Aya Hasebe is a character who appears in the second season of the anime adaptation. She is a young woman deeply involved in the world of doujinshi, or self-published comics, and is known for her quiet and exceedingly timid demeanor. Her physical appearance is characterized by black hair, which she typically wears in a side ponytail, and black eyes. She is considered quite attractive, yet her personality often causes her to be overlooked by others.

Aya's defining trait is her extreme shyness, which borders on a lack of personal presence. This trait is so pronounced that other characters have nicknamed it Stealth Aya, as strangers frequently fail to notice her even when she is in plain sight. At a crowded convention, there will be crowds around the tables next to hers while the space in front of her remains empty unless someone actively draws attention to her work. She has a habit of getting peoples attention not by calling out, but by gently pulling on their shirtsleeve. Despite her difficulty with self-promotion, Aya is an exceptionally gifted artist. Her artistic ability is considered to be among the best in her social circle, and the quality of her work is easily good enough to be sold professionally. Her doujinshi circle is called Jamming Book Store, where she creates original stories and artwork. Her books are priced very low, yet she still struggles to make sales because her reserved nature prevents her from attracting customers to her table.

Her motivations are centered on her passion for creating comics. However, she is held back by a critical lack of self-esteem and an inability to assert herself in the fast-paced, competitive environment of large comic markets. She finds it difficult to express her personal opinions and often needs to be encouraged by her friends to take action or to showcase her work. In the narrative, Aya serves as a gentle and talented artist whose potential is largely unseen due to her crippling shyness. Her role often involves other characters, particularly the protagonist Kazuki Sendo, stepping in to help her sell her books and to recognize the value of her art. Kazuki is a key figure who genuinely admires her artwork and creative storytelling, making a consistent effort to support her. Her relationships with others are defined by her quiet nature, as she relies on non-verbal cues like sleeve-tugs to communicate.

Throughout the story, Aya experiences personal growth as she gradually gains more confidence in her abilities. She begins to step out of her shell and becomes more assured in her identity as a creator, receiving recognition and appreciation from her peers. This development is significant as it shows her learning to find her own voice and make an impact through her art, despite being an introverted individual. Her notable ability is her incredible skill as an illustrator and storyteller. She has a natural talent for creating complex and emotionally resonant work, with her art often exploring themes of isolation and loneliness, drawing from her own experiences as a shy and sensitive person. This artistic prowess is her greatest strength, even if her personality prevents her from capitalizing on it without assistance.