Makoto Kurume is a Tokyo native who, before meeting Mitsumi, mostly kept to herself in school. Preferring to stay out of the spotlight, she struggled to relate to many of her peers, feeling alienated by the social norms and expectations of high school life. Her low self-esteem and tendency toward negative self-talk often kept her from forming close bonds.

When Mitsumi Iwakura transfers into her school and despite her awkwardness genuinely reaches out, Makoto is taken aback by her warmth and transparency. Encouraged by Mitsumi’s sincerity, Makoto begins to lower her guard, gradually becoming a part of Mitsumi’s growing circle of friends.

Makoto is a petite girl with straight black hair, typically worn in a bob with bangs. She has soft brown eyes and a quiet, thoughtful gaze. Her expressions often oscillate between blank stares and wide-eyed surprise, depending on the social pressure she’s experiencing.

She wears the standard school uniform neatly but conservatively, and her overall appearance reflects her introverted personality simple, tidy, and understated.

Makoto is introverted, serious, and emotionally reserved, often overthinking her actions and fearing social missteps. She tends to observe from the sidelines, analyzing her peers and making internal judgments while hesitating to voice her thoughts. When she does speak, her comments are often blunt and brutally honest, though rarely malicious.

Despite her walls, Makoto is deeply loyal and empathetic. She values sincerity and is easily moved by kindness especially Mitsumi’s. Her friendship with Mitsumi and others helps her step outside her comfort zone, while her presence provides a calming, grounding influence on the more expressive members of the group.

She is also intellectually curious, with niche interests and a sharp eye for detail, often keeping her observations to herself until prompted.

• Early Isolation
  Makoto is introduced as a loner who doesn’t speak much and prefers to sit in the background. She notices Mitsumi’s eccentricity early on and is surprised by her ability to make friends despite her awkwardness. Though wary at first, Makoto finds herself drawn to Mitsumi’s openness.

• Opening Up
  As Mitsumi actively includes her in conversations and activities, Makoto slowly begins to open up. She becomes more comfortable participating in group dynamics and starts forming a bond with other classmates like Yuzuki Murashige, Mika Egashira, and Sousuke Shima. Her development is subtle and grounded, but meaningful she begins voicing her thoughts more often, expressing her insecurities, and even giving others advice or perspective with her trademark honesty.

• Learning Self-Acceptance
  Through her friendships, Makoto learns that she doesn’t need to pretend to be more outgoing or glamorous to be accepted. She begins expressing her passions, exploring her personal identity, and finding joy in connection without compromising who she is.