Sakura Airi

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Sakura Airi (佐仓爱里)
Alias(es)	Shizuku — former idol stage name 31
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Class D, Advanced Nurturing High School 1
Occupation/Role	Student; photographer; later serves as Natsume Yu's observer and informant 38 39
Status	Active 47
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background / History

Before entering the school, Airi worked as an idol under the name Shizuku. Persistent online harassment forced her to abandon that identity; when the harassment resurfaces at school, it becomes the source of her greatest fear. 31

At the beginning of the school year, Airi is withdrawn and overwhelmed by crowded, unfamiliar settings. Natsume Yu first helps her avoid spilling her food, then later recommends beginner photography books in the library. These encounters make him the first person she regards as consistently kind within the school. 1 2

During Class D's early point crisis and the Uninhabited Island Special Exam, Airi repeatedly turns to Natsume for reassurance. Although easily frightened by Class C's intimidation, she makes small but meaningful efforts for Class D: retrieving a dropped first-aid kit and bringing Natsume information she overhears about hostility toward him. 13 14 17

A stalker later targets her with photographs, messages using her former stage name, and images taken near her dormitory. Chabashira Sae declines to intervene without decisive evidence, leaving Airi isolated until Natsume confronts the stalker and forces him to withdraw from the school. 31 32 33

Afterward, Natsume deletes the stalker's material and declares Airi his “possession.” Seeking safety after the ordeal, Airi accepts his protection and becomes intensely devoted to him. 34

Appearance

Airi is a petite girl with a fragile, easily flustered demeanor. She initially hides behind thick glasses and long bangs, often keeping her head lowered; later, she occasionally wears non-prescription glasses to avoid attention. 1 35 47

• Frequently carries a camera, including a professional DSLR. 6 9
• Her long bangs often obscure most of her face. 35 38
• Becomes visibly more focused and expressive when photographing Natsume. 19 20
• Receives a cream-colored knit cardigan, plaid skirt, and a new professional DSLR from Natsume. 40

Personality

Airi begins as intensely shy, socially awkward, and prone to panic under pressure. Crowded places make her uncomfortable, and her soft voice, blushing, and avoidance of eye contact mark most of her early interactions. 1 2

Her attachment to Natsume grows from gratitude into dependence. His attention calms her during the point crisis, Class C's harassment, and the stalking incident; she increasingly treats his approval as a source of safety and purpose. 4 13 18 34

Despite her timidity, Airi can act decisively when she believes she can help Natsume. She reports overheard threats, actively monitors classmates, and accepts surveillance assignments with unusual determination. Her confidence is most apparent through photography and observation work. 17 20 38 39

Abilities & Skills

Photography

Airi is a dedicated photographer who owns and carefully maintains a professional DSLR camera.

• Seeks out books on lighting and composition, initially studying beginner material in the library. 2
• Photographs Natsume on the cruise ship and later uses the rooftop as a private photography studio. 19 20
• Accidentally captures a photograph of Ryuen Kakeru meeting an unidentified person while observing Class C. 39
• Her photography provides a setting in which she is noticeably more confident and focused. 19 20

Observation and Intelligence Gathering

Airi develops into a meticulous observer after Natsume assigns her to monitor Class D.

• Records classmates’ movements, exchanges, and micro-expressions in an encrypted notebook. 38
• Pays particular attention to Kushida Kikyo, noting subtle differences in her behavior and reactions around Horikita Suzune. 38
• Expands her surveillance to Class C locations, documenting Ryuen Kakeru and those around him. 39
• Draws on the audience-reading awareness she developed during her former idol career. 38

Equipment / Items

• Professional DSLR camera — her primary photography tool; Natsume repairs an earlier camera and later gives her a new one. 9 40
• Encrypted observation notebook — contains detailed reports on Class D, particularly Kushida Kikyo. 38
• Bento boxes — prepares rabbit-shaped rice balls, rolled omelet, and octopus-shaped sausages for Natsume. 38 47

Relationships

• Natsume Yu — Classmate, protector, master, and the focus of Airi’s devotion. His early acts of assistance foster her dependence; after resolving the stalking incident, he claims her as his possession and uses her as an intelligence-gatherer. 1 6 34 38 40
• Ayanokoji Kiyotaka — Assists Natsume in intimidating the stalker who targeted Airi. 33
• Kushida Kikyo — Airi watches her closely as the primary subject of her Class D observation reports. 38
• Ryuen Kakeru — Subject of Airi’s later surveillance of Class C; she photographs one of his secret meetings. 39
• Chabashira Sae — Airi asks her homeroom teacher for help during the stalking incident, but Sae refuses to act without substantial evidence. 32
• Electronics-store clerk — A stalker obsessed with Airi’s former idol identity; Natsume blackmails him into withdrawing from the school. 32 33

Story Role / Major Arcs

Class D’s Early Crisis

Airi is introduced as one of Class D’s most anxious and inconspicuous students. Natsume’s carefully timed assistance gives her comfort during the class’s point reset and its escalating internal instability. 1 4 5

Uninhabited Island Special Exam

Fearful of Class C’s harassment and the island’s tense atmosphere, Airi nevertheless contributes in small ways and becomes increasingly protective of Natsume’s interests. Her trust deepens after he comforts her following Class D’s provisional victory. 13 14 17 18

Former Idol Identity and Stalker Incident

The exposure of Airi’s identity as Shizuku leaves her terrified and unable to rely on her teacher or classmates. Natsume resolves the threat, then turns her relief and gratitude into total personal loyalty. 31 32 33 34

Natsume’s Observer

Airi becomes Natsume’s “eyes and ears” within Class D, compiling encrypted notes on her classmates and Kushida. She later monitors Class C and Ryuen, finding purpose in proving her usefulness to him. 38 39

Sports Festival

Airi supports Natsume during the Sports Festival by bringing him water and later confesses her feelings after the event. She also prepares a bento for him despite her embarrassment in front of Class D. 43 47

Notable Quotes

“I will do it well! I will absolutely not let Natsume-kun down!” 38

“My... everything... shall be dedicated to you!” 40