Ayano Yuugiri
Ayano Yuugiri |
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| Kanji | 夕桐 アヤノ |
| Rōmaji | Yugiri Ayano |
| Age: | 20 |
| Birthday: | November 2 |
| Height: | 165cm |
| Voice Actor | |
| Japanese | Lynn |
| English | Suzie Yeung |
Ayano Yuugiri (夕桐 アヤノ, Yūgiri Ayano), is one of the main heroines in the anime series Engage Kiss. An elite agent of the Private Military Company (PMC) AAA Defender Co., Ayano is a highly capable and intelligent young woman known for her sharp reflexes, professional demeanor, and strong-willed personality. She is also the daughter of the president of the PMC, making her both a skilled operative and someone with significant ties to the organization’s leadership.
Despite her serious exterior, Ayano’s complex emotional past with the main protagonist, Shuu Ogata, reveals her more vulnerable side, showing that behind the tactical strength is a woman grappling with love, betrayal, and duty.
Background

Appearance in anime
Ayano was born into a powerful and influential family, being the daughter of the president of AAA Defender Co., one of the top PMCs in the city. From a young age, she was trained to excel in both combat and strategic operations, becoming one of the company’s most reliable field agents. Her position was not earned merely through nepotism; Ayano’s discipline and raw talent quickly established her reputation.
She was formerly in a romantic relationship with Shuu Ogata, the main protagonist and freelance Demon Hunter. Their breakup was fueled by Shuu’s secretive and reckless behavior especially his dealings with demons and the mysterious Kisara. Despite the split, Ayano remains involved in his life due to their intertwined fates and shared battles.
Appearance
Ayano is a beautiful young woman with long pink hair typically tied into a ponytail, and striking red eyes that reflect her strong personality. She often wears stylish yet functional tactical clothing, suitable for combat operations, while maintaining a sleek and professional aesthetic that reflects her elite agent status.
Whether in the field or off-duty, Ayano carries herself with elegance and poise, reinforcing both her combat prowess and the aristocratic background she comes from.
Personality
Ayano is strong-willed, confident, and highly capable, often taking charge during critical operations and missions. She maintains a professional demeanor and doesn’t tolerate recklessness, especially when it comes to Shuu’s unpredictable behavior. Despite this, she still cares deeply for him and occasionally lets her emotional side slip through her otherwise stoic exterior.
Ayano is also loyal and pragmatic, balancing her feelings with her responsibilities to her company and her city. She is proud of her family legacy but is not blind to its flaws, showing a willingness to act independently and stand up for her beliefs even against authority figures.
Her layered personality combining emotional restraint, lingering affection, and hardened professionalism makes her one of the series’ most dynamic female leads.
Role in the Story
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The Former Lover
Ayano is introduced early in the story as Shuu’s ex-girlfriend and a high-ranking PMC agent. Although they have broken up, she remains actively involved in his life, often reluctantly supporting him in missions and protecting him from consequences brought on by his reckless methods. -
Rivalry and Tension
Much of Ayano’s arc revolves around her tense relationship with Kisara, the demon who is both Shuu’s current partner and the source of much of their romantic and professional conflict. Ayano’s complicated feelings toward Shuu put her in conflict with both her heart and her duties. -
Tactical Leadership and Growth
As the story progresses, Ayano takes on a more direct role in combat and investigation, showcasing her leadership, intelligence, and emotional growth. She gradually confronts her feelings, accepts the complicated state of her relationship with Shuu, and continues to play a vital role in the war against demonic threats.
Relationships
Shuu Ogata
Her former lover, Shuu remains a major source of conflict and emotion for Ayano. She vacillates between frustration at his recklessness and concern for his safety. Though their relationship ended, her feelings never fully disappeared, and she often finds herself drawn into his world once again.
Kisara
Ayano’s romantic and professional rival. While she resents Kisara’s closeness with Shuu and the mysterious nature of her powers, Ayano is also pragmatic enough to work with her when necessary, recognizing Kisara’s role in keeping Shuu alive.
Mother (President of AAA Defender Co.)
As the daughter of the president, Ayano feels both pressure and pride in her position. She is often placed in situations where she must balance family loyalty with operational duty.
