlfriend. Kita is initially wary of him but grows to admire his character and openly confesses that she likes him. 2 20 134 364
• Ijichi Nijika — Bandmate and girlfriend. Hayato asks her to date him, then confronts Seika to explain his intentions. 3 10 233 364
• Yamada Ryo — Bandmate and girlfriend. Ryo initially treats him cautiously but grows comfortable relying on his strength and sharing private conversations with him. 3 166 194 364
• Ijichi Seika — STARRY manager and Nijika’s protective older sister. She frequently rejects or reprimands Hayato’s behavior but listens when he explains his commitment to Nijika. 20 111 233
• Ishikawa Hibiki — Younger sister. Their relationship is teasing and affectionate; Hibiki recognizes both his troubling habits and the ways he has protected her. 98 110 111
• Ishikawa Jinpei — Father. Jinpei worries about Hayato’s relationships and spending, but their interactions remain playful and warm. 10 58 325
• Ishikawa Shizuka — Mother. She has an affectionate, teasing relationship with Hayato and shares Jinpei’s concern about his conduct around girls. 10 58 326
• Kuroda Aya — School bully who instigates harassment against Hayato before he retaliates and warns her not to provoke him again. 19
• Hongo Amaha — Hayato encourages her to prioritize her own wellbeing, suggesting a growing personal attachment. 110

Story Role / Major Arcs

New Life and Joining the Band

Following his near-death experience, Hayato adopts an aggressively open approach to life and becomes interested in the developing band at STARRY. He meets Nijika and Ryo, commits to learning keyboard, and begins performing with them. 1 3 8 10

Anti-Bullying Intervention

After classmates bully him and vandalize his desk, Hayato fights back against the perpetrators. He then uses his reputation, support from the principal and a law firm, and a public declaration to change the class’s social order. 19 20

Developing Connections

Hayato gradually becomes a source of comfort and protection for Bocchi, while his relationships with Kita, Nijika, and Ryo deepen through rehearsals, outings, and shared performances. 37 60 93 132 171

Polyamorous Relationships

Hayato openly pursues relationships with Ryo, Bocchi/Ichiri, Nijika, and Kita rather than concealing his intentions. He asks Nijika to date him, addresses the tension between Ichiri and Ryo, and ultimately confesses to all four girls at STARRY; they accept his feelings and each other. 194 233 242 255 364

Kessoku Band’s Rise

As Kessoku Band gains attention, Hayato contributes as a performer, organizer, producer, and negotiator. He supports the group through auditions, fan growth, Unconfirmed Riot preparations, and their major festival performance. 158 166 205 360 362

Trivia

• Hayato’s stated ambition is to become the “King of Harem.” 2
• He refuses to lie and treats literal truthfulness as a point of pride. 10 60
• He has been called the “Guardian God of Kawaguchi City Students” for eliminating delinquent groups and reducing robbery and bullying in the city. 107
• He is skilled at arcade games and can complete difficult video-game encounters with poor equipment by avoiding attacks and striking weak points. 132 274
• He writes manuscripts and receives both manuscript fees and reader letters. 58