Takeru Kakuryuu

Takeru Kakuryuu grew up alongside the heroine Ayumu Tanaka as her childhood friend, and was once a standout figure in his middle school kendo club. Upon entering high school, he joined the shogi club at Ayumu's invitation—yet his attendance became increasingly sparse, as his secret crush Sakurako Mikage repeatedly whisked him away under the pretense of "hypnosis," effectively turning him into a ghost member. While he typically projects an image of boldness and a strong belief in masculine virtue, that confidence gives way to shy, tender-hearted awkwardness the moment Sakurako is involved. He serves as a key supporting presence throughout the story.