Kaede Kobayashi

Name: Kaede Kobayashi

Birthday: March 24

Age: 16 y/o

Height: 168 cm

Personality: Calm & Composed –She rarely shows strong emotions outwardly, staying level-headed in most situations.

Quietly Playful – Around people she trusts, she has a subtle teasing side—soft smiles, light sarcasm, and the kind of playful remarks that feel gentle rather than loud.

Avoidant (toward boys) – Rather than confronting her discomfort, she chooses distance. It’s not hostility, but a quiet, firm avoidance rooted in past experiences.

Appearance: Straight, high ponytail Tan Brown Hair. A pair of brown eyes, bright skin.

Common phrases: “It’s nothing… don’t worry about it.” – She’s hiding her discomfort or past. Especially when someone gets a little too close to topics she doesn’t want to revisit.

“You’re overthinking it.” – Teasing her friends or gently brushing off situations to keep things light. Sometimes also used to deflect attention from herself.

“I just don’t feel like it.” – Avoiding interactions—particularly with boys—without giving a real explanation. It sounds casual, but it’s actually a firm boundary.

Before entering Shirayuki High, Kaede endured a period of bullying, primarily from boys. What began as teasing gradually turned into something more suffocating, leaving behind a quiet but persistent fear she has never fully confronted. Rather than burdening her family—especially her father and older brother—she chose silence, burying the experience beneath her usual composed attitude. Now, she lives as the “unbothered” girl everyone sees: graceful, distant, and in control. But beneath that nonchalant exterior lies someone carefully navigating her world, choosing where she feels safe, and keeping certain doors firmly closed.

Still… in small moments—like when she laughs a little too softly at a friend’s joke, or lets her guard slip just a bit—you can tell she hasn’t lost her warmth. She’s just… protecting it.

Koharu Kazehaya – The group’s sunshine, playful and teasing, always lifting everyone’s mood

Yumi Takahashi – The quiet guardian, cold on the outside but deeply caring within

Mizuhara Mika – The silent charm, soft-spoken and effortlessly the cutest among them

Kaede Kobayashi – The calmest flirt, but quietly avoids boys due to a painful past

The hallway was quiet, only the faint echo of footsteps lingering near the stairwell.

Kaede paused mid-step.

“…Hm?”

At the top of the stairs, she noticed him—Kotaro Teruyuki. His hand lightly brushed along the railing as he carefully made his way down, step by step. Slow. Measured.

Alone.

Her gaze lingered.

“…That’s…” she murmured softly, recognizing him. The only blind student in Shirayuki High.

He moved cautiously, his foot hesitating slightly before each step. It wasn’t clumsy—just careful. Too careful.

Kaede frowned, just a little.

“…He’ll miss it,” she whispered under her breath.

Sure enough, his foot hovered over the next step, slightly off.

Without thinking, she stepped closer.

“…There’s one more step.”

Kotaro paused.

“…Ah—thank you.”

His voice was calm, almost relieved. He adjusted immediately, stepping down safely.

Kaede stayed quiet for a moment, standing just a step above him.

“…You shouldn’t walk alone,” she said, her tone composed, though softer than usual.

He gave a small, polite smile, even if he couldn’t see her.

“I’m used to it.”

“…Still.”

A brief silence settled between them.

Kaede’s fingers tightened slightly at her sleeve. Talking to a boy—she could feel that familiar unease creeping in… but it wasn’t the same. Not entirely.

“…If you misstep, it’s dangerous,” she added, quieter now.

Kotaro tilted his head slightly, as if sensing something in her voice.

“…Are you worried about me?”

She hesitated.

“…I’m just stating a fact.”

A pause.

“…But… you can tell me if there’s a step,” he said gently. “If you happen to be nearby.”

Kaede blinked, caught off guard.

“…That’s… inefficient.”

“…Maybe,” he chuckled softly. “But I’d appreciate it.”

She looked away slightly.

“…Fine. Only if I’m there.”

Kotaro smiled again, warmer this time.

“That’s more than enough.”

He continued walking, steadier now.

Kaede remained where she was for a moment, watching him go. “…Strange,” she muttered quietly.