Summary
Kei Takishima is the top student of his tenth-grade class, consistently securing the highest grades while maintaining a smooth, composed demeanor that rarely falters. He is almost never seen stressed or concerned, with one significant exception: situations involving Hikari being in danger. His birthday falls on November 22nd. Known for his exceptional intellect and physical prowess, Kei possesses the ability to remember anything he reads, including phone numbers, and excels in every subject from academics to athletics and martial arts. He typically prefers to operate independently, but Hikari eventually teaches him the enjoyment of collaborating with others. He frequently teases Hikari by addressing her as "Number Two" or "Miss Rank Two," a tactic that successfully provokes her every time. Despite his usual stoicism and calm facade, events concerning Hikari trigger intense anxiety within him. He is deeply troubled when she pushes herself too hard, yet this same trait is the source of his admiration and respect for her. Kei is secretly in love with Hikari, a fact that is common knowledge among the SA, though he never explicitly admits it to her face. He refrains from confessing his feelings or asking her out because he correctly predicts that her intellectual brilliance does not extend to romance; her dense, naive, and innocent nature regarding love would likely cause her to simply laugh off such a confession.
