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Hina Tachibana (橘 陽菜, Tachibana Hina) is one of the main female protagonists of the Domestic Girlfriend series.
She is a High School English Teacher, as well as the elder sister of Rui Tachibana and the stepsister of Natsuo Fujii.
Appearance[]
Hina is a very beautiful young woman of average height, with a voluptuous figure and a notably large bust. She has waist-length dark brown hair with neatly trimmed bangs parted above her right eye, big emerald-green eyes, and fair skin. Her appearance exudes both youthful charm and an innocent allure, which, along with her friendly personality, made her popular among male students. However, her natural beauty also caused jealousy among her female classmates, leading her to feel like an outcast during high school.
As an adult, Hina dresses professionally at her workplace, but in casual settings, she often wears fashionable clothing that complements her figure. Despite her elegant appearance, her long hair and overall look also reflect her carefree, somewhat sloppy private life, giving her a balance of grace and effortless style.
Personality[]
Hina Tachibana is a warm-hearted and cheerful young woman with a strong moral compass, true to herself, to at fault sometimes with a deep sense of responsibility. She exudes kindness and is naturally sociable, making her well-liked, especially among her students. However, her beauty and friendly nature once led to jealousy among her female classmates, leaving her feeling isolated during her school years. Despite this, she remains open and compassionate, always seeking to support those around her.
Hina’s selflessness is one of her defining traits, often prioritizing the happiness of others at the expense of her own well-being. She inherited a tendency to bottle up her emotions from her father, rarely allowing others to see when she is struggling. This has led her to endure difficult situations alone, such as her affair during university and the harassment she faced from Kengo Tanabe. Even in moments of personal distress, Hina puts the needs of others first, sometimes making choices that lead to her own suffering.
As a teacher, she is highly dedicated, not just academically but emotionally invested in her students’ lives. She works tirelessly to help them succeed, often going beyond her professional duties to provide guidance and support. Despite her effectiveness in the role, she harbors uncertainty about whether teaching is her true passion, reflecting her inner struggle with self-identity.
However, Hina is not without her flaws. She can be stubborn, particularly when it comes to staying true to her beliefs, even when it leads to conflict or hardship. Her strong need to follow her heart, regardless of the consequences, has put her in emotionally complicated situations. She also wrestles with feelings of envy toward her younger sister, Rui, who has the confidence to openly pursue her desires without hesitation—something Hina admires yet struggles to emulate.
Though she appears carefree and easygoing on the surface, Hina is emotionally complex. She fights against her own insecurities and an underlying fear of growing up, yet she continuously strives to balance her personal happiness with the expectations placed upon her. This internal battle makes her a deeply layered character—one who is both incredibly selfless and, at times, tragically bound by her own emotional sacrifices.
Background[]
Hina Tachibana is the daughter of Tsukiko Tachibana and Jou Mikimoto and the older sister of Rui Tachibana. She is in a secret relationship with Shū Hagiwara, her former high school teacher and first crush, despite the fact that he is already married. At 22 years old, Hina works as an English teacher, unaware that she has caught the attention of her 16-year-old student, Natsuo Fujii. Their first encounter takes place on the rooftop of their high school, during a time when Hina is grappling with dissatisfaction in both her career and personal life. Feeling trapped in an unfulfilling relationship, she seeks solace in isolation—until she meets Natsuo. Unlike those around her, Natsuo sees beyond her composed exterior, offering understanding and emotional support through his passion for writing. As their connection deepens, Hina finds herself drawn to Natsuo’s sincerity and warmth. Though she initially resists, trying to maintain distance, she ultimately cannot ignore the emotions he stirs within her. Their relationship grows into something far more profound, leading Hina to devote herself to supporting Natsuo, even as she struggles with her own inner conflicts.
Relationships[]
Natsuo Fujii[]
Natsuo is many things to Hina, her student, her younger stepbrother, and most importantly, the person who awakens emotions in her that she never intended to embrace. From the very beginning, Hina fights against her growing feelings for him, trying to keep her distance and maintain the boundaries expected of her as both a teacher and an older sister figure. But despite her efforts, she ultimately succumbs to Natsuo’s relentless love and unwavering determination to be with her.
What starts as an undeniable but forbidden attraction blossoms into a deep, passionate, and heartbreaking love story, one filled with emotional struggles, moral/ethical dilemmas, and a fate that constantly pulls them apart and back together. Their relationship isn't just about romance; it represents a clash between societal expectations and raw, undeniable emotion, making it one of the most compelling aspects of their story.
Rui Tachibana[]
Rui is Hina’s younger sister, someone she grew up with and shared a deep, unspoken bond. Despite their differences, they relied on each other, whether it was seeking comfort during thunderstorms or simply navigating life’s challenges together. As siblings, they were close, but their relationship was also layered with hidden insecurities and admiration.
Hina, with her warm and outgoing nature, often found it easy to make friends, something Rui secretly envied. On the other hand, Hina admired Rui’s ability to be true to herself and fearlessly go after what she wanted, something Hina struggled with, often prioritizing others over her own desires. Even in small things, like body image, Rui found herself comparing to Hina’s well-developed figure, adding another layer to their dynamic.
Despite their differences and occasional envy, their bond remained strong. But when love and fate intertwined their paths in unexpected ways, that sisterly connection was put to the ultimate test.
Character Plot[]
Hina and Natsuo’s First Encounter and Bonding[]
Hina and Natsuo first met on the rooftop of their high school, a year before the events of the story began. At the time, Hina was feeling trapped in a life she wasn’t truly happy with, particularly in her stagnant relationship with her boyfriend Shuu and career choice. She had spent years making choices that seemed right on the surface but left her feeling unfulfilled. Seeking solace, she often retreated to the rooftop, one of the few places where she could be alone with her thoughts.
It was here that she crossed paths with Natsuo, a younger student who had wandered up to the rooftop himself. Unlike her peers or colleagues, who saw her as the bright and dependable teacher, Natsuo immediately recognized the sadness beneath her smile. Sensing her distress, he didn’t pry but instead offered his quiet support, sharing his love for writing as a way to express emotions that couldn’t always be spoken aloud. His sincerity and passion struck a chord with Hina, who had always been drawn to people who wore their hearts on their sleeves.
As their rooftop conversations became more frequent, Hina found herself drawn to Natsuo’s unwavering optimism and emotional depth. She admired his genuine care and kindness, that made her feel seen in a way she hadn’t felt before. Over time, her fondness for him grew, not just as a student or a friend, but as someone who stirred emotions in her she had long buried.
Despite this, Hina was fully aware of the line between them. She made an effort to keep their relationship light-hearted, often teasing Natsuo about his age and brushing off any deeper emotions with playful banter. However, her resolve was shaken when fate took an unexpected turn, her mother’s remarriage meant that Natsuo would no longer be just a student, but her stepbrother. Suddenly, the boundaries she had set for herself became even more blurred, forcing her to confront emotions she had tried so hard to suppress.
What had once been a fleeting connection on a quiet rooftop soon evolved into something far more complex, an undeniable bond that neither of them could ignore.
Living As a Family[]
After the three of them began living together, Natsuo quickly picked up on Hina’s growing disillusionment and unhappiness. Recognizing that her troubled relationship with Shuu was a major source of her distress, he and Rui devised a plan to confront the situation head-on. Together, they orchestrated a meeting between Hina and Shuu, forcing her to face the reality of their relationship. This intervention ultimately led Hina to end things with Shuu.
With that emotional burden lifted, Hina gradually began to open up more. Free from the distractions of her past relationship, she started to enjoy life again, allowing herself to be more present. This newfound openness led to a Sunday trip to the Enoshima with Natsuo, where they spent time alone, deepening their bond in a way that would become a turning point in their relationship.
Natsuo's Confession.[]
As they enjoyed their day together, Natsuo confronted Hina about the way she treated him, as if he were just a child. In response, Hina admitted that she never truly saw him that way; rather, her dismissive attitude was a deliberate effort to create distance between them.
Seizing the moment, Natsuo handed her his latest novel, A Distant Hand, a story inspired by her, and confessed that he had been in love with her for a long time. Though she didn’t explicitly say the words, Hina indirectly acknowledged her own feelings for him, suggesting that if they were to pursue a relationship, it would have to remain a secret.
In a symbolic and emotionally charged gesture, Hina took Natsuo’s hand and led him toward the sea, a silent test of his resolve, making him confront the weight of their forbidden love and the potential consequences, including social rejection. Faced with the gravity of the situation, Natsuo’s determination wavered, and rather than stepping further into dangerous territory, the two ultimately embraced, seemingly accepting the complexity of their predicament.
Rui's Kiss.[]
A few days later, Hina witnessed Rui and Natsuo sharing a kiss, sparking a deep sense of jealousy within her for the first time. Although Rui admitted to initiating the kiss due to her own growing feelings for Natsuo, and Natsuo quickly reassured Hina that he regretted it and that his feelings for her remained unchanged, the moment still shook her.
Realizing that she was struggling to suppress her emotions for Natsuo, Hina ultimately decided it was best to leave the house, believing that distancing herself was the only way to maintain control over her feelings.
The Summer Festival[]
The next day at the summer festival, Natsuo managed to corner Hina to have her explain her decision to move away. Although Hina was initially reluctant to confess her feelings, she eventually gave into Natsuo's firm resolve and unwavering passion, admitting to Natsuo that she also deeply in love with him. This moment marked the official beginning of their romantic relationship.
The Romance Story Begins.[]
Over the course of their romantic relationship, Hina moved into her own apartment, and Natsuo had a spare key so he often visited her in secret. However, their secret was eventually discovered by Rui, causing tension in their relationship. During a class trip to Okinawa, Hina had initially considered ending their relationship. However, Natsuo's firm determination and passion managed to persuade her once again. It was then that Natsuo called Hina by her name, rather than Sensei or Hina-nee, for the first time. Natsuo gave her a ring, symbol of his love and commitment to her as they embraced each other under the fireworks, their connection deepened even further, culminating in making love together for the first time under the fireworks.
Hina's mother Tsukiko, suspecting something, confronted Hina about her relationship with Natsuo, leading Hina to worry about discovered. Natsuo, noticing that something was bothering Hina, decided to surprise her with a trip to Nikko. During this trip, tensions arose and they had a confrontation over Hina's reluctance to open up and involve others in her problems, which sparked an argument. After both of them had a chance to calm down in the hot spring, they apologized to each other at the same time in remarkable unison and had a heart-to-heart conversation. The next day, Hina gave Natsuo a ring engraved with their initials, symbolising again, the deep bond they shared and commitment to each other.
The Breakup.[]
Unfortunately, during their trip to Okinawa, a photographer captured images of them kissing, which was subsequently reported to the school administration. Hina, worried that this could jeopardize Natsuo's promising future, decided to take full responsibility to avoid any negative consequences for him. In exchange, she agreed to resign from her position and was transferred to Oshima, thus cutting off all contact with Natsuo and her family. In this dramatic way, Hina ended her romantic relationship with Natsuo as she disappeared from his life, leaving only a note in which she asked him not to look for her and to forget her.
Living in Exile.[]
As she was adapting to her new life in Oshima, several months had passed, and as fate would have it, Natsuo unexpectedly ran into Hina by accident during a field trip with the book club. Seeing that Natsuo was still in love with her and fearing that she would ruin his life by abandoning everything to be with her, Hina chose put on her mask on and to lie to him. She told him that their love was a mistake and that what they had together was just a fling or a passing romance, making it clear over for Natsuo she had moved on and she was not going back to him, thus effectively gaslighting the crap out of Natsuo. The next day, Rui confronted Hina for being so cruel to Natsuo, knowing that Hina had been crying all night because of her love for him. Hina admitted that she did it out of love, as she feared that her relationship with Natsuo would ruin his future. That day as Natsuo was leaving Oshima Island, he gave Hina back the ring that she gave him, symbolizing thus his detachment from Hina.
The Come Back.[]
As the months passed, Hina, feeling alone and estranged from her family, quit her job as a teacher in Oshima. She no longer felt suitable to continue being a teacher and she decided to return home in hopes of rekindling her relationship with Natsuo. However, she found out through Rui, that Natsuo and Rui were in a relationship. Feeling guilty for the emotional damage she had caused to Natsuo and despite experiencing discomfort over Rui and Natsuo's relationship, Hina decided to support them anyway, taking on the role of an older sister figure, while repressing her romantic feelings for Natsuo.
The Stabbing.[]
Back at her new job at the hotel, Hina began dating Kengo Tanabe under the insistence of her mother. However, she soon discovered that Tanabe had narcissistic tendencies and became uncomfortable with his advances. His obsession with her reached the point where he tried to attack her with a knife, but in the attempt to protect Hina from Tanabe, Natsuo got in the way and was stabbed instead of her. Natsuo was hospitalized and was close to death. This tragic incident deeply affected Hina, who decided to do everything she could to save and preserve Natsuo's promising future, even if it meant hiding her own feelings towards him.
Natsuo's Writing Block[]
Therefore, during the artistic block Natsuo experienced that left him unable to write, plus Rui’s decision to breakup with him, precipitated Natsuo to fall into depression. Hina cared deeply and went out of her way to support and protect Natsuo's future. Natsuo is finally able to return to his writing and Hina went to New York to talk to Rui and tell her that she could no longer keep her promise to her of not getting involved with Natsuo.
The Park Scene.[]
The park scene is one of the most emotionally significant moments between Hina and Natsuo, as it subtly reveals both their fears and misunderstandings.
As Natsuo and Hina spend time together, playing and reminiscing in the park. During this moment of closeness, Natsuo directly asks Hina about her feelings for him. However, Hina, afraid of being rejected and hurting Natsuo, puts on her mask, the same she did in Oshima, and avoids giving him a clear answer immediately.
Her hesitation sends Natsuo into a moment of panic, prompting him to say that she doesn’t need to answer. On the surface, this might seem like he already knows her feelings, but in reality, it only deepens their misunderstanding. For Hina, his words signal that Natsuo has already made his decision about their relationship, that he has moved on. Meanwhile, for Natsuo, her reluctance to respond confirms his deepest fear, remanence of what happen in Oshima, that Hina sees him only as a stepbrother. From both perspectives, this moment cements their belief that the other has truly let go, unknowingly pushing them further apart.
Natsuo's Decision.[]
A few days later, Natsuo makes his decision and tells Hina that he is going to New York to reconcile with Rui, confirming her worst fears. Heartbroken, she retreats to the beach, the very place where Natsuo had first confessed his love for her. In an attempt to free herself from her lingering emotions, she tries to throw away the rings, symbolic of the love she still carries. However, in that crucial moment, she realizes that she cannot bring herself to do it. This act signifies that, no matter how much she tries, she cannot erase her love for Natsuo, proving that her feelings remain as strong as ever.
As Natsuo and Rui reunite, Rui gets pregnant with him and they both decide to get married. Natsuo is finally able to gain popularity with his latest book, which attracts the attention of a journalist and paparazzi named Takeru Okunugi. With Tanabe's help, Okunugi begins to uncover Natsuo and Hina's hidden past.
The "Accident"[]
Hina, being Hina, decides to intervene in the situation with Kiriya's help, without revealing anything to Natsuo and Rui. Skillfully, she manages to derail Okunugi's plans and humiliate him. However, in a fit of rage, Okunugi runs over Hina and Rui with a car, at the last moment Hina manages to save Rui, but Hina gets severely wounded and falls into a deep coma.
The Ending[]
When she finally wakes up, she learns that five years have passed, Natsuo and Rui are proud parents of Haruka, but to her surprise she finds out they are separated, and not only that, Natsuo wishes to marry her. At fist she is reluctant to marry Natsuo, Rui admits to Hina, that the only person who can really make Natsuo happy is Hina and vice versa, because Natsuo had never really stopped loving her despite having repressed his feelings towards her for so long, when she is finally convince and with Rui's blessing, she finally relents and accepts marring Natsuo.
Thus, Natsuo and Hina marry happily and at end, we see, Natsuo giving Hina his first copy of his last major work for her to read, titled "Domestic Na Kanojo," based on their history together.
Etymology[]
- The name Hina means "light, sun, male" (陽) (hi) and "vegetables, greens" (菜) (na).
- Hina's surname Tachibana means "orange, tangerine" (橘).
- After marrying Natsuo Fujii, her married name Fujii means "wisteria" (藤) (fuji) and "well, mine shaft, pit" (井) (i).