Shōko Hida is generally easygoing and laid-back, despite coming from a wealthy family. While she presents herself as a model student, she prefers spending her free time socializing with boys and often wishes for the warmth of a happy, ordinary family over material wealth.

Shōko is compassionate and supportive, showing genuine care for others. She regularly provides food and encouragement to Asahi Kōbe during his tireless search for Shio and tries to stand up for Satō Matsuzaka, even defending her against Taiyō Mitsuboshi’s accusations of kidnapping. Although one of the most mentally stable characters in the series, Shōko’s naivety leaves her unprepared for the darker realities of those around her. Her innocence leads to moments of conflict, such as when she begins to doubt Satō after meeting her aunt, inadvertently betraying Satō’s trust, something Shōko deeply regrets. Nonetheless, her devotion to her friends is sincere, as she genuinely wants to help Asahi and Satō pursue the ones they love and hopes to prevent Satō from continuing down an immoral path.

Shōko Hida has dark purple hair with bangs parted in the middle and swept outward. Her hair reaches slightly past her shoulders, with the longer portion sectioned to her left side. She has purple-colored eyes and a distinctive beauty mark beneath her left eye, adding to her gentle appearance.

Outside of work, Shōko is typically seen wearing her school uniform, which consists of a thigh-length purple dress paired with a pink necktie. The uniform’s white sleeves vary in length depending on the season.

Shōko Hida comes from a wealthy family and outwardly fulfills the role of a well-behaved, studious daughter. However, beneath this image, she feels disconnected from her family, longing for the warmth of a happy, ordinary household rather than one defined by wealth. To escape her home life, Shōko works at the same café as Satō Matsuzaka and often spends her free time socializing with boys. Her shared desire with Satō to find true love led to their friendship, and they frequently spent time together in this pursuit. After Satō found someone to devote herself to, Shōko supported her wholeheartedly while continuing her own search for her “prince.”

One night, after fleeing an uncomfortable encounter with Taiyō Mitsuboshi, Shōko met Asahi Kōbe as she paused by one of his posters for Shio. When Asahi collapsed in front of her, she helped him to the park, where they spoke about Shio’s importance to him. From then on, they regularly met at night, with Shōko offering Asahi food and companionship, gradually learning about his struggles and admiring his determination.

Eventually, Shōko discovered that Satō had abducted Shio and captured photo evidence on her phone. Hoping to reach Satō’s heart, Shōko confessed what she knew and pleaded with her to change. However, Satō, feeling betrayed after Shōko’s earlier doubts following a meeting with Satō’s aunt, killed her by stabbing her carotid artery. Shōko died shortly after, weakly struggling before falling limp in Satō’s arms.

In preparation to cover up her crimes, Satō cleaned and redressed Shōko’s body, seating her in a secluded room of the apartment. In the manga, Asahi discovers Shōko’s body before the fire is set, closing her eyes and cleaning her neck in a sorrowful gesture. In the anime, Asahi finds her as the apartment is already engulfed in flames, unable to offer her that final act of care.

Satō Matsuzaka
Shōko regarded Satō as her closest and dearest friend. Despite attending different high schools, the two spent time together, often seeking out cute boys and bonding over their shared search for true love. When Satō became focused solely on Shio, Shōko—unaware of the truth assumed Satō had found a boyfriend, though Satō refused to share details. Hoping to deepen their friendship, Shōko worked hard to gain Satō’s trust, eventually being invited to visit Satō’s “home.” However, after meeting Satō’s aunt and expressing concern, Shōko inadvertently shattered any trust Satō had in her. Even when Shōko discovered Satō was keeping Shio and promised not to alert the authorities, the damage was done. Satō, prioritizing Shio’s safety, saw no choice but to kill Shōko despite their former friendship.

Asahi Kōbe
Shōko met Asahi in the park when she found him sleeping under a bench and, noticing his frail state, offered him food. Their connection grew as Asahi confided in her about his missing sister, Shio, and his family’s history. Shōko provided emotional support and practical help, regularly bringing him snacks. Asahi, in turn, reassured Shōko when she expressed guilt about hurting Satō’s feelings, telling her that only good-hearted people feel remorse for such things.

Taiyō Mitsuboshi
Initially, like many of her colleagues, Shōko found Taiyō attractive and kind. However, this perception changed when she visited his home and discovered his room covered with missing person flyers for Shio. His disturbing obsession with being “cleansed” by Shio revealed his instability, and Shōko became wary of him from that point on.