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Seri Kikiyou

Seri Kikyou (桔梗 セリ, Kikyō Seri), is a supporting character in the anime and manga series Call of the Night (Yofukashi no Uta). She is a vampire and a kogyaru a fashionable, free-spirited girl who values appearance and leisure who initially appears as one of the vampires Kou Yamori must contend with. Although she presents herself as flirtatious and outgoing, Seri is secretly burdened by a deep sense of boredom and emotional fatigue, struggling to find genuine fun or connection in her long vampire life.

Her complex relationship with Akiyama, a human who develops feelings for her, and her eventual interactions with Kou and Nazuna lead to a deeper exploration of her vulnerability, loneliness, and evolving perspective on love and friendship.

Background

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Appearance in anime

Seri is one of several vampires Kou encounters after meeting Nazuna Nanakusa. Initially introduced as one of the more outgoing and teasing members of the vampire circle, Seri often acts the part of a party girl, fully embracing the gyaru lifestyle. However, underneath her confident front lies a growing sense of emptiness and emotional stagnation the kind that comes from decades of shallow pleasures and meaningless encounters.

Unlike some vampires who view turning humans as a necessity or convenience, Seri struggles with guilt about her influence on people who fall for her, especially when they’re willing to give up their lives just to be with her. This conflict comes to a head with Akiyama, a kind-hearted man she initially seduced, who later becomes one of the few people to truly understand her.

Photo Section with Captions

Appearance

Seri has a flashy and attractive gyaru appearance, with wavy blonde hair, tanned skin, pierced ears, and bold makeup, including heavy mascara and lipstick. She often wears stylish, revealing outfits, like cropped tops, short skirts, and fashionable accessories, reflecting her desire to look trendy and maintain a fun-loving image.

Her expressions range from sultry and teasing to unexpectedly melancholic, depending on her emotional state. Even in her more light-hearted moments, there is a subtle sense of weariness in her eyes especially when she’s alone or reflecting on her past.

Personality

At first glance, Seri appears to be loud, confident, and flirty, enjoying playful banter and teasing others especially Kou. She is sarcastic and outgoing, with a wild streak that makes her seem untouchable. However, her demeanor is largely a front for emotional exhaustion and loneliness. As a vampire, she has spent years indulging in fleeting relationships and pleasures that no longer bring her joy.

Seri is emotionally guarded and reluctant to form deep connections, fearing the pain of attachment and loss. However, when faced with sincere kindness or vulnerability particularly from Akiyama and later Kou she begins to open up. Underneath her flashy exterior is a woman who craves authenticity and struggles with her own identity as both a predator and a person.

Role in the Story

  • Introduction as a Vampire
    Seri is introduced as one of the vampires investigating Kou, originally with the intent of pressuring him into choosing a vampire partner. She stands out with her bold personality and relentless teasing, though her interactions with Kou quickly shift from intimidation to genuine conversation.

  • Conflict with Akiyama
    Seri’s emotional arc becomes central when Akiyama, a human man she once seduced, confesses that he still wants to be with her. Seri pushes him away, fearing she’ll destroy his life as she believes she’s done with others. Their confrontation becomes tense until Kou intervenes, helping them communicate honestly. Seri’s acceptance of Akiyama’s feelings marks a turning point in her character, allowing her to consider the possibility of deeper bonds.

  • Emotional Growth and Allyship
    After reconciling with Akiyama, Seri begins to shed her performative lifestyle and become a more genuine friend and ally to Kou and Nazuna. While she maintains her gyaru edge, she becomes more reflective and emotionally aware, offering advice and support when needed. She even participates in helping Kou during the events surrounding his transformation and journey to Hokkaido.

Relationships

Kou Yamori
Initially amused by Kou’s awkwardness, Seri finds his sincerity refreshing. Their banter gives way to honest conversations, and Kou becomes a catalyst for her emotional reawakening. She respects his boldness and later supports his goals, becoming one of his vampire allies.

Akiyama
A human man who fell in love with Seri and wanted to be turned into a vampire by her. Though she rejected him out of guilt and fear, his persistence and kindness break through her emotional wall, leading to a bittersweet but honest resolution between them.

Nazuna Nanakusa
Though they don’t always see eye to eye, Seri and Nazuna develop a casual friendship. Nazuna teases Seri in return, and their banter adds humor and tension to the group dynamic. Over time, they learn to respect each other’s vulnerabilities.

Trivia

    • Seri’s name “Kikyou” (桔梗) is associated with the bellflower, a symbol of unrequited love and honesty, mirroring her emotional struggles.
      • She loves karaoke, shopping, and going to cafés, but admits these activities feel hollow without genuine companionship.
      • Her gyaru fashion is part of her identity, but she later admits she often dresses up to distract herself from her loneliness.
      • Seri is one of the oldest vampires in Kou’s circle, despite her youthful appearance and trendy attitude.
      • She has a weakness for sentimental moments, even if she pretends to brush them off.
      • Her favorite drink is fruit soda, which she often pretends is a cocktail for aesthetic purposes.

    Legacy

      • Seri Kikyou is more than just the flashy, flirtatious vampire she appears to be. Her character explores themes of emotional burnout, loneliness, and the longing for authenticity, wrapped in the guise of a party-loving gyaru. Through her evolving relationship with Kou and Akiyama, Seri begins to rediscover what it means to feel, connect, and care again.
        • In a series centered on nighttime exploration and emotional honesty, Seri stands out as a symbol of how hiding behind laughter and fashion doesn’t mean a person isn’t hurting. Her transformation from emotionally detached to quietly hopeful makes her a standout supporting character in Call of the Night.