Kyouko Hori is a striking teenager of average height, with a lively presence that draws attention. Her wavy chestnut hair flows gracefully to her mid-back, styled with bangs swept elegantly to the right. Two chin-length strands frame her face, adding a playful touch to her appearance. With her fair complexion and large, captivating golden-brown eyes, Hori exudes a warm charm. Her slender yet athletic build hints at her active lifestyle, making her both approachable and admirable.

Her father, Kyousuke, often comments on her striking resemblance to her mother during her high school days, suggesting that Hori has inherited not only her looks but also her spirited nature.

Outfits
Hori’s fashion sense reflects her vibrant personality and adapts seamlessly to the seasons. In the chilly winter months, she dons a long-sleeved button-up shirt layered under a cozy gray sweater, topped with a classic navy blue blazer. Her black skirt, paired with knee-high black socks and stylish brown loafers, creates a polished look that balances warmth and style. For a more relaxed vibe, she sometimes rolls up her sleeves, showcasing her laid-back attitude.

As the sun shines brighter during summer, Hori embraces a breezy aesthetic, often opting for a crisp short-sleeved button-up shirt. On occasion, she adds a splash of personality with a red bowtie, a delightful nod to her playful spirit. It’s also endearing to note her practical nature; she frequently wears gym shorts underneath her skirt, ensuring she’s always ready for spontaneous activities.

At school, Hori enhances her natural beauty with a subtle touch of makeup, allowing her features to shine while keeping her hairstyle down in loose waves, giving her an effortless charm.

Outside of the school environment, Hori embraces comfort without sacrificing style. She can be spotted in an array of casual attire, from soft, plain T-shirts to form-fitting leggings and stylish jeans. Whether she’s tying her hair up in a playful ponytail, experimenting with pigtails, braiding it for a chic look, or securing it in a casual bun, Hori’s versatility shines through. A simple hairclip often keeps her hair back, allowing her vibrant personality to take center stage.

Kyouko Hori is renowned for her vibrant and energetic personality, effortlessly radiating positivity that uplifts everyone around her. Her popularity is well-deserved, as she not only creates a joyful atmosphere but also excels academically, consistently scoring above 90% on her tests. Her intelligence and hard work are evident in her impeccable grades, showcasing her dedication to her studies.

However, beneath her cheerful exterior lies a more complex side. When faced with embarrassment or nervousness, Hori’s composed demeanor can quickly transform into a comedic outburst of frustration. A memorable example is when her father meets Izumi Miyamura for the first time and teasingly questions their relationship, prompting a flustered Hori to retaliate with a hot ladle—an incident that perfectly captures her blend of warmth and spirited intensity.

Hori’s feisty nature doesn’t end there; she can be surprisingly aggressive when it comes to seemingly mundane tasks. Whether cleaning ears, clipping nails, or giving massages, her friends and family often approach her with a healthy dose of trepidation. Miyamura himself humorously notes that a Q-tip in her hands resembles a lethal weapon, highlighting her unpredictable flair.

A more surprising facet of her personality is her playful embrace of “sadomasochist” tendencies. Though Miyamura is typically gentle and kind-hearted, Hori occasionally expresses a desire for him to adopt a “bad boy” persona, relishing the thrill of a more assertive interaction. This quirky dynamic adds depth to their relationship, as she sometimes playfully requests him to yell at her or give her a light smack. While this may perplex Miyamura, he often yields to her wishes, leading to amusing exchanges that leave Hori feeling invigorated.

Jealousy is another emotion that Hori experiences, particularly when Miyamura undergoes a transformation that attracts the attention of female classmates. After he ditches his glasses and sports a new haircut, Hori’s feelings of jealousy manifest dramatically, earning her the nickname “Hannya,” or Goddess of Jealousy, from friends Tooru Ishikawa and Yuki Yoshikawa. Despite her intense feelings, Hori remains confident in her bond with Miyamura, expressing that as long as he doesn’t fall in love with another man, she has no objections to his social interactions.

Kyouko Hori was born as the first child and only daughter of Kyousuke and Yuriko Hori. From a young age, she formed a close friendship with Kakeru Sengoku, whose father was a schoolmate of Kyouko’s parents. Their childhood was filled with playful antics, often marked by Kyouko’s teasing and bullying of Kakeru—a dynamic that mirrored the playful yet competitive relationship between their parents. This teasing eventually led Kakeru to develop a mild fear of Kyouko, yet their bond remained strong.

As a child, Kyouko exhibited a strong and assertive personality, traits her father Kyousuke noted were likely inherited from her mother. This assertiveness was evident in her interactions, especially with Kakeru, as seen in old photographs from their childhood. However, as Kyouko grew older, her family dynamics changed; her parents became increasingly occupied with work, often leaving her to fend for herself, even when she fell ill.

When Kyouko’s younger brother, Souta, was born, she took on significant responsibilities for his care, stepping into a maternal role in the absence of their parents. This shift meant that Kyouko had to forgo extracurricular activities and social outings with friends, leading to a more isolated upbringing.

During her third year of junior high, Kyouko was caught on camera teasing Kakeru again, capturing a moment when he fell on a slick patch of pavement. This incident, however, was witnessed by a young Izumi Miyamura and Kouichi Shindou, marking an early intersection in her life with Miyamura’s.

Later, Kyouko applied to Katagiri Senior High School alongside Kakeru, where she quickly forged friendships with classmates Yuki Yoshikawa and Tooru Ishikawa. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, filled with growth, challenges, and ultimately, a deepening connection with Izumi Miyamura.

In her bustling classroom at Katagiri Senior High School, Kyouko Hori greets her friend Yuki Yoshikawa with her characteristic warmth and cheer. As the day’s English class approaches, Kyouko graciously offers her notes to Yuki, allowing her to copy them before the lesson begins. Their conversation flows easily, and Yuki shares a piece of gossip—another classmate has been asking for Kyouko’s email. With a playful smirk, Kyouko insists that Yuki relay her message: if he wants her contact information, he needs to ask her directly.

As the girls continue their chatter, Kyouko inadvertently knocks her eraser off her desk. Without missing a beat, Izumi Miyamura, the quiet and enigmatic classmate known for his brooding demeanor, retrieves it for her before silently returning to his seat. Kyouko and Yuki exchange curious glances, whispering about Miyamura’s aloofness, speculating that he must be an otaku, given his reserved nature and lack of social interaction. The lighthearted gossip reveals their misconceptions about him, highlighting the contrast between Kyouko’s outgoing persona and Miyamura’s mysterious presence.

The conversation shifts when Yuki invites Kyouko to join her and her friends for karaoke. However, Kyouko politely declines, a hint of regret in her voice as she explains her busy schedule.

After school, Kyouko returns home, her cheerful facade fading as she ties her hair back and quickly changes into more practical clothes. Once inside, she rolls up her sleeves and begins tidying the house, a routine that has become second nature to her. As she cleans, she reflects on her responsibilities—an obligation to maintain the household that stems from her parents’ demanding work schedules. This side of Kyouko, diligent and caring, remains hidden from her friends and classmates, illustrating the duality of her character as she navigates the challenges of adolescence while balancing her family duties.

Family

Kyousuke Hori
Kyousuke is Kyouko’s father, who shares a close relationship with her. He often calls her by her first name, reflecting their familial bond. His support and guidance are crucial in Kyouko’s life, even if he is often preoccupied with work.

Yuriko Hori
Yuriko is Kyouko’s mother and a striking resemblance to her daughter, as noted by Kyousuke. Although Yuriko is frequently busy with her own commitments, her influence on Kyouko’s character is evident, especially in Kyouko’s strong-willed nature.

Souta Hori
Souta is Kyouko’s younger brother, whom she cares for deeply due to their parents’ demanding jobs. Despite her desire to spend time with friends, Kyouko often prioritizes Souta’s needs, taking on the responsibility of looking after him. Their bond is incredibly close; Souta looks up to Kyouko, and he becomes anxious at the thought of Miyamura taking her away. His fear of Kyouko’s assertive side becomes evident during mundane tasks, where her enthusiasm for cleanliness can be intimidating.

Friends

Hori taking care of Miyamura when he was sick.

Izumi Miyamura
Kyouko views Miyamura as an ideal friend—supportive, kind, and always willing to help her with Souta. Their relationship deepens as they share intimate moments and experiences. Kyouko is notably possessive of Miyamura, as demonstrated when she vehemently defends him against Remi Ayasaki’s advances, declaring, “No! He’s mine! I will never allow you to take him! Never ever!” This protectiveness highlights her strong feelings for him, which she struggles to articulate at first.

As their friendship blossoms into romance, Kyouko discovers her feelings for Miyamura run deeper than she initially thought. Despite her embarrassment, she confesses her affection in a roundabout way, admiring his hands before blushingly admitting, “I like you…”

Her jealousy rears its head when other girls express interest in Miyamura, transforming her into what her friends describe as an “ice queen.” This cold demeanor is most apparent when she confronts Honoka Sawada, only to soften upon realizing that Sawada likes her. After confirming their romantic relationship, Kyouko and Miyamura grow closer, supporting each other through challenges and even sharing intimate moments. Their connection is further explored when Kyouko reveals her masochistic tendencies, expressing a desire for Miyamura’s assertiveness in their interactions.

As graduation approaches, Kyouko expresses her wish to stay with Miyamura, and he surprises her with a marriage proposal, leading them to become engaged. In the webcomic’s conclusion, Kyouko adopts the name Kyouko Miyamura, and they start a family with the birth of their son, Kyouhei.

Tooru Ishikawa
Tooru has a complicated relationship with Kyouko, harboring feelings for her early on. Initially hostile towards Miyamura, he later becomes good friends with him. Although Kyouko rejects Tooru’s confession, they establish a solid friendship based on mutual respect and camaraderie.

Yuki Yoshikawa
Yuki is one of Kyouko’s closest friends, often providing emotional support. Their friendship is characterized by open communication, though Yuki remains unaware of Kyouko’s home life and responsibilities. This secret creates a slight distance, but they still help each other navigate their respective challenges. Kyouko encourages Yuki in her culinary pursuits and assists her in navigating her own romantic endeavors.

Kakeru Sengoku
Kakeru is Kyouko’s childhood friend with a history of playful teasing and light-hearted bullying. Their relationship evolves as Kyouko matures, eventually leading to a more supportive dynamic. The two reconcile their childhood rivalry when Kyouko steps in to help Kakeru during student council activities, showcasing their enduring friendship.

The name Kyouko (堀 京子) carries a rich meaning in Japanese, where “Kyou” (京) translates to “capital city,” symbolizing significance and centrality, while “ko” (子) means “child.” This combination reflects not only her individuality but also hints at her parents’ influence.

Kyouko’s name is a heartfelt tribute to her family, uniquely merging elements from her parents’ names: Kyousuke and Yuriko. This blend embodies the connection between her identity and her roots.

After her marriage to Izumi Miyamura, Kyouko adopts the surname Miyamura (宮村). This name is composed of “miya” (宮), which means “temple,” “shrine,” or “palace,” suggesting a sense of reverence and history, and “mura” (村), meaning “town” or “village,” evoking a sense of community and belonging. Together, her married name conveys a beautiful juxtaposition of sacredness and everyday life, reflecting the balance Kyouko seeks in her new chapter with Miyamura.