Shinozaki, Ayaka
Summary
Ayaka Shinozaki is Narumi’s cheerful and energetic classmate who works a part-time job at the Hanamaru ramen shop. Her connection with Narumi began when she was the sole member of the gardening club and persuaded him to join, a move that sparked their friendship. She is deeply passionate about the club and spends most of her time in the greenhouse, occasionally asking Narumi to cover for her shifts. When she feels down, Narumi lifts her spirits by helping her with club duties. Initially, Ayaka disliked school and frequently skipped classes to hang out on the roof, which is where she first encountered Narumi. Unable to approach him directly, she filled the roof with planters to create a natural excuse for conversation. Her family dynamics are complicated; she has a distant relationship with her divorced parents and her older brother, Toshi. Although she cares for Toshi, her affection appears unreciprocated as he rarely shares details about his life, despite her attempts to connect. She notes that their bond was once much tighter. Ayaka shares a strong, albeit sometimes unwelcome, bond with Yuuko. She takes on a caretaker role for Yuuko, managing tasks such as washing her laundry, assisting with showers, grooming her hair, and helping her dress. She often teases Yuuko about her irresistible cuteness during these interactions.
