Kousaka, Ryoumei
Summary
Kousaka Ryoumei serves as a Shinto priest at a shrine while also working as a pastry chef at his family’s cake shop, stepping in when extra help is needed. Although he is inherently kind and warm, he rarely displays this side to others, leading most people to perceive him as cold and serious. For ten years, Ryoumei has known Ao, who was a clumsy, odd, and lonely child in their youth. Ryoumei continues to view Ao as a child, a perspective that clashes with the young man’s romantic confession. Ryoumei feels deeply embarrassed and uncertain about his own feelings toward Ao, particularly because he struggles with the idea of having sex with a man. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Ao is ten years his junior and a longtime friend. He is often seen smoking and frequently drinks with an old friend, during which they discuss Ao. Ryoumei was popular in high school and was previously married to a nurse, but the marriage ultimately failed.
