Ichirō Kuga became the primary guardian for his younger siblings, Machi and Fumio, after their father's death and their mother's absence. To support them, he works as a mangaka under the pen name Kokone Momoty. He initially created shōnen manga before switching to shōjo manga serialized in Monthly Anko magazine. Driven by the need to fund his siblings' education and living expenses, Ichirō works long hours, often overnight, to meet deadlines, shaping his early adulthood with financial strain and relentless dedication.
Physically, Ichirō has messy black hair, brown eyes, and an average build. He typically wears casual clothing like a brown shirt with blue pants or a light blue sweater with dark blue trousers, reflecting his practical nature.
Ichirō's personality centers on a strong sense of responsibility, quiet determination, and observant nature. He is deeply protective of Machi and Fumio, prioritizing their well-being above his own. Despite a laid-back exterior, he avoids relying on others and shoulders burdens alone—a flaw noted by Machi. He is easily embarrassed, especially about his pen name, and remains reserved in personal interactions. Professionally, he shows meticulous attention to detail in his manga, though early struggles with storytelling and deadlines revealed his insecurities.
His life shifts dramatically upon meeting Shiori Goshiki, an assistant hired to aid his work. After accidentally touching a stinger on her back—later revealed as part of her extraterrestrial biology as a princess of the "Star People"—Ichirō becomes bound to her through a supernatural marriage contract. This bond physically harms him if they separate, forcing close proximity. Initially skeptical and overwhelmed by the sudden engagement, Ichirō agrees to Shiori's suggestion to build a genuine relationship starting as friends. Their forced proximity evolves into mutual respect and affection, with Ichirō gradually acknowledging his feelings. He confesses his love, leading to a committed relationship, marriage, and the birth of their daughter, Ichika.
Within his family, Ichirō shares a supportive dynamic. Machi assists with his manga through character coloring and encourages his relationship with Shiori, while Fumio openly admires his brother's work. Ichirō reciprocates their devotion, creating a personalized Tarot deck for Machi's fortune-telling hobby that incorporates symbols from their shared experiences. His cousin, Chihiro Ibusuki, initially harbored romantic feelings but transitions to a supportive role after accepting his relationship with Shiori. Ichirō also maintains a mentorship bond with fellow mangaka Momoka Morikuni, whom he affectionately calls "Moka-nee," as she inspired his career debut.
Throughout his journey, Ichirō evolves from an isolated, self-reliant individual into someone who embraces interdependence, learning to accept help from Shiori and others. His relationship with Shiori resolves his professional struggles and enriches his emotional life, allowing him to balance familial duties with personal happiness. By the series' conclusion, his character arc culminates in a stable family life marked by resilience and fulfillment.