OVA
Description
Haruki Nakayama, a 22-year-old graduate student, founded the band Given (originally The Seasons), recruiting high school guitarist Ritsuka Uenoyama and college drummer Akihiko Kaji. He serves as the bassist while also managing the band's public relations and social media. Tall with long light brown hair usually clipped back from his forehead and tied behind his head, he favors casual attire like hoodies and trousers and plays a distinctive maple-colored Fender Jazz Bass.
Personality-wise, Haruki appears kind, cheerful, and nurturing. He frequently mediates conflicts between bandmates and supports their endeavors, habitually humming while playing bass and enjoying spoiling friends, especially Akihiko. Beneath this carefree exterior, he conceals persistent insecurities about his musical abilities compared to bandmates he perceives as naturally talented. He habitually masks negative emotions like sadness or anger behind smiles, prioritizing others' needs over his own. His stable family background—parents, a sister, and a niece—fosters his view of the band as a familial unit needing protection.
His backstory includes prior bands ending poorly: one disbanded after he dated a member, and another dissolved due to internal conflicts. These failures fuel his determination to maintain Given as the stable "home" he built. When feeling disconnected from Akihiko, whom he secretly loved for two years, or inadequate, he briefly considered supporting another band but ultimately prioritized Given's cohesion, viewing music as essential communication for their bond.
Haruki's romantic arc with Akihiko began with unrequited feelings, complicated by Akihiko's volatile relationship with violinist Ugetsu Murata. After Akihiko was kicked out of his apartment, he confessed awareness of Haruki's feelings, leading to a non-consensual sexual encounter that strained their dynamic. Haruki allowed Akihiko temporary residence, stating he would have refused without their band connection. During cohabitation, Haruki's suppressed emotions surfaced, causing poor bass playing during practice. Akihiko attributed this to a lack of focus and urged Haruki to concentrate solely on their music partnership, which inadvertently helped Haruki regain confidence.
Their relationship evolved when Akihiko permanently ended ties with Ugetsu, moved out, and committed to violin studies. Months later, Akihiko confessed his love, acknowledged past childishness, and vowed self-improvement to deserve Haruki. They began dating, though Haruki continued grappling with self-worth tied to being needed. After Given's major performances, he briefly supported another band but maintained Given as his priority. His development emphasizes reconciling his nurturing nature with acknowledging his own value beyond supporting others.
Personality-wise, Haruki appears kind, cheerful, and nurturing. He frequently mediates conflicts between bandmates and supports their endeavors, habitually humming while playing bass and enjoying spoiling friends, especially Akihiko. Beneath this carefree exterior, he conceals persistent insecurities about his musical abilities compared to bandmates he perceives as naturally talented. He habitually masks negative emotions like sadness or anger behind smiles, prioritizing others' needs over his own. His stable family background—parents, a sister, and a niece—fosters his view of the band as a familial unit needing protection.
His backstory includes prior bands ending poorly: one disbanded after he dated a member, and another dissolved due to internal conflicts. These failures fuel his determination to maintain Given as the stable "home" he built. When feeling disconnected from Akihiko, whom he secretly loved for two years, or inadequate, he briefly considered supporting another band but ultimately prioritized Given's cohesion, viewing music as essential communication for their bond.
Haruki's romantic arc with Akihiko began with unrequited feelings, complicated by Akihiko's volatile relationship with violinist Ugetsu Murata. After Akihiko was kicked out of his apartment, he confessed awareness of Haruki's feelings, leading to a non-consensual sexual encounter that strained their dynamic. Haruki allowed Akihiko temporary residence, stating he would have refused without their band connection. During cohabitation, Haruki's suppressed emotions surfaced, causing poor bass playing during practice. Akihiko attributed this to a lack of focus and urged Haruki to concentrate solely on their music partnership, which inadvertently helped Haruki regain confidence.
Their relationship evolved when Akihiko permanently ended ties with Ugetsu, moved out, and committed to violin studies. Months later, Akihiko confessed his love, acknowledged past childishness, and vowed self-improvement to deserve Haruki. They began dating, though Haruki continued grappling with self-worth tied to being needed. After Given's major performances, he briefly supported another band but maintained Given as his priority. His development emphasizes reconciling his nurturing nature with acknowledging his own value beyond supporting others.