Ritsuka Uenoyama has short black hair, styled to expose his ears with a fringe that is slightly parted, allowing part of his forehead to be visible. His casual fashion sense typically includes a white undershirt layered beneath a dark, unbuttoned jacket. He pairs this with dark trousers and white shoes, giving him a simple yet stylish appearance that matches his laid-back personality.

Ritsuka Uenoyama is generally kind and considerate toward those around him, though he can become easily irritated and occasionally lashes out when frustrated. Despite his moody tendencies, he deeply cares for his friends and bandmates. At school, he is often seen as laid-back and somewhat lethargic, frequently skipping basketball practice during breaks to find a quiet place to nap. However, when it comes to music, Ritsuka is highly dedicated and hardworking, showing a serious commitment to improving his skills and supporting his band.

Ritsuka Uenoyama began playing guitar in the sixth grade after receiving his father’s guitar. He practiced regularly, often around his older sister, Yayoi, and relied on music guides to improve his technique. During this time, he developed a deep interest in music, becoming particularly inspired after listening to CDs including a band humorously referred to as the “Artistic Monkeys” which sparked his obsession with mastering the instrument.

By the time he entered high school, Uenoyama had honed his skills and could play with confidence. However, his enthusiasm began to wane after his original band members left, leaving him to practice alone. As he continued to refine his abilities, he found that the excitement he once felt for music had started to fade, though he still maintained his discipline and continued playing on his own.

Mafuyu Satō
Ritsuka first encounters Mafuyu asleep alone on a stairway and accepts his quiet invitation to sit beside him. He notices Mafuyu’s guitar has rusted strings and, despite wanting to nap, agrees to repair it. This marks the beginning of their connection, and although reluctant at first, Ritsuka becomes Mafuyu’s informal guitar teacher. He quickly discovers that Mafuyu is an exceptionally gifted singer and eventually invites him to join the band. As they spend more time together, the two begin to develop romantic feelings for one another.

Though Ritsuka can be abrupt and impatient during lessons, especially when Mafuyu struggles to grasp guitar basics, he gradually learns to adapt his approach particularly when others point out his harshness. While Ritsuka often finds Mafuyu difficult to understand, he respects his commitment and effort. He is visibly shaken when Mafuyu breaks his guitar strings, reflecting on how meaningful it was to him that his own strings had once been repaired. Ritsuka also feels responsible for encouraging Mafuyu to sing, recognizing the emotional weight it carries.

Akihiko Kaji
Akihiko is the drummer in Ritsuka’s band and a college student. Ritsuka initially describes him as intimidating in appearance but quickly acknowledges that Akihiko is a kind and supportive person. Ritsuka knows that Akihiko is a second-year student at the same university attended by Haruki.

Haruki Nakayama
Haruki is the band’s bassist and another college student. Ritsuka believes Haruki may be a graduate student, though he is unsure of the exact details. He speculates that Haruki might be studying something related to video production or media, based on his interests and conversations.

Yayoi Uenoyama
Yayoi is Ritsuka’s older sister. The two share a typical sibling dynamic, marked by teasing and blunt honesty. In sixth grade, Yayoi bluntly told Ritsuka that his guitar playing was terrible, which motivated him to improve. They remain close, with Yayoi often entering his room unannounced—such as when tossing his boxers that ended up in her laundry. When Ritsuka suggests she may have been dumped by Akihiko, she retaliates by throwing a bottle of liquid at him.

Shōgo Itaya
Shōgo is Ritsuka’s classmate and a friendly peer who often encourages him to participate in casual activities, such as buying snacks or playing basketball during breaks. He is curious about Ritsuka’s budding friendship with Mafuyu, describing both as unsociable. Despite this, Shōgo is supportive and maintains a friendly rapport with Ritsuka, particularly through their shared interest in basketball.

Ritsuka Uenoyama is first introduced as a somewhat aloof but talented high school student who often skips basketball practice to nap during breaks. One day, while searching for a quiet spot to sleep, he encounters Mafuyu Satō, a quiet student sitting alone with a worn-out guitar. Initially critical of the instrument’s poor condition, Ritsuka reluctantly agrees to repair it after Mafuyu asks for help. While restringing and tuning the guitar, Mafuyu asks Ritsuka to teach him how to play. Though hesitant, the request stirs something within Ritsuka, reminding him of his own early days learning to play guitar.

Ritsuka recalls receiving his first guitar from his father in sixth grade and practicing around his sister, Yayoi. He grew passionate about music after listening to CDs, particularly from a band referred to as the “Artistic Monkeys,” which fueled his obsession with getting the sound “right.” By high school, he had developed considerable skill but began to lose his initial excitement for music as his bandmates drifted away.

Despite his reluctance, Ritsuka continues to run into Mafuyu, who persistently follows him and expresses interest in learning guitar. Although Ritsuka initially directs him to the school’s light music club, he eventually gives in and takes Mafuyu to the music studio where he introduces him to his bandmates: drummer Akihiko Kaji and bassist Haruki Nakayama. The band performs for Mafuyu, and while Ritsuka continues to deny that he will teach him, he finds himself increasingly drawn to the boy’s quiet determination.

Gradually, Ritsuka begins teaching Mafuyu guitar basics such as tuning and chords while also helping him understand the fundamentals of music. Though he has never taught anyone before, he makes the effort to look up lessons and guidance on his phone and even discusses Mafuyu’s involvement with his bandmates. As Mafuyu begins regularly attending their studio sessions, the two grow closer.

Ritsuka’s curiosity about Mafuyu deepens, especially after hearing him sing a haunting melody from memory. The raw emotion in Mafuyu’s voice resonates with Ritsuka, leading him to invite Mafuyu to officially join the band. Their growing connection becomes the subject of interest among classmates, but Ritsuka is undeterred and continues teaching Mafuyu, noting that he learns quickly. However, questions about Mafuyu’s guitar and background remain unanswered, leaving Ritsuka puzzled by the mystery surrounding him.

Tension arises when Mafuyu begins avoiding Ritsuka after a brief encounter with his childhood friend, Hiragi, which visibly distresses him. Concerned, Ritsuka tracks Mafuyu down and attempts to understand why he won’t join the band. The conversation escalates, and Ritsuka frustrated and emotional lashes out, demanding to hear Mafuyu’s song again. That night, Mafuyu sings for Ritsuka, revealing his grief through music. The emotional performance moves Ritsuka deeply. The two sit together quietly afterward, and Mafuyu finally accepts Ritsuka’s invitation to join the band, marking the beginning of their musical journey together.