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Natsuo Fujii (藤井 夏生, Fujii Natsuo) is the main male protagonist of Domestic na Kanojo. He is introduced as a second-year high school student who loves writing novels, so he frequently heads to the rooftop during his lunch breaks to develop his passion for writing. It is there that he meets the beautiful new English teacher, Hina Tachibana, who not only becomes a source of inspiration, but his first crush and later his wife.
In response to Hina's continuous reminders of his youth, and the belief that his love for her would remain unreciprocated, he decides to accept the proposal of Rui Tachibana, a cute but odd girl he meets at a mixer settled at karaoke by his friends. Both end up having their first sexual experience together, after which she tells him to forget about it and expect to never meet again.
Just days later, his widower dad tells him that he is getting married again. That same afternoon, they are paid a visit by Tsukiko Tachibana (Natsuo's stepmother-to-be) and her two daughters who, to his absolute shock, turns out to be his teacher Hina and her sister Rui.
Upon graduating from high school, Natsuo takes a placement test and succeeds in becoming a student at Meiji University. It is there that members from the drama club Forester took notice to his abilities and invite him to become a script writer for their plays.
Appearance[]
Natsuo is a handsome young man with black hair and olive green eyes. His current appearance is far different from his junior high days, thanks to the suggestion of his best friend, Fumiya Kurimoto. Fumiya convinced Natsuo to wear contact lenses instead of his glasses and to flatten his naturally curly hair, which resulted in a major image change. In junior high, Natsuo had a dull appearance and wore glasses, but after adopting this new look in high school, he became more well-groomed and attractive. The only people who know about his makeover are Fumiya, Rui, his father, and Arisu.
Personality[]
Natsuo Fujii is a kind-hearted and amiable young man with a natural warmth that draws people to him, especially the opposite sex—though he remains largely oblivious to his own charm. He is gentle, responsible, and hardworking, always striving to meet the expectations of those around him. However, his tendency to be indecisive often leads to misunderstandings and unintended emotional harm.
His passion for writing is one of his defining traits, serving as both a creative outlet and a means of expressing emotions he struggles to articulate. He often immerses himself in storytelling, even sneaking in writing during class. While he is capable of teamwork and can be competitive when necessary, his inexperience in relationships frequently places him in complicated or awkward situations that he tries to navigate as best as he can.
Despite his emotional sensitivity, Natsuo has a habit of suppressing his own feelings, often needing the support of others to pull him out of his lowest moments. The trauma of his painful breakup with Hina at Oshima left a lasting scar, making him emotionally distant and hesitant to fully confront his feelings. As a result, he struggles to recognize the emotional impact of his actions on others, leading to misinterpretations and unintended heartbreak for those who care about him. However, as he matures, Natsuo slowly begins to confront his inner turmoil, learning to understand not only his own emotions but also those of the people around him.
Background[]
Natsuo Fujii, the only child of Akihito and Jun Fujii, faced a profound loss at a young age that would shape his emotional world for years to come. When he was just a small child, his mother, Jun, was hospitalized due to a terminal illness. By the time he entered elementary school, her condition had already cast a heavy shadow over their once warm and loving household. Though his father did everything he could to maintain a sense of normalcy, the inevitability of her passing loomed over them.
At the age of seven, Natsuo lost his mother, a moment that left an unfillable void in his heart. Sensitive and deeply affected, he struggled to process his grief. He had promised himself that he wouldn’t cry at her funeral, believing that doing so would be a sign of strength, a way to prove he could carry on. However, his father gently reassured him that shedding tears was not a weakness but an expression of love—one that he should never be ashamed of.
Despite this, Natsuo found it difficult to confront his emotions. In the aftermath of his mother’s passing, he often retreated into her old room, surrounding himself with the books she had left behind. In reading, he found an escape—an outlet that allowed him to lose himself in stories rather than dwell on his loneliness. Over time, this habit developed into a deep love for literature, one that would later fuel his passion for writing.
Though Natsuo grew up to be warm and compassionate, the early loss of his mother left an undeniable mark on him. He learned to put on a brave face, bottling up his true feelings to avoid burdening others. Even as he matured, his struggles with emotional vulnerability would continue, shaping the way he navigated relationships and the world around him.
Goals & Aspirations[]
Natsuo's got it clear that he wants to become a writer who can make a living of it. He says he enjoys the surprise and emotional impact he finds in books. Ever since Junior High School, he has dreamed about creating such worlds himself with his writing. For just as books saved him when he was a little child mourning his mom, he dreams that he could someday give others a chance to enjoy books as he did. He says he wants to become the kind of author that moves people with his writing the same way others have moved him. To achieve so, he is willing to work hard. First, he asks Reiji Kiriya to accept him as his apprentice. But after winning the 77th Shinkousha Literary Award, the editor Tsutaya-san gets in charge of him. Later, he is appointed as a disciple-assistant to the writer Kurumi Giwa, known as Tougen Shigemitsu, who introduces him into the habit of researching and interviewing real people to collect material that can be used in his novel writing.
Character plot[]
Past: Natsuo Meets Hina.[]
One year before the events of the story, Natsuo had his first encounter with Hina Tachibana on the rooftop of their school. While most students and teachers admired her for her cheerful personality and reliability, Natsuo sensed something different, an unspoken sadness hidden beneath her bright smile. He simply offered quiet companionship, sharing his love and passion for writing as a way to express emotions that couldn’t always be put into words.
She didn’t brush off his thoughts or treat his passion as just a childish dream. Instead, she seemed genuinely touched by his sincerity, and in that moment, they formed an unexpected connection. As their conversations continued, Natsuo found himself captivated by her kindness, beauty, and the quiet vulnerability she tried so hard to hide.
However, despite his growing admiration, Natsuo knew the reality of the situation. Hina was his teacher, an adult with her own life, her own struggles. No matter how much his heart longed for her, he saw it as an impossible love, one that could never be returned. To him, his feelings were nothing more than a secret yearning—one that he believed would always remain unrequited.
Present: Natsuo Meets Rui.[]
Natsuo was invited to a mixer by his classmates. Though he wasn’t particularly eager to go, he decided to tag along, hoping it might be a fun distraction from his unrequited feelings for Hina. The group met up at a karaoke café, where Natsuo was introduced to a quiet and reserved girl named Rui Tachibana. Unlike the other girls at the mixer, who were lively and talkative, Rui sat in the corner, seemingly uninterested in the event.
During a break, Natsuo stepped out to grab a drink from a vending machine, only to find Rui standing there as well. They struck up a conversation, both admitting that they felt out of place at the mixer. Rui's blunt and detached demeanor contrasted sharply with the other girls, but what truly caught Natsuo off guard was how much she resembled Hina. For a brief moment, he was shaken by the uncanny similarity, but Rui’s personality was entirely different—reserved, indifferent, and somewhat distant.
Then, out of nowhere, Rui suggested they ditch the mixer. Though surprised, Natsuo agreed, feeling more comfortable around her than with the lively group inside. As they walked through the quiet streets, Rui suddenly led him to her house. Still confused by the turn of events, he hesitantly followed, uncertain of what she had in mind.
Once inside, Rui wasted no time in getting to the point—she asked Natsuo to sleep with her. Stunned, he struggled to process her request, questioning why she had chosen him. Her answer was simple: he looked like a first-timer. She had no romantic interest in him, nor was she looking for love—she simply wanted to experience what sex was like, nothing more.
Natsuo hesitated, conflicted by the unexpected proposition. But then, the words of his friends echoed in his mind—Hina already had a boyfriend. The realization stung, and in his moment of emotional turmoil, he agreed to Rui’s request. What followed was a passionless act, devoid of love or deep connection. The experience left Natsuo feeling empty, and as he lay there afterward, a wave of regret washed over him.
Later that evening, he visited his friend Fumiya and recounted everything that had happened. Fumiya was shocked—part jealous, part impressed by Natsuo’s situation—but he didn’t share Natsuo’s regret. In his eyes, Natsuo had no reason to feel guilty, especially since Hina was already with someone else. But for Natsuo, the experience left him confused, uncertain of what it truly meant for him and his feelings. Little did he know that his impulsive decision would intertwine his fate with Rui’s far more than he could have ever imagined.
Natsuo's Father Remarries[]
After school hours, he returned home since he doesn't have any club to attend to. As he entered their apartment he saw his father hanged the call. Suddenly, he tells his son for his remarriage at the moment his step-mother to be shall be visiting them that night.
Eventually, after his father opened the door, Natsuo met Tsukiko Tachibana, the woman Akihito Fujii (Natsuo's father) will be remarrying and along with her two daughters, which are no other than his teacher Hina and her sister Rui. The shock of seeing Hina is so overwhelming that Natsuo faints. Later, they all gather around the dining table, were Miss Tsukiko formally introduces herself.
Albeit doubtless, Natsuo asked her what she saw towards his old man, answering he was the only man who never gave up despite Ms. Tsukiko has a heart of ice. That was because of her former husband running away because of a mistress. Nevertheless, her expression was never been like before ever since Natsuo's father swayed his time for her.
Hina, on the other hand, was served of beer by Natsuo. He didn't anticipate witnessing his crush enjoying alcohol so enthusiastically, and he couldn't help but blush as he watched her enjoy it with a smile. His teacher and soon-to-be sister would have invited him to join if he weren't underage. Natsuo headed to the bathroom in which Rui waited for him to come out. She asked if he saw this coming but he denied it, and Rui didn't think Natsuo was the one Mr. Fujii was telling them about.
Natsuo suddenly asked her too, about acknowledging their parent's remarriage and if it will somewhat affect their daily life. Rui stated she will gladly accept it so her mother shall feel happiness which she hasn't seen by the past years. She also requested her to forget about their first meeting and what they did in order to prevent more problems. After their encounter, Rui returned to the living room and Natsuo was a bit skeptical for deciding after everything happened.
The Tachibana's headed home after their dinner; leaving Natsuo and his father alone again. He then sees his father delighted to their visit and happy as he was willing to wash the dishes on his own. Natsuo paused for a moment, then he recognized his father's remarriage although he should've first been notified, hearing that his old man's smile was over his ears, and again his father suddenly added he bought a second-hand house where they'll transfer next week.
Living All Together[]
Natsuo and his father rode a cargo van for home transfer the next week and the Tachibana's were already at the house when they arrived. Whilst being busy at arranging every nook and cranny, Hina greeted Natsuo at the entrance as he was carrying a box. Both had a bit of chat, with Hina wanting his step-brother to call him Hina-chan and her still calls him the same. The fact he was requested him to call Hina with a "-chan" made him embarrassed once he tries it. Though in the end, she brushed it off to just call her Hina-nee since Rui calls her that.
He proceeded to the second floor and eventually saw Rui at the hall. Pissed by his facial expression every time he sees her, Rui angrily told her once again to forget about the past then later entered her room. Despite hearing it from her, he couldn't just remove it since she was his first. They all had a nice dinner together and Hina was the first to bath, Rui's mother told her to have a bath next in which Natsuo reminisced his time they had sex and her naked body.
Hina exited the bathroom wearing only her underwear, with a towel draped over her chest. She let out a startled scream upon realizing her error and received a scolding from her mother. Hina returned after changing into a sleeveless shirt and hotpants that made Natsuo blush even more. Hina headed to the refrigerator for a beer and ended up getting quite drunk. Natsuo's parents then went to their room, leaving Natsuo alone with Hina asleep on the sofa while Rui was in the bathroom.
Seeing Hina passed out, Natsuo couldn't resist stealing a kiss from her. Just then, Rui walked in and caught him off guard. She asked him what he was doing, where as Natsuo reminded in silence. Rui proceeded to kick Hina off the sofa and then pulled her into her room. She told Natsuo, that it was Hina's fault for letting her guard down, implying that she knew what Natsuo had done.
Friendless transfer student[]
The next day, Natsuo dreamed of his stepsisters, the "ecchi"-way, and woke up late for school. He rushed into his school with his untidy bed hair as his friends talked about a transfer student next door. The trio headed on to see the person, and Natsuo got surprised seeing Rui Tachibana was the transfer student. She was flocked by her new classmates but ignoring the crowd. Later on, she noticed Natsuo at the hallway and walked towards them- telling him also of his bad hair. Rui asked him if he also forgot his lunch because he's rushed to the school and almost slipped her tongue pertaining to their relationship.
Natsuo suddenly dragged him out of the school building into the open area where he asked her why she transferred. It was also into his extent to not tell everyone about their true relationship as step-siblings however it also backfired when Rui bluntly thought there was no need for them to talk at all; leaving the area and Natsuo alone.
Natsuo came to her once again eating lunch like a lone wolf. Rui was still fixated to Natsuo's curly hair and offered her to fix it for him. She also told him how she envies her sister's friendly personality which she doesn't have. It also came to a point when she tried copying her way of speaking. He reluctantly decided to help her communicate with her classmates with some impromptu speeches that wildly lead into some stand-up comedy. Somehow the crowd on Rui's class exploded into laughter after hearing them doing it with most of them approaching her and offering friendship, and her shyness got the best of her, again.
Natsuo headed home after school. He was clearly on his mind world as he entered the already filled bathroom with a Rui sitting at the hot bath and reading a plastic sealed book. He was already half naked; with just a small towel covering his below. Both became anxious to the situation, and Natsuo completely blushed as he quickly exited the room. However, Rui asked him to enter, telling that Natsuo already saw everything on their one night stand, yet more on offering him her gratitude for helping her befriend everyone at her class. She also regretted doubting Natsuo's motive after seeing him almost stealing a kiss from Hina, making him accept her request to enter. Although, Natsuo also thought Rui is asking for something more than just gratitude. Albeit his true feelings, Rui thought he only meant to help Hina on her problems.
Hina the Mistress[]
The Natsuo-Rui bath time conversation ended with the latter not sharing most of the details of Hina Tachibana's affair. The next day, their parents decided to formally file their marriage at the city administration. Both also wanted to celebrate their remarriage by eating at night and asked their children to take care of the house. Inexperienced as she is, Hina gladly accepted to cook for them since she's the oldest yet their mother doubted her daughter's capabilities.
The sudden event got Natsuo feeling excited to see Hina's cooking, surprised to see that she cooked delicious foods with Rui. Although it was Rui's talent and Hina just done the littlest effort with chopping tomatoes and stuff. Yet Natsuo was more impressed of Rui's talent in the kitchen which made her blush for his praise and also life savingly commended Hina's collaboration.
Afterward, Rui headed back to her room to read, leaving Natsuo and Hina alone in the kitchen. While they were having a conversation and teasing one another, Hina lost her balance and Natsuo caught her in time. A sudden pause made them look eye to eye then was interrupted by a call from Hina's phone from Shu Hagiwara. Her tone swiftly changed to more serious and ended the call stated she needs to head outside to meet him at the front gate. Natsuo wanted to follow her although she asked her to stay indoor since it would be quick. The nippy time she told became an hour and Natsuo was still waiting for her to return until he decided to go outside. Yet he heard Hina's voice saying "I've had enough!" as she burst the door open; her face told everything, her body shaking even if she said she's fine.
Suddenly the doorbell rang, Natsuo thought it was Hina's lover, she kept on telling him it's fine. Natsuo drastically asked her the problem until Rui came down to see what was happening. Unbeknownst to what is beyond the door, Rui opened it since it endlessly rung, and the person they' expected it to be was actually their parents who were drunk with gifts for their children. The heavy atmosphere shifted quickly after seeing their parents, not knowing Hina was holding her emotion at the time being and headed back to her room.
The next day after school, Natsuo headed into the L'amant Restaurant to share his anxiousness of Hina's love life to Fumiya Kurimoto. His best friend iterated that it was somewhat jealousy, although his point was about the people asking advice from the Boss, especially the one man with his mistress. Later on, as they narrated the certain situation with Natsuo somehow filling the blanks correctly, it all turned out into some half time comedy scene with Boss and Fumiya fighting over their husband: Natsuo.
Later on, Fumiya accompanied Natsuo after his shift. They both traversed a street when Fumiya pointed his finger towards the woman whom he was stating earlier at the restaurant; it was Hina who seem to be heading home after exiting from the front seat of a black car. A man with neck length blonde hair was at the driver's seat which Hina was talking to until the mirror was shut close. He had a bad feeling and the pieces of every detail he has are forming into an awful image.
Alone in his dark room and sitting at his bed with his mind at deep thought, Natsuo finally figured everything.
Natsuo's First Kiss[]
In the late night, he proceeded to Hina's room to finally ask if she's having an affair.
"I plan on leaving my wife. But it just can't be right away..."
As he spoke the line, it surprised her. Hina looked away, she paused for a moment, and gave her undeterred answer, she doesn't want to give up at all. Their conversation came to a point of no return and Natsuo couldn't control his emotion as he literally kissed his step sister. Hina pushed him back and slapped him. But then Hina kissed Natsuo and pushed him down her bed. She untied his shirt's upper button to make him realize his mistake and giving him a lecture that he's still an immature brat. Thinking about their difference of thoughts, Natsuo went back to his room and cried out his pain away.
Natsuo Runs Away.[]
Natsuo decided to run away from their house into Fumiya's apartment the next day. The only reminder he gave to his family was a piece of paper telling his intention to stay at his best friend. Neither he could not bring himself to tell his parents about the truth, instead, he called for a better way by cooling things off a bit and think the best course of action. This, however, gave risk to their parent's remarriage as both of them realized that their sudden decisions it resulted in this. As for them and Rui, Hina's expression was different, the latter figured she had an idea for his action.
For the rest of the day, Natsuo lied down at Fumiya's room in the same position where his friend left him. Going to school for the moment was not an option since he'd see her after all. Later on, Fumiya returned home earlier from his shift at L'amant. He refused to say anything to his friend, worried and regretted what he did to her. Fumiya thought that Natsuo would be giving up on Hina, which he sees a big opportunity for his plan to court her. His wild imagination somehow ended up for Natsuo to hold him down, instead, it was the latter that got wrestled into the ground. He encouraged him to not waste the time cooping at the floor and use his energy to write his novels. His problem even blocked his sense that only his friend gave him the lecture to focus on to become a novelist.
Without any doubt, Natsuo started writing the next day. Later in the afternoon, he took a break and looked past the window. The clouds were dark, the rain poured heavily, and the single thing his eyes set into was a girl in uniform with an umbrella while searching for someone; it was Rui. She was fixated to what she's doing, also bizarrely looking below a parked sedan. It only took a moment for her to gaze above a lit window and saw Natsuo staring back at her. She's probably looking for him after knowing Natsuo stayed at his friend's apartment.
Rui asked her to let her enter the apartment too, but Natsuo can't give the answer since he's not the owner. Afterward, Rui decided to look for an internet cafe to stay but he stopped her, and let her wait for him at the entrance. She asked him right away his reason for leaving, linking the situation with her sister. Fumiya's mother appeared at their location, she asked the two teenagers of their relationship and found out Rui was the youngest; her pout was also cute.
Afterward, Mrs. Fumiya allowed her to stay inside too. Natsuo realized his decision was really reckless after seeing Rui's completely soaked shoes and socks, he never thought the latter would go this far to care for him. Mrs. Fumiya could, later on, offer them a hot tea, and the two headed into his best friend's room. In the nick of time, Fumiya arrived, shocked to his approach to see a girl inside his room.
As the sky changed from sunset to nighttime, the rain came to its end, and the three kept themselves inside of Fumiya's room. Rui was dressed into her fancy pajamas. She was totally prepared for her boycott plan even she said it was sudden. Leaving everything aside, Fumiya slid his tongue as he recklessly spoke about Rui and Natsuo's first meet up. Although, she never think as a bother after knowing Fumiya's not at the same school.
They finally headed straight to the problem at hand as Rui mentioned she knew everything about her sister. She even made the same move like Natsuo, it also ended up with the same outcome, she only wanted to see her sister back from who she was. Fumiya asked Natsuo and Rui for their true plans, he really wanted for Hina and her lover to break up. As both parties have benefit for their plan's output, Rui and Natsuo accepted Fumiya's strategy by first finding the person their sister's in an affair with.
All plans were set so the two headed back home that night. They were both approached by their parents who were silently sitting until they turned the lights at the living room. Both felt relieved to see them back, a divorce paper was idle at the table top waiting to be filled up, but Rui and Natsuo cleared their true intention. His father wanted him to vent his problem to them instead of leaving their house, but for the current situation, it'd be better to keep it all secret. Suddenly, Hina rushed to the area expressing her relief to see them, especially Natsuo. She fell into the floor, apologizing for her actions instead.
Natsuo and Hina encountered one another at the staircase the next day. The latter greeted him for the morning but he made nothing for an expression and passed by as he returned her greeting. He sat next to Rui at the dining and both have the impression to execute their plan in the afternoon.
All started from the stand-up bar of past school hours to the live comedy the next day, and at a certain populated street where she met a student asking for advice; their attempt to lure Hina's lover was a complete failure. They clearly struggled to achieve their mission objective. Their endgame was to sneak into the bath while Hina was bathing to take her phone. Afterward, Rui tried to call Shū Hagiwara with her sister's phone as they intend to make a break up as she mimicked Hina's voice; it still failed at all.
Natsuo and Rui Meet Hina's Boyfriend.[]
The next day, Rui and Natsuo rested their face at L'amant telling their captain (Fumiya) they failed the mission. The boss bumped into the conversation after knowing the problem but Natsuo doesn't want him to. He rather told them how great and radiant their youth is as if he felt some regret from his past. Suddenly, Natsuo and Rui were surprised to see Hina and Shu together after entering the bar. The bar's atmosphere suddenly got tensed, Natsuo thought it was the best time to tell them to break up but Boss Marie interrupted. He asked both parties to seat at the farthest corner so they can talk this better and not to give other customers the feeling of disturbed. He also offered them a Neapolitan Noodles to calm Natsuo.
Shu introduced himself despite the pressure from Natsuo and Rui were giving. He also added they were dating for exactly two years. Rui then interrupted him and asked whose fault and initiator. Although they admitted none of them did, Shu took the fault for it and apologized. Hina's face gave way for Natsuo to know what she really felt as she gazes down; a habit she does every time she's in discomfort. Natsuo was also frustrated after Shu thought it'd been best if they told their relationship to them immediately rather than getting caught. She also asked him if he will be happy once his divorce will be complete; he got him by the tongue and wasn't able to respond at all.
The conversation continued until the detested Rui couldn't handle her temper anymore. She ran off the restaurant after throwing her glass of water to Shu's face, Natsuo was surprised to her actions but he rushed to her side instead. Rui ran as fast as she can into certain upper streets where they finally stopped. Had he not done it, Rui said she was ready to pull the trigger, and finally loosened all her disgust and anger. She cried as hard as she can while Natsuo only comforted her since it's the only part he could do for Rui.
The next day, Natsuo woke up, he headed straight to the bath to wash his sleepy face. Shocked to what he saw was Rui with her bad bed hair; freckled hair but less messy than Natsuo's. Her eyes were surely dry and swollen, a hint she really cried hard that night.
Afterward, the two proceeded to the dining room and sat at their own chairs. They're more surprised to the large scribble of a flower centered at the 12th of May; Mother's Day. Hina joined the conversation when she entered the dining too. She asked her little sister to come with her buy presents. Rui straightly answered her with a no as she dropped her bowl and went straight to her room upstairs. The incident surely affected their sisterly relationship is given how Rui avoided her completely and Hina's reaction from her answer. She also asked Natsuo to keep her company which he also rejected. He was clearly had a goal for the day with his father ask him to give his regards. After that, Natsuo headed out to his destination, Hina, on the other hand, was filled with info to where he's going.
Natsuo arrived at the cemetery where his mother rests. He carried a water bucket and spade to her grave to wash it; a traditional Japanese culture when visiting a tomb of relatives. Afterward, he met Hina and Rui who followed him with presents for Natsuo's mother. Natsuo was surprised to see them together after Rui rejected her offer that morning. Then he was filled with the info that Hina finally decided to break up with Shu as she concluded that Natsuo and Rui are one of the most important people to her; stating she couldn't fathom to hurt the members of her family. Rui also responded to Hina with a happy expression- the first time Natsuo saw her great smile. After that, Rui and Hina placed their presents to his mother's grave, introducing themselves, and asked her to guide and watch over them.
The Breakup Between Hina and Shu.[]
After Hina's breakup with Shū, Natsuo found himself at a crossroads, faced with the possibility of pursuing the woman he had long admired. However, doubt gnawed at him—was this truly the right time? His uncertainty deepened one evening when he unintentionally witnessed Hina, lost in thought, murmuring her ex’s name while absentmindedly touching herself. The moment left him shaken, a stark reminder that her heart might still be tethered to the past.
Yet, as time passed and the weight of her previous relationship faded, Hina gradually began to rediscover herself. Free from the burdens of her past, she started to embrace life with a newfound lightness, allowing herself to be more present. Natsuo, ever observant, couldn’t help but notice the change—how she smiled more easily, how laughter came to her more naturally.
With each passing day, Hina seemed to open up to him more and more. Their conversations grew deeper, and the walls she once kept between them slowly began to crumble. Though he was still uncertain about where he stood in her heart, one thing became clear—his presence in her life was no longer just that of a student admiring his teacher, but of someone who was becoming truly significant to her.
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 while they sat near the shore, Natsuo mustered the courage to address a lingering issue – Hina treating him like a child. In response, she admitted that she didn't see him as a child but had been deliberately keeping her distance. 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
Indirectly, Hina acknowledged her own feelings for him, suggesting that if they chose to be together, they should keep their relationship a secret. In a symbolic and dramatic moment, Hina took Natsuo's hand as they walked together towards the sea, a test of his determination and his awareness of the serious consequences of their forbidden love, which could lead to social rejection.
Finally, Natsuo, realizing the gravity of the potential consequences of their relationship, felt his resolve waver. They ended up embracing each other in a hug, seemingly accepting the challenging situation they found themselves in.
Rui's Kiss[]
As days passed, Rui sought out Natsuo and asked him for a kiss, and out rejection of what Hina told him at the beach he kisses Rui back and they later get caught by Hina, who then stormed off to her room, followed by a distraught Natsuo and Rui in her wake. But even after Natsuo confessed that contrary to appearances, his feelings for Hina hadn't changed, Hina told him that she had decided to move out of the house.
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 motives, she eventually gave into Natsuo's firm resolve and unwavering passion, admitting to Natsuo that she also was deeply in love with him. This moment marked the official beginning of their romantic relationship
The Romance 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, when they finally met, Hina told Natsuo she wanted to end 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.
One day, Natsuo noticed that Hina seemed apprehensive and anxious. In an effort to surprise her and lighten her spirits, he spontaneously arranged a trip to Nikko. During their excursion, Natsuo gently approached the source of Hina's worries. However, true to her usual hesitancy, she brushed off the issue, which eventually led to Natsuo becoming upset with her reluctance to share and involve others in her concerns, sparking an argument between them. 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 following day, Hina presented Natsuo with a ring engraved with their initials, symbolizing once again the profound bond they shared and their commitment to each other.
The Breakup[]
Then suddenly at the end of the semester, Hina resigned from her teaching position at the school without informing Natsuo about it. In a state of panic, Natsuo searched everywhere for her but couldn't locate her. Hina had vanished without a trace, leaving him completely unable to reach her. Unaware of the reasons behind Hina's sudden departure, Natsuo felt paralyzed, uncertain about his next course of action. The only message he received was a farewell note from her, pleading with him not to search for her and to forget about her entirely.
After spending weeks in seclusion in his room, it was Fumiya who managed to coax Natsuo out by asking, "Is this what Hina wanted you to do?" Despite his inner turmoil, Natsuo gradually resumed his journey as a novelist under Kiriya's mentorship. He channeled his pain and heartache into his writing, dedicating himself to become a novelist, with the hope that it might help him reconnect with Hina. The day he completed his novel marked a turning point in his life. Natsuo emerged from his room with his new work, a creation born from the depths of his struggles and pain. Kiriya, unbeknownst to Natsuo, submitted the novel to a competition, and to Natsuo's surprise, he emerged as the winner.
Weeks later, Natsuo finds Hina by chance on a trip to the island of Oshima with the book club. But Hina coldly rejects him. This led Natsuo to believe that she had already moved on and that she never took their relationship with him seriously, causing him to question the authenticity of the love they shared and her entire relationship with her. This left Natsuo in a mental state that would significantly affect his relationship with Hina from then on, with him being unable to recognize Hina's emotions. Natsuo marks his detachment from Hina by returning the ring she gave him as a symbol of their relationship.
Rui and Natsuo's Romance Begins.[]
Natsuo then finds support in Rui, beginning a new stage in manga, with the romantic relationship between Rui and Natsuo.
Novelist and Chef[]
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Dreamless People Arc[]
Fumiya Kurimoto, eager to meet women, aggressively pushes for Natsuo to host a mixer with Kasumi Hazuki and her friends. It is during this mixer that Natsuo first encounters Misaki Ogura. In a predicament that closely mirrored his original meeting with Rui, Misaki asks Natsuo if he wants to sneak off together. Natsuo declines her offer and goes on his way. Despite this, Misaki follows him all the way to his apartment. Though Natsuo does whatever he can to shrug her off, she ultimately ends up staying at the apartment with him.
The next morning, Natsuo is relieved to wake up seeing Misaki gone. Unfortunately, he enters the bathroom and walks in on her using his shower. Embarrassed, Natsuo demands that she leave immediately. Instead, Misaki leaves the bathroom wearing nothing but a towel, pushes Natsuo on the bed and attempts to seduce him. Natsuo eventually relents and pushes her away, revealing the burn scar on her face. Natsuo apologizes and inquires about the scar. Misaki explains it was from her modeling days when someone sabotaged her by putting a foreign ingredient into her moisturizer, burning her face and effectively ending her career. Though she was compensated for the incident, it was under the agreement that she keep it under wraps to prevent a scandal with the company. For the next three years afterwards, she bounced from job to job, even delving into prostitution to make ends meet. Pitying her, Natsuo allows her to stay a little longer, under the condition that she finds work and is actively looking for another place to stay. It is at this moment Kasumi sees Misaki in the street, receiving money from a strange man.
The next day, Misaki offers money to Natsuo, which he refuses because he felt wrong taking what little money she had (though just as much, he also wanted to discourage her from staying with him.) Misaki then offers to take Natsuo out on a dinner date to a fancy restaurant with a view of the city. As they enjoyed the sights, Natsuo also confides to Misaki that he has been burnt out from writing. It is at this moment Natsuo realizes that he and Misaki are both lost in emptiness. That same night, Misaki receives a phone call and apologizes to Natsuo as she leaves. She didn't return that night to the apartment, and Natsuo realizes he doesn't even have a way to contact her. The next morning, Natsuo wakes up and sees Misaki again, sleeping under the kotatsu as usual. He sees a note left by Misaki that reads "Sorry about yesterday."
Later that day, Hina Tachibana stops by Natsuo's apartment to drop off some food. To her surprise, a man unknown to her inquires her about Misaki. After claiming to not know her, the man leaves, wondering if he got the right information. This leads Hina to tell Masaki Kobayashi about the incident, which he uses his Yakuza resources to investigate.
That night, Natsuo helps train Misaki on how to interview for a job, much to his dismay since she seems to not be taking it seriously. As they're about to sleep, Misaki asks Natsuo what he plans to do after graduating college, to which he says he's unsure and is just thinking of getting a regular job. Misaki suggests to Natsuo on running away together to see the aurora borealis. Natsuo contemplates her offer as he falls asleep.
The next day, Misaki is walking around in a shopping district. She then comes upon an advertisement for a magazine she was originally supposed to be modeling for. Fast forward to that night, she arrives to Natsuo's apartment inebriated and joins him in the shower, much to Natsuo's embarrassment and protest. Misaki then attempts to seduce Natsuo in the shower, stimulating him with oral sex. Natsuo finally begins to relent and asks her if sleeping with her will make her feel any better. Although Misaki says it would, she immediately dashes to the toilet to vomit and passes out. Misaki later wakes up later on Natsuo's bed. Natsuo is worried she may have alcohol poisoning and wants to bring her to a hospital. Misaki suddenly becomes frantic and begs Natsuo to not bring her there, feigning her reasoning was because the hospital was a traumatic experience since they treated her for her burn.
The next morning, Misaki graciously thanks Natsuo for taking care of her. She was a bit relieved Natsuo wouldn't tell her to leave afterwards, which he stated he couldn't find it in him to remove her in her current state. Natsuo then heads out, leaving her home alone. A few minutes later, Natsuo returns home after forgetting his phone, stumbling upon Misaki snorting drugs. Natsuo suddenly realizes this was how Misaki became inebriated the other day and admonishes her for committing a terrible crime under his roof. Misaki retaliates by saying she sneaked some into Natsuo's food in order to blackmail him from contacting the police. Although the threat fails to intimidate him, Natsuo looks upon her scarred face and forgives her, telling her he'll let it go this once if she makes an attempt to quit. As this happens, loud banging is heard from Natsuo's door. It turns out to be Misaki's dealer who is looking for her. As the dealer starts to get rough with Natsuo, Misaki reveals herself and discusses matters with him outside. Misaki then reveals to Natsuo that she's been drug running for over a year now and is in too deep to leave. Natsuo then confiscates the drugs from her and says he'll be hiding it, and threatens to take her to the police if she gives in, regardless if he's an accomplice or not.
The next day, as Natsuo is visiting his sensei, Misaki stays at home and answers the door for Hina. Hina asks if Misaki is in some kind of trouble and is willing to help. Misaki is gracious for her offer and remarks how much alike Hina and Natsuo are.
Later that night, as Misaki is watching the cooking channel, she fights her urges to use drugs, but eventually caves in. As she searches the room, Natsuo appears and tells her he actually discarded the drugs. Misaki starts to break down and cry, telling Natsuo she's really trying to quit. After what Natsuo heard from his sensei about drug addiction, Natsuo knew he couldn't abandon her, not just out of sympathy, but because he could've just as easily been in her predicament. Natsuo tells Misaki that she needs to end this and talk to the police, which she finally agrees. As they walk towards the police station together, the dealer and his accomplices ambush them, binding and gagging them and forced them into a van.
While they are in the van, Natsuo manages to sneak a call to Hina on his phone. Later, Natsuo and Misaki are thrown on the floor of an abandoned building. The thugs interrogate them on the drugs that Misaki has been stealing on the side for herself. Misaki denies this and Natsuo supports her statement, saying that he threw away the drugs and it was only a few grams that couldn't have been worth the value that they lost. Natsuo also tells them that Misaki has been trying to change, which makes the thug laugh and explain the futility of Misaki's actions, then kicks him repeatedly afterwards. Misaki tells the thug that Natsuo was not wrong, and he believed even Misaki had a future worth living for. The thug has had enough and pulls out a pistol to silence her, explaining that even if she goes straight, having Misaki as a loose end will be bad for him and his gang. However, he then points the gun towards Natsuo, claiming he will be first.
As Misaki pleads for him to stop, Masaki Kobayashi suddenly appears with Hina behind him. Kobayashi then single-handedly dispatches the group of thugs with little effort, telling them that the gangster lifestyle isn't for them. As the leader of the thugs says Kobayashi is screwed because back up is on the way, he is shocked to see more Yakuza hanging outside the door with the supposed "backup" already been taken out.
Once the ordeal was over, Misaki reaffirms her conviction to getting clean and making a future for herself. She also reveals she lied about spiking Natsuo's food with drugs, which Natsuo already knew. Although Natsuo wants to continue helping, Kobayashi tells him to let her go, saying that this is her fight. Kobayashi states that it's okay to run from what's hurting you if it leads you to a better place, but no matter where you go, you can't run from yourself. As Misaki goes on to live her life, Natsuo resolves to go back to living his own life as well.
The Return of Hina.[]
After several months away, Hina returned from her exile on Oshima Island, but her reunion with Natsuo was far from the heartfelt moment he had imagined. Their first meeting was subdued, almost distant, as if an invisible barrier had been placed between them. Hina, maintaining her composure, gently but firmly asked Natsuo to see her only as his older sister from now on, insisting that he address her as "Hina-nee."
With those words, she made her stance unmistakably clear—whatever had happened between them in the past was to be left behind. They were now step-siblings, nothing more. Though she spoke with a calm resolve, the weight of her decision lingered in the air, leaving Natsuo to grapple with the reality of the distance she had placed between them.
Hina's Drunken Confession[]
Days later Hina visited Natsuo's apartment while intoxicated and confessed that she had always loved him. She revealed that what she had said on Oshima was a lie, only to then pass out. Natsuo was perplexed by Hina's confession but couldn't take it to heart because she was drunk, and it didn't make any sense given her total dismissal of him on Oshima and later.
Rui decided that they needed to inform Hina that they were now a couple, so after Rui confronted Hina about her relationship with Natsuo, she called Natsuo on the phone to let him know that she had discussed it with Hina, and that Hina had taken the news well. This confirmed once again for Natsuo, that Hina no longer harboured romantic feelings for him.
The Stabbing.[]
After that, Hina began dating Kengo Tanabe. 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. Where he was reminded by his mother in a dream
Natsuo's Writers Block.[]
Natsuo suffered a creative block that left him unable to write, while Rui made the decision to end her relationship with him and move to New York. Leaving Natsuo in very poor mental state, for only have Hina to help him out during this dark period of his. It was not until Shuu, Hina's ex-boyfriend, revealed to Natsuo that, despite everything, Hina was still in love with Natsuo and as difficult it was for Natsuo to accept this confession, given his painful separation from Hina in the past.
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 spent time together, playing and reminiscing in the park, the warmth of the moment made him decide it was time to confront her about her true feelings, noticed while addressing her just as Hina. However, when he finally asked, Hina responded evasively, her expression shifting in a way that sent a chill through him. It was the same guarded look she had worn when she rejected him on Oshima—a mask carefully put in place to conceal whatever emotions lay beneath.
That moment of hesitation, that subtle but undeniable distance, only confirmed Natsuo’s suspicions. It reinforced his belief that Hina saw him solely as her brother, that whatever feelings she once had for him had long since faded. Though he had hoped for a different answer, her reaction left little room for doubt—at least, that’s what he forced himself to believe.
Natsuo's Decision[]
Believing that Hina regarded him solely as a brother, Natsuo decided to reconcile with Rui in New York. After a romantic night and an unfortunate condom mishap that resulted in Rui becoming pregnant, they made the joint decision to get married. However, their happiness was marred by a shocking incident when a journalist/paparazzi named Okunugi, who held a grudge against Hina, attempted to harm her in a car accident that left her in a coma.
The Ending[]
At the hospital, Natsuo received a visit from his mentors, Reiji Kariya and Masaki Kobayashi, who unveiled the truth about Hina's forced breakup and her genuine feelings for him. This revelation triggered a catharsis in Natsuo, unlocking his suppressed emotions and making him realize that his feelings for Hina had never truly disappeared, despite everything that had transpired. This transformation was reflected in his changed treatment towards her, shifting from addressing her as "Hina-nee" (like a sister) to simply "Hina," reminiscent of when they were a couple.
Upon learning the truth, Natsuo and Rui not only decided to call off their wedding but also chose to end their romantic relationship. However, they remained good friends and united in their unwavering support for Hina during her difficult time.
During the years when Hina remained in a coma, serving as a continuous wellspring of inspiration for Natsuo, he ascended to fame and recognition as a writer, ultimately achieving both his and Hina's shared dream.
Remarkably, Hina eventually emerged from her coma, and although she initially had reservations to Natsuo's wish to marry her, she ultimately agreed to marry him. A significant factor in her decision was the persistent encouragement from Rui, who finally understood the deep love Hina felt for Natsuo and comprehended that only Hina could truly bring the profound happiness that Natsuo deserved. It became evident that Natsuo had never truly ceased to love Hina, despite having suppressed his feelings for her since their breakup.
In the end, Natsuo and Hina marry happily. Natsuo presents Hina with his latest masterpiece, "Domestic Na Kanojo," a work inspired by their shared history and experiences.
Etymology[]
- The name Natsuo means "summer" (夏) (natsu) and "life, living" (生) (o).
- Natsuo's surname Fujii means "wisteria" (藤) (fuji) and "well, mine shaft, pit" (井) (i).
Trivia[]
- As the series starts, Natsuo is 17 years old.
- Coincidentally, just like his wife, Natsuo also has also been through a coma.