Karuizawa Kei

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Karuizawa Kei (轻井泽惠) 5
Alias(es)	Kei; referred to by Hoshida No as his “little sister” 10 20
Gender	Female 5
Affiliation	Advanced Nurturing High School, Class 1-B 9 11
Occupation/Role	Student 11
Status	Enrolled 11
First Appearance	Chapter 5

Background / History

Early life and bullying

Kei was a bright, well-liked elementary-school student with strong academic performance; classmates sought her help with mathematics, and her teacher called her a “little sun.” 10

Her first month of middle school changed this. Yamamoto and her associates ostracized and harassed her, trampling her textbooks, blocking her path home, and destroying a daisy-embroidered bag her parents had given her. Kei attempted to hide her appearance behind long bangs and faded clothing, but the bullying escalated instead. 10

Her parents worked away from home and mistook her withdrawal for rebelliousness. Terrified of strangers and further mistreatment, Kei isolated herself in her room and avoided speaking about the abuse. 10

Hoshida No's arrival

Kei was initially frightened when her family brought the orphaned Hoshida No into their home. She distrusted his cold demeanor and feared he might treat her like her bullies did. 5 10

After Yamamoto's group doused Kei with foul water, Hoshida learned their identities from her. He confronted and beat them, forcing a public apology; police became involved, and the bullies later transferred away. Hoshida identified Kei as his younger sister when questioned. 6 10

His protection allowed Kei to gradually regain her confidence. She resumed socializing, changed back into brighter clothing and a high ponytail, returned to active participation in class, and became her school's recognized beauty with a circle of friends. 6 10

Graduation and enrollment

Kei graduated with excellent grades and celebrated with friends and Hoshida. She, Hoshida, and Ichinose Honami each received invitations to Advanced Nurturing High School and chose to take its entrance examination. 9

After enrolling, Kei was assigned to Class 1-B, while Hoshida entered Class 1-D. 11

Appearance

Kei is a slender, graceful girl with striking golden-blonde hair and amethyst-like eyes. Her hair is commonly tied in a high ponytail, and her appearance draws attention from classmates. 6

• Golden-blonde hair; originally wore two braids when she first met Hoshida. 5
• Usually wears a high ponytail, sometimes decorated with a light-blue ribbon. 6
• Clear, almond-shaped, amethyst-like eyes. 5 6
• Wore a dark winter blazer, navy pleated skirt, and white stockings at her middle-school gate. 6
• Wore a white shirt, denim skirt, and white sneakers during an outing at Keyaki Mall. 29

Personality

Kei was deeply timid and distrustful during the period of bullying, avoiding strangers and treating her room as her only safe place. Her fear initially extended to Hoshida despite his family becoming her housemates. 5 10

After Hoshida defended her, Kei became more open, sociable, and confident. She is playful around him, teases his expressionless demeanor, and comfortably initiates physical closeness such as linking arms or poking his cheek. 6 20 29

She remains emotionally reliant on Hoshida and visibly worries about his well-being. She reminds him to eat, calls repeatedly when he is unreachable, and overcame considerable nervousness to visit his dormitory alone with a limited-edition pudding. 37 45 49

Abilities & Skills

Academic Performance

Kei is a capable student with a record of strong grades.

• Graduated middle school with excellent grades. 9
• Placed fifth in Class 1-B on the end-of-month examination. 28
• Participates in study sessions with Hoshida and Ichinose to improve her understanding of course material. 46

Social Resilience

Kei rebuilt her social life after prolonged isolation and became able to form and maintain close friendships.

• Regained confidence and developed a sincere friend group after her former bullies left. 6 10
• Became friends with Ichinose after meeting her at the general store. 9 10
• Helped testify against Class C's harassment alongside Ichinose, contributing to Class C receiving formal penalties. 35

Relationships

• Hoshida No — Her family took him in, and they regard one another as siblings. His violent intervention against her bullies ended her abuse and became the foundation of Kei's trust and dependence on him. 6 10 20
• Ichinose Honami — A close friend whom Kei met at the general store after graduation. They share Class 1-B, study together, and often spend time with Hoshida. 9 29 46
• Karuizawa Kenichi and his wife — Kei's parents. They brought Hoshida into the household because they hoped he could keep their isolated daughter company. 5 10
• Yamamoto and her associates — Former middle-school bullies who targeted Kei over her appearance and popularity. They apologized after Hoshida confronted them and subsequently transferred away. 10
• Hoshinomiya Chie — Class 1-B's homeroom teacher. She attempted to use Kei and Ichinose's connection to Hoshida to persuade him to transfer into Class B. 41
• Ryuen Kakeru — Kei is uncomfortable with his aggressive behavior toward Hoshida and Ichinose. She challenged him when he threatened Hoshida in a public area. 46

Story Role / Major Arcs

Hidden-rules transaction

Kei and Ichinose meet Hoshida and Ayanokoji at Keyaki Mall after Hoshida offers Class 1-B information on the school's hidden point-deduction rules. Kei trusts Hoshida's warning despite initially not understanding the school's system. 20

Academic outings and class conflict

After placing fifth in her class, Kei asks Hoshida to take her and Ichinose out together rather than buying them gifts. During their Keyaki Mall outing, she playfully compares Hoshida's poker-faced demeanor to Ayanokoji's. 28 29

When Class C harasses Class D, Kei and Ichinose provide testimony to the student council. Their statements help secure a written reprimand and point penalties against Class C. 35

Seven-Day War and aftermath

During the Class War, Kei shows concern for Hoshida's health and tells him to remember to eat. Before the final showdown, she messages him: “...Idiot” and “...Don't lose.” 37 40

After Class D's success, Hoshinomiya attempts to recruit Hoshida for Class B, invoking Kei and Ichinose as people who rely on him. Kei maintains that Hoshida is firm in his own decisions. 41

Summer term

Kei grows comfortable around Hoshida during swimming lessons and praises his improving technique. 47

During summer vacation, she becomes anxious when Hoshida is unavailable because of Martial Arts Club activities, repeatedly calling him until he responds. She later joins the beach outing where Hoshida intervenes against a planned changing-room偷拍 incident. 49

Trivia

• Kei's birthday is March 8. 10
• Hoshida gave her a blue velvet hair tie with a small pearl for her birthday. 10
• She and Hoshida bought red-string amulets together: an “Academic Success” amulet for Kei and a “Peace and Health” amulet for him. 8
• Kei and Hoshida once performed a duet of “Kiseki” at karaoke; despite Hoshida singing off-key, their score reached 78. 9