Hana Ichinose is the central figure of her story. She is a high school student with short, pink hair, often styled with a distinctive V-shaped tie on the right side. Born on April 6, she stands 154 centimeters tall. Her age at the start of her high school career is 17, which is one year older than her classmates.

This age difference is the most significant aspect of Hana’s background. Before her first attempt at high school entrance examinations, she contracted a severe case of the mumps. The illness prevented her from taking the tests, forcing her into an unplanned gap year as a middle school ronin, a term for a student who has failed an entrance exam and is studying to retake it. Hana was deeply distressed by this turn of events; she missed her graduation ceremony with her peers and spent much of her subsequent time at home in self-imposed isolation. To provide her with a fresh start and a new environment, her mother arranged for Hana to move away from her family home and live independently at an apartment complex called Temari Heights, which is managed by her older cousin, Shion Kyozuka.

Personality-wise, Hana is characterized as gentle, kind, and deeply caring toward others, but also notably shy and lacking in self-confidence. She is very sensitive, prone to worry, and has a tendency to overthink situations, often imagining the worst possible outcomes. Her classmate and friend, Tamate Momochi, has playfully described her as a bit troublesome. Hana is easily flustered and can be brought to tears by unexpected events or teasing from her close friends. Because she is so conscious of being a repeater, she initially hides this fact from her new classmates, a secret that becomes a source of considerable anxiety and guilt for her.

Hana’s central motivation is to navigate her new high school life without her painful past as a ronin being discovered. She longs for a normal, happy student experience and deeply cherishes the friendships she begins to form. Her role in the story is that of an everywoman whose slow and sometimes awkward journey of growth is the primary focus. As she builds a routine with her new friends, including the energetic Tamate, the mature and teasing Eiko Tokura, and the small but food-loving Kamuri Sengoku, Hana slowly learns to move beyond her anxieties. Her key relationships with these three girls are the heart of the narrative; their unconditional acceptance and daily kindness provide the support she needs to eventually confront her deeply held secret.

Throughout the story, Hana undergoes a significant personal development. She transitions from a girl paralyzed by shame about her past to one who can face it openly. Her fear of rejection by her friends if they learn the truth is a major internal conflict. This culminates in a moment of confession, where she reveals her status as a repeater, and is met not with judgment but with understanding and continued friendship. This experience allows her to finally let go of her burden and grow more confident and secure in her place at school.

In terms of notable abilities, Hana possesses a sharp intellect and is an exceptional student, with a particular aptitude for mathematics. Her year of seclusion was spent almost entirely on studying, which dramatically improved her academic skills. She is also a patient and effective tutor, able to explain concepts clearly to her friends. This academic strength contrasts sharply with her physical condition; her sedentary year left her with very poor stamina and athletic ability. She struggles with simple physical tasks and is notably uncoordinated at sports, a weakness that is a source of humor and gentle encouragement from her cousin Shion.