Hawatari, Yuiko
Summary
Yuiko Hawatari is a classmate of Ritsuka who maintains a ditzy and bubbly exterior while hiding a sharp and goodhearted nature. She felt immediate awe and fascination upon Ritsuka's first day at school. Although he was initially reluctant, he was coaxed into befriending her by mean-spirited classmates who were irritated by her popularity. As Ritsuka realized her intelligence, their bond strengthened into a genuine friendship. This dynamic deeply annoyed their peer Yayoi, who had recently been rejected by Yuiko; she had sorrowfully claimed she only dated boys taller than herself. Despite Ritsuka’s insistence that their relationship was strictly platonic, Yuiko confessed her love and devotion to him on two separate occasions during her interactions with Shinonome Hitomi. Her feelings appear to be a one-sided obsession. A pivotal moment occurred in volume 2 of the manga and episode 4 of the anime, where Yuiko was bullied by so-called friends who smashed homemade strawberry jam she had brought for Ritsuka. Ritsuka defended her, calling the bullies less than human, which likely fueled her affection. However, volume 4 depicts Ritsuka abruptly abandoning Yuiko to aid Soubi, highlighting the lack of mutual romantic progress. Later, an unusual yet harmonious friendship develops between Yuiko and Soubi, characterized by a unique understanding despite their differing personalities. Creator Kouga Yun noted in a 2005 interview that Yuiko was designed to make Ritsuka happy, evolving through her interactions with him as she genuinely strives to become worthy of his affection.
