TV-Series
Description
Hiroe Hannen is a tall young woman with a height of 167 centimeters and a slim, well-proportioned figure. She has a pretty face and a naturally good physique, though she initially conceals these attributes under simple sweatshirts printed with cute animal designs. Her appearance undergoes a dramatic change when a friend helps her with clothing and makeup, revealing a stylish and beautiful older sister-like image that surprises even those close to her.

Born on January 9, Hiroe is characterized by extreme shyness and significant difficulty with social interaction, a condition even more pronounced than that of other timid characters in her circle. She experiences intense anxiety when leaving her apartment or meeting new people, feeling easily overwhelmed by confident or outgoing individuals. Despite this crippling shyness, her underlying personality is kind, gentle, and easily influenced by the encouragement of her friends.

Hiroe's background stands in stark contrast to her present circumstances. During her high school years, she was an exceptional student who consistently ranked at the top of her class and served as the student council president. Her life took a dramatic turn due to a traumatic accident on the morning of her university entrance exams. Slipping on ice during a heavy snowstorm in front of her own house, she was trapped under the snow for two hours before being rescued. This incident caused her to fall ill with a severe cold, forcing her to miss not only her first-choice exams but also her backup options. The trauma from this event instilled a deep-seated phobia of snow, leaving her unable to eat or sleep properly during winter weather. Feeling awkward and burdened by guilt toward the juniors who had admired her, she chose not to retake the exams the following year and instead moved far from her hometown. She relocated to Temari Heights with the goal of attending a university where a professor she respected taught, but upon arriving, her withdrawal deepened. She became a recluse, rarely leaving her room beyond taking out the trash, and relied entirely on online shopping for all her needs, leading to her apartment becoming cluttered with delivery boxes.

Within the story, Hiroe serves as a parallel figure to the protagonist, sharing the experience of being a retaker who has fallen behind her peers. She lives in the same apartment building and forms a crucial bond with Hana Ichinose, as their similar circumstances—both having missed their entrance exams—create a foundation of mutual understanding and trust. Initially, she is so paranoid that she mistakes Hana for an intruder, but this misunderstanding is quickly resolved. Through this new friendship, she slowly begins to expand her world. Her relationships are key to her development; the fashionable Eiko Tokura takes her under her wing, providing guidance on clothing and makeup that helps boost Hiroe's self-esteem. In return, Hiroe's most notable ability is her exceptional academic skill and talent as a teacher. Despite her years of isolation, her sharp mind has not dulled, and she patiently helps her friends study for exams, explaining concepts with remarkable clarity. Furthermore, she possesses surprising physical stamina, able to run multiple laps around a park without fatigue, which surprises her more active friends.

Throughout the story, Hiroe experiences significant development, gradually overcoming her fears with the support of her companions. Her progress is marked by small but important victories, beginning with the simple act of going to a convenience store and eventually progressing to attending a preparatory school to improve her academic standing. She transitions from a life of complete isolation to actively engaging with the world, illustrating a slow but steady journey of recovery and personal growth.