Izumi Miyamura might seem unassuming at first glance, but he has a striking look that hints at his hidden complexities. He’s of average height with a slim build, and his pale skin and expressive blue eyes give him an unexpectedly handsome, almost delicate appearance—accentuated by his long lashes and slightly feminine features, which draw frequent comments from others. His messy black hair falls to his nape, parted casually in front, and adds to his unique style. Beyond his looks, Miyamura is marked by an edgier side: he sports nine piercings (four on each ear and one on his lip), all self-inflicted, and he’s inked with dark tattoos that cover his left shoulder, upper arm, and side.

Initially, Miyamura goes out of his way to keep this side of himself hidden. He arrives at school dressed in layers, his winter uniform and blazer concealing his tattoos, while his shoulder-length hair and thick-rimmed glasses help obscure his piercings. This careful disguise reinforces the quiet, withdrawn image he has at school.

Outside of school, however, he’s much more relaxed and comfortable being himself. He swaps out his glasses for a fresh, casual look, letting his piercings and tattoos show without a second thought. His hair is tied into a small ponytail, and he often accessorizes with a lip ring, chains, and a laid-back, urban style.

When he starts dating Kyouko Hori, Miyamura makes a bold change. He cuts his hair short and abandons his glasses, revealing his facial features more fully, with side bangs that fall just past his ears. Some of his piercings, like the one on his lip, begin to close up, adding to his evolving look. This transformation doesn’t go unnoticed—his new style captures the attention of classmates, especially the girls, which both flatters and annoys Hori.

Later in the series, Miyamura trims his hair even shorter, adopting a look similar to his friend Tooru Ishikawa’s style. He also loosens up on his uniform, sometimes opting to wear his school sweater over his shirt without buttoning up his blazer. Each shift in Miyamura’s appearance reflects his journey, from hidden outsider to someone comfortable in his own skin, adding to his charm and complexity as a character.

At school, Izumi Miyamura initially appears to his classmates as quiet, gloomy, and withdrawn. He’s seen as an “otaku” with decent grades but is generally considered hard to approach and keep a conversation with.

In his childhood and early teens, Miyamura was painfully shy, finding it difficult to connect with others. This led to frequent bullying, especially by Makio Tanihara and his friends, who labeled him as strange and distant. These experiences contributed to his pessimistic outlook, and as a coping mechanism, he began piercing his ears and lip with a safety pin whenever school felt overwhelming. During his darker moments, Miyamura even wrestled with thoughts of suicide.

Everything started to change when he met Kouichi Shindou, a friend of Makio who treated Miyamura kindly and befriended him despite the bullying. Their friendship remained strong, even after they went to different high schools, and Miyamura credits Shindou with helping him become more open and optimistic. Their bond is so close that Miyamura feels comfortable letting his guard down around Shindou, even showing an unexpected side—fiery and sharp-tongued—that contrasts with his usual reserved self.

Throughout high school, Miyamura maintained a somewhat dark aura that classmates couldn’t help but comment on, though his inner outlook was steadily improving thanks to Shindou’s influence. Kyouko Hori, whom he pairs up with on a project, quickly notices that Miyamura isn’t as gloomy as he seems. After they each reveal hidden sides to one another, Miyamura shows a relaxed, friendly attitude that Hori hadn’t expected. Her warmth toward him at school the next day surprises and cheers him, marking a turning point for their growing connection.

Miyamura has a casual attitude toward academics and is satisfied with just passing, though his laid-back approach often leads to lower grades. He’s known for being good at tongue twisters but occasionally mispronounces Japanese words, adding an endearing awkwardness to his personality.

As he opens up to more classmates, Miyamura reveals himself to be a thoughtful friend, especially toward Hori and her younger brother Souta, whose care Hori manages largely on her own. When it comes to protecting his friends, Miyamura isn’t afraid to get physical if necessary, showing a surprising willingness to stand up in arguments on their behalf.

Though genuine and caring, Miyamura can be dense and impulsive at times—qualities that led to his tattoos and piercings, which he keeps hidden under layers of clothing at school. Despite being careful, these secrets occasionally slip out because of his absentmindedness. Outside of school, however, he openly shows his tattoos and piercings without hesitation.

Miyamura struggles with low self-esteem, feeling awkward and out of place with most people. He worries that Hori might be embarrassed to be seen with him, feeling that he doesn’t quite match her in terms of looks. To reduce attention at school, he tries to stay “invisible” but decides to cut his hair and remove his glasses when he notices people commenting on Hori being with him. Ironically, this transformation makes him more popular, attracting the attention of several girls, which frustrates Hori.

Despite his otherwise reserved nature, Miyamura has a fear of anything horror-related but endures horror movies for Hori’s sake. His interactions with Shindou are often marked by playful jabs and physical teasing, though he only lets his guard down in this way with him and, occasionally, Sawada. This mix of kindness, protectiveness, and surprising boldness make Izumi Miyamura a character full of depth and charm.

In middle school, Izumi Miyamura was often sidelined and left out by his classmates, who found him “boring,” “weird,” and “too gloomy” to hang around with. As a result, he was frequently ignored and had no friends. One of his more persistent tormentors was Makio Tanihara, who regularly provoked and bullied him, making Miyamura feel even more isolated. Classmates would talk behind his back, speculating that his lack of friends was his own fault for being so quiet, labeling him as strange but not necessarily a “bad guy.”

Unable to cope with the pain of feeling hated and unwanted, Miyamura found a unique way to deal with his distress—he began piercing his ears using safety pins, channeling his emotions into this painful ritual. He also started getting tattoos to manage his stress. In high school, he continued to wear his hair long and dress in layers, covering the piercings and tattoos that had become a part of his self-expression and a reminder of those tough times.

One day, while gathering his belongings after class, Miyamura accidentally dropped his books, scattering them across the floor. This moment introduced him to Kouichi Shindou, who helped pick up his notebooks and mispronounced his name in the process—a blunder that instantly annoyed Miyamura. But Shindou didn’t stop there; he took an interest in Miyamura and began interacting with him regularly, despite Miyamura’s initial irritation. Over time, their interactions grew into a genuine friendship, and even though Miyamura sometimes finds Shindou annoying, the two have remained close ever since.

Shindou’s friendship marked a turning point for Miyamura, helping him see that he didn’t have to stay isolated. This friendship gave him the confidence to express himself more openly, eventually setting the stage for the person he would become in high school.

The story kicks off with Izumi Miyamura coming to the aid of Kyouko Hori when she drops her eraser. As he hands it to her and begins to walk away, Yuki Yoshikawa, one of Hori’s friends, comments on Miyamura’s dark demeanor, suggesting he’s likely an “otaku” based solely on his appearance at school.

Later that day, Miyamura, having tied his hair back and revealing his piercings, encounters Souta Hori, Kyouko’s younger brother, who is frightened by a dog. Taking the opportunity to help, he walks Souta home. Upon reaching the Hori household, he is warmly invited inside for tea as a gesture of gratitude for escorting Souta safely.

While sharing a light conversation with Hori, Miyamura unexpectedly mentions her name, leaving her momentarily speechless. When a stunned Hori inquires if he is indeed from her school, he confirms, revealing himself as Miyamura from her class. The revelation leaves her in shock; the boy she knows from school is vastly different from the person standing in front of her. This encounter also marks the first time Miyamura has seen Hori without makeup, a privilege not even afforded to her best friend, Yuki.

This chance meeting sets the stage for a blossoming relationship between Miyamura and Hori, challenging the perceptions they both held of each other and paving the way for deeper connections as the story unfolds.

Kyouko Hori
Kyouko Hori serves as the primary love interest for Miyamura. Their relationship begins as a deep friendship, with both valuing each other’s presence. According to Iori Miyamura, his mother, Hori has been one of his only friends since primary school.

As the narrative unfolds, Miyamura begins to develop romantic feelings for Hori. This culminates in a pivotal moment in Chapter 20, where, while Hori is sick in bed, he candidly declares, “I like you,” fully aware that she can hear him. He cherishes Hori’s companionship and, when prompted by her father, Kyousuke Hori, to cut his hair, he is eager to comply until Kyousuke intervenes.

Hori is the first friend Miyamura makes since starting high school. Their initial interaction occurs when he brings her younger brother, Souta, home after he is frightened by a dog. Although they met at the beginning of their first year when he was with Kouichi Shindou, Hori does not initially recognize him. However, during a visit to her home, he surprises her by calling her by name, leading to their friendship. Hori remains open and friendly toward Miyamura, despite his unconventional appearance.

Miyamura frequently visits Hori and Souta, often bringing sweets from his family bakery. Their unique bond allows them to share a “secret” version of themselves that only they know about, adding depth to their connection. As they spend more time together, their feelings grow, and Hori eventually becomes Miyamura’s girlfriend. In a significant moment in Chapter 37, while alone in her room on a rainy night, Hori realizes her love for him, and they choose to sleep together. Faced with the prospect of separation after graduation, Hori expresses her desire to remain with him, leading Miyamura to propose marriage. As of the latest manga developments, they are engaged.

Miyamura’s patience and forgiving nature are evident in his interactions with Hori, especially when she expresses her feelings through physical affection, often stemming from her emotional turmoil. He rarely retaliates, despite being able to defend himself, but makes it clear that he is not fond of her impulsive aggression.

In the webcomic’s conclusion, it is revealed that they marry, with Hori taking the name Kyouko Miyamura, and together they have a son named Kyouhei.

Souta Hori
Souta affectionately refers to Miyamura as “onii-chan” and often seeks his company when he visits. Observant and somewhat independent, Souta tends to give the couple space to spend time together. He displays curiosity about adult topics, once asking Miyamura if he and Hori are involved in intimate activities after discovering his school pin on the floor. Initially a picky eater, he becomes more adventurous with food, influenced by Miyamura, although he still dislikes carrots. He is protective of his sister and values the role Miyamura plays in their lives.

Kyousuke Hori
Kyousuke enjoys Miyamura’s company, often showing excitement when he visits. He supports the relationship between Miyamura and Hori, sometimes referring to him as his “heir.” However, he struggles to recognize Miyamura when he changes his hairstyle or wears glasses. Miyamura prefers spending time with Kyousuke over his female classmates, who begin to notice him after he cuts his hair. He addresses Kyousuke by his first name, highlighting their comfortable rapport. There is a humorous moment when Kyousuke pushes Miyamura into bathing with him, causing some embarrassment.

Yuriko Hori
When Miyamura first meets Yuriko, he is surprised by her youthful appearance. She quickly develops an affection for him, actively encouraging the romance between him and Hori. Yuriko often prioritizes Miyamura in family settings, sometimes preparing meals for him while neglecting Kyousuke. She appreciates Miyamura’s help with Souta and her daughter, especially given her and Kyousuke’s busy schedules.

Tooru Ishikawa
Tooru is Miyamura’s first close male friend at Katagiri High. Initially hostile due to jealousy over Miyamura’s closeness with Hori, Tooru eventually shifts his affections to Yuki Yoshikawa. He is among the few who knows about Miyamura’s tattoos and has seen him in casual attire. Their dynamic evolves when Tooru tries to address Miyamura informally, though Miyamura forgets and calls him “Ishikawa-san” the following day. Once he discovers Hori’s feelings for Miyamura, he becomes supportive, despite his lingering feelings for her. After a period of distance, they reconnect. Tooru shows care for Miyamura, particularly in worrying about his well-being.

Kouichi Shindou
Kouichi has been Miyamura’s best friend since junior high and is well-acquainted with his life. He played a vital role in helping Miyamura escape isolation during middle school. Their friendship is characterized by Shindou’s unwavering support, as he dedicates a portion of himself to their bond, while Miyamura often teases him verbally. Shindou is the first person to see Miyamura’s tattoos and piercings. After a period of separation following junior high, they rekindle their friendship, frequently spending time together and supporting each other. Shindou encourages Miyamura to break out of his comfort zone and smiles proudly when he does.

Taiki Mizouchi
Miyamura harbors a fondness for Mizouchi, but the feelings are not reciprocated, as Mizouchi often finds Miyamura’s advances annoying. Mizouchi has a crush on Hori, which Miyamura discourages, realizing that he cannot fulfill Hori’s emotional needs. During a moment of jealousy, when Mizouchi lends Hori his blazer, Miyamura offers her his cardigan instead, leading to some playful tension. However, sensing Mizouchi’s imminent return, he takes back the cardigan before Mizouchi can reclaim his blazer.

The name Izumi combines two kanji: 伊 (i), which means “that one,” and 澄 (sumi/zumi), meaning “clear” or “pure.” This reflects a sense of uniqueness and purity in his character. His given name is a blend of his parents’ names, Iori and Naozumi.

Miyamura, his surname, is derived from the kanji 宮 (miya), meaning “temple,” “shrine,” or “palace,” and 村 (mura), which translates to “town” or “village.” This combination evokes a connection to both sacred places and community.