TV-Series
Description
Mitsuru Horikawa balances high school studies with a part-time job at the traditional wagashi shop Ryokusho, saving diligently for university tuition. Coming from a family with four younger siblings, she matured early, managing significant household responsibilities without complaint, especially after her grandmother's passing. Her grandmother's past assistance to the Irino family established the connection that led Mitsuru to Ryokusho.
Physically, she has black hair, typically styled in a ponytail featuring a distinctive ahoge and often tied with a ribbon. Her eyes are depicted as blue or violet. She is frequently seen in her school uniform or her Ryokusho work attire, including an apron and sometimes a bandana. Beyond her shop duties, Mitsuru creates handmade accessories sold at Ryokusho, which gained unexpected popularity. She also occasionally tutors Itsuka Yukihira academically.
A significant, hidden aspect of her life is her identity as "Neon," an online musician performing original guitar compositions while masked. This passion began in middle school when a friend taught her guitar; she later purchased her own instrument with earnings from Ryokusho. Music serves as her private emotional release, letting her express suppressed feelings. Her dual life became public when customers recognized her handmade accessories in Neon's videos, leading to disruptive calls to the shop. Fearing parental disappointment and burdening the Irino family, she attempted to quit both music and her job.
Nagomu Irino intervened, advocating for her with her mother and triggering a family confrontation. During this, Mitsuru confessed her desire for a professional music career. Her parents reacted angrily to her secrecy but affirmed their support after viewing her videos. The incident inadvertently boosted Ryokusho's publicity. Following this resolution, Mitsuru developed unreciprocated romantic feelings for Nagomu, processing this through her music and creating a chestnut-themed accessory for him. Her birthdate is August 21, making her zodiac sign Leo.
Physically, she has black hair, typically styled in a ponytail featuring a distinctive ahoge and often tied with a ribbon. Her eyes are depicted as blue or violet. She is frequently seen in her school uniform or her Ryokusho work attire, including an apron and sometimes a bandana. Beyond her shop duties, Mitsuru creates handmade accessories sold at Ryokusho, which gained unexpected popularity. She also occasionally tutors Itsuka Yukihira academically.
A significant, hidden aspect of her life is her identity as "Neon," an online musician performing original guitar compositions while masked. This passion began in middle school when a friend taught her guitar; she later purchased her own instrument with earnings from Ryokusho. Music serves as her private emotional release, letting her express suppressed feelings. Her dual life became public when customers recognized her handmade accessories in Neon's videos, leading to disruptive calls to the shop. Fearing parental disappointment and burdening the Irino family, she attempted to quit both music and her job.
Nagomu Irino intervened, advocating for her with her mother and triggering a family confrontation. During this, Mitsuru confessed her desire for a professional music career. Her parents reacted angrily to her secrecy but affirmed their support after viewing her videos. The incident inadvertently boosted Ryokusho's publicity. Following this resolution, Mitsuru developed unreciprocated romantic feelings for Nagomu, processing this through her music and creating a chestnut-themed accessory for him. Her birthdate is August 21, making her zodiac sign Leo.