Kakeru Naruse is a teenage boy of average height, standing at 175 cm (approximately 5’9″), with a slim build. He has dark hair and dark eyes, which complement his quiet and introspective nature. Kakeru typically wears the standard high school uniform issued by his school, which consists of a blazer, shirt, and slacks, maintaining a neat yet casual appearance.

According to official character details, he weighs 65 kg (approximately 143 lbs), and his blood type is B. His appearance, while not striking at first glance, subtly reflects his withdrawn and gentle personality, adding to the understated emotional depth he brings to the story.

Kakeru Naruse is initially portrayed as a quiet and reserved individual, keeping to himself and avoiding drawing attention. However, after Hiroto Suwa and the rest of the group begin including him in their daily walks home and social activities, he gradually starts to open up, displaying a more cheerful and playful side. He enjoys video games and slowly begins to enjoy the companionship of his new friends, though his outward expressions of happiness often mask deeper emotional turmoil.

Behind his gentle smile, Kakeru struggles with intense feelings of guilt and depression, particularly surrounding the death of his mother, who died by suicide shortly after he moved to a new town. Kakeru blames himself for her death, believing that his actions or lack thereof directly contributed to her despair. As a result, he conceals his emotions from others, fearing that opening up would make him a burden.

Over time, he starts to confide in Hiroto Suwa and Naho Takamiya, revealing fragments of his inner pain. Despite these moments of vulnerability, Kakeru continues to struggle with feelings of worthlessness, admitting that he thinks about suicide every day. He is consistently hard on himself, unable to forgive or value himself, even in the presence of people who care deeply for him.

Despite his emotional struggles, Kakeru is also shown to have natural talent in athletics, particularly running, where he is recognized as the fastest runner in his class. His physical skill stands in stark contrast to his inner battles, further emphasizing the complexity of his character.

Kakeru Naruse is introduced as a transfer student from Tokyo, who is seated next to Naho Takamiya in class. On his first day, Azusa Murasaka invites him to her family’s bakery after school. He initially declines the offer, but with some encouragement from Hiroto Suwa, he agrees to join them. Before leaving, he asks to send an email, this message is later revealed to have been sent to his mother, who tragically commits suicide that same day.

Kakeru is absent from school for two weeks following the incident, attending the funeral and mourning his mother’s death. During this time, Naho receives a letter from her future self, warning her about Kakeru’s fate. The letter outlines the regrets she experienced in the original timeline and urges her to make different choices to prevent his death, which is initially described as an “accident.” The letter emphasizes the importance of looking after Kakeru, guiding her through moments where she had previously failed to support him.

As Naho struggles with her shy personality and the burden of following the letter’s instructions, she slowly builds a closer relationship with Kakeru. Eventually, Kakeru confesses his feelings to her, and she reciprocates, though the two never explicitly define themselves as a couple. Despite this, their affection for each other deepens over time.

In a pivotal moment, similar to the original timeline, Kakeru attempts suicide by stepping into traffic, intending to be hit by a truck. However, in this version, he pulls back at the last moment, having found the courage to live due to the support of his friends and his growing connection with Naho. Notably, Saku Hagita vandalized his bicycle to prevent him from using it, which indirectly saves his life.

Following this, Kakeru and Naho begin dating officially, vowing to always remain happy together with their group of friends. Ten years later, it is revealed that Kakeru and Naho are married, with Naho taking the name Naho Naruse, and they have a young son named Haru.

In the original timeline, Kakeru is plagued by guilt and depression following his mother’s death. While riding his bicycle, he is struck by a truck in what is believed to be an intentional act of suicide. This tragedy leaves his friends devastated, particularly Naho, who regrets not doing more to save him.

As a result, the group of friends, led by Hiroto Suwa, sends letters to their past selves in an attempt to alter the events of the second timeline and prevent Kakeru’s death. The central narrative of Orange follows this mission to rewrite the future, offering a story of hope, redemption, and second chances.

Naho Takamiya
Kakeru’s main love interest. Her caring nature and determination to save him deeply affect his heart, and he gradually falls in love with her.

Hiroto Suwa
Kakeru’s closest male friend and emotional anchor. Suwa supports Kakeru while secretly harboring feelings for Naho, ultimately choosing Kakeru’s happiness over his own.

The Friend Group (Azusa, Takako, Hagita)
The rest of the group helps Kakeru feel welcomed and loved. Their concern and unity are instrumental in helping him fight his depression.

Kakeru’s Mother
Though she appears only briefly, her suicide is a key turning point in Kakeru’s life and the primary source of his guilt and depression.

Kakeru’s character resonates deeply with fans due to the raw portrayal of mental health, grief, and suicide. His story emphasizes the importance of friendship, empathy, and intervention, making Orange one of the most heartfelt and impactful anime dealing with such themes. In both timelines, his presence leaves a lasting emotional imprint on the lives of those around him. The message of Orange that small acts of kindness can change someone’s fate centers around Kakeru’s legacy.