Shiraishi Asuka

Biodata

Background

• Shiraishi tells Mikage that he resembles someone she knew long ago. She calls that person “heartless” but does not explain their connection 8 15.
• She received specialized swimming training as a child 15.

Appearance

Shiraishi has long, pale-golden hair, a tear mole near one eye, and large purple eyes 2 26 42.

• Wears a headband and crystal earrings 2 32.

Personality

Shiraishi is attentive and gentle with her classmates. She recognizes why Yamamura Miki might be uncomfortable accepting an apology, offers to wake an exhausted Mikage before class, and volunteers to help him study after his poor Japanese score 5 20.

Her teasing can be difficult for Mikage to read. She repeatedly suggests that she fell for him at first sight, but also admits that his resemblance to someone from her past caught her attention. When Mikage unexpectedly holds her hand, her usual composure gives way to embarrassment 8 15 35.

Skills

Tutoring

• Begins with diagnostic papers to identify Mikage’s and Kamuro’s weak points, then plans targeted lessons 32.
• Sets a goal of 70 on a past Japanese Literature exam to give them a margin against harder tests. She obtained the papers from a senior she knows 32.
• Supports keeping the study group together after the exam in preparation for future academic tests 43.

Observation and Advice

• Notices Yamamura Miki’s low presence and Mikage’s efforts to spare her further embarrassment 5.
• Advises Mikage to use a firmer tone with Kamuro, reasoning that it may give Kamuro a way to accept a task she wants to help with 34.
• Recognizes signs that Mikage is preoccupied, including his restless movements and rapid, irregular tapping 50.

Swimming

• Swims with ease during a remedial lesson despite recording a slower time than Mikage. She says she received specialized training as a child 14 15.

Relationships

• Mikage Touji — Her Class A desk mate and tutoring student. She offers him frequent support, flirts with him, and takes an interest in both his discoveries about the school and his plans for the future 5 8 11 20 35.
• Kamuro Masumi — Joins Shiraishi’s tutoring sessions. Shiraishi identifies Kamuro’s strengths and advises Mikage on how to work with her 32 33 34.
• Morishita Ran — A fellow Class A student. Shiraishi briefly helps Mikage during his classroom eraser-shaving feud with Morishita 26.

Story Role

• Shiraishi meets Mikage during their first-day introductions and becomes one of his closest contacts in Class A 2 5.
• After his poor Japanese quiz result, she organizes after-school tutoring for him and Kamuro 20 32.
• When Mikage questions a chain of events that leads him to witness Kamuro shoplifting, Shiraishi does not confirm his account of her role. She says Kamuro is talented and should not be left unused 33.

Notable Quotes

“Because Kamuro-san is a very talented individual, it would be a waste to leave her unused.” 33