Kushida

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Kushida Kikyo (Kushida; 栉田)
Alias(es)	Kikyo; “Little Kikyo”
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Advanced Nurturing High School; Class D during the first semester 21 36
Occupation/Role	Student; socially influential classmate and information broker
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background / History

Kushida’s early desire for approval began with academic praise from her parents and relatives. When her grades declined, so did that praise; she began seeking the validation that came from being needed and admired by others. Her stated dream became becoming friends with everyone. 12

In middle school, Kushida successfully befriended nearly her entire class, but her fixation on trust and secrets culminated in a breakdown that threw the class into chaos and left students unwilling to attend school normally. Horikita Suzune attended the same middle school, though the two were not close; Kushida chiefly remembered Horikita as the top-ranked student who received praise without appearing to seek anyone’s approval. 12 151

At Advanced Nurturing High School, Kushida approached Suzuki Tsubame, exchanged contact information with him, and asked for help befriending Horikita. Her public explanation was that she wanted to befriend every student, while her concealed goal was to bring about Horikita’s expulsion. 6

Suzuki quickly uncovered Kushida’s hostility and used knowledge of her past to keep her cautious around him. Although she initially considered expelling Suzuki as well, she later cooperated with him on several occasions, including distributing prior-year midterm papers that earned her extensive admiration from Class D. 11 12 36

Appearance

Kushida is portrayed as a notably attractive girl with an innocent, cheerful presentation that reinforces her approachable public image.

• Rose-red eyes. 6 72
• System Scan assessment: Appearance 9.6, Physique 7.5, Intelligence 8.9. 10
• Frequently uses a warm smile, playful mannerisms, and carefully measured expressions when interacting with others. 6 121

Personality

Kushida projects herself as kind, gentle, and universally supportive. She is highly attentive to social expectations, knows how to make others feel noticed, and actively cultivates goodwill across her class. Her delivery of the prior-year midterm papers made many classmates view her as an “angel,” providing the admiration she craves. 36 40

Behind that image, Kushida is deeply insecure about being outperformed or overlooked—especially by Horikita. She envies Horikita’s academic ability, physical aptitude, and apparent ability to receive recognition without pursuing approval. Her resentment is intensified by Suzuki’s close relationship with Horikita. 12 105 151

Kushida is calculating and capable of emotional manipulation, but her composure deteriorates when she feels rejected, exposed, or threatened by Horikita. She has resorted to aggression, attempted to force misunderstandings between Suzuki and Horikita, and used apparent vulnerability to advance her own aims. 102 104 106

Despite this, she shows increasing self-reflection later in the story. She acknowledges her past actions, promises not to repeat them, and begins seeking a relationship with Horikita that is not solely defined by hostility. 106 125 151

Abilities & Skills

Social Influence and Networking

Kushida’s foremost strength is her interpersonal ability. She easily draws attention, earns praise, and maintains connections with students across classes and grades.

• Quickly establishes familiarity through charm, concern, and flattering behavior. 6 36
• Uses a broad network of acquaintances to obtain useful information, including prior-year midterm papers. 36 40
• Was selected as the Dragon Group’s special beneficiary; Horikita identifies social ability as her only clearly outstanding trait. 88
• Can rally classmates and command their attention, as shown when she announced the exam papers to the class. 36

Deception and Emotional Manipulation

Kushida carefully controls her outward demeanor and can conceal hostility beneath a friendly persona.

• Maintains a “gentle and cheerful” facade even while pursuing personal grudges. 6 127
• Exploits Suzuki’s guilt by retreating from open conflict and promising reform to rebuild his trust. 106
• Attempts to create compromising situations between herself and Suzuki in order to strain his relationship with Horikita. 104
• Her facade is less effective against Suzuki and Horikita, both of whom recognize her resentment and ulterior motives. 11 12 105

Athletic and Academic Competence

Kushida is capable rather than exceptional in general school performance, with her social strengths standing above her other areas.

• Chosen for Class B’s 1,200-meter relay lineup during the Sports Festival. 152
• Participates in sports-festival preparation and assists the class without openly causing trouble. 136 147
• Horikita considers her physical and academic abilities comparatively ordinary despite recognizing her social talent. 88

Relationships

• Suzuki Tsubame — Initially approached him to gain access to Horikita, but he discovered her motives and held her past over her. Kushida later develops romantic feelings for him, asks him to leave Horikita, and is rejected; their relationship subsequently becomes less openly hostile, though Suzuki remains wary of her motives. 6 11 103 106 127 128
• Horikita Suzune — Former middle-school schoolmate and long-standing object of Kushida’s envy. Kushida originally sought to expel her, resenting her talent and independence; later, she expresses happiness that Horikita is working for the class and seeks to change Horikita’s opinion of her. 6 12 105 125 151
• Class D classmates — Kushida is widely admired for her kindness and connections, particularly after providing prior-year midterm papers. Her approval-driven behavior is closely tied to the class’s praise. 36 40
• Ike Kanji — A fervent admirer who consistently praises and defends her; Kushida privately dislikes the attention he gives her. 40 43
• Older brother — Several years older than Kushida. They rarely speak, and she describes their relationship as distant. 126
• Parents — Ordinary salarymen. Their reduced praise as Kushida grew older contributed to her need for validation. 12 126

Story Role / Major Arcs

Attempt to Target Horikita

Kushida seeks Suzuki’s assistance in approaching Horikita while covertly intending to have Horikita expelled. Suzuki recognizes the deception early and chooses to keep Kushida close rather than let her find another accomplice. 6

Exposure of Her Past

After Kushida vents in isolation, Suzuki confronts her and uses her middle-school history as leverage. Kushida reveals the roots of her need for admiration, her envy of Horikita, and the consequences of her past behavior. 11 12

Midterm Exam Popularity

Kushida supplies the class with the previous year’s midterm papers, greatly improving morale and securing intense gratitude from her classmates. The event directly fulfills part of her desire to be praised and relied upon. 36 37

Jealousy Toward Horikita and Suzuki

Kushida becomes increasingly upset by Suzuki’s choice of Horikita as class leader and by their growing closeness. She physically lashes out at Suzuki, demands that he break up with Horikita, and attempts to use intimacy and rumors to separate them. 101 102 103 104

Reassessment and Tentative Change

Suzuki admits that he had judged Kushida through preconceived assumptions, while Kushida voices the insecurity and jealousy underlying her hatred of Horikita. She promises not to repeat her middle-school actions and begins pursuing a less adversarial connection with Suzuki and Horikita. 105 106 125 151

Sports Festival Cooperation

Kushida assists with class activities during Sports Festival preparation, scouts opposing students with Suzuki and Horikita, and works with Horikita to submit the class’s contestant list. Suzuki remains uncertain whether her apparent reform is fully genuine. 147 150 152

Notable Quotes

“I want you to break up with Horikita.” 103

“From the bottom of my heart... I hate the way Horikita acts so high and mighty.” 105

“I definitely won’t do it again.” 106