Lee Taehi, more commonly known simply as Sakaki, is a central character whose narrative is defined by the striking contrast between how others perceive her and who she truly is. She is introduced as an exceptionally tall high school student, standing at 174 centimeters, with a quiet, stoic demeanor that her classmates misinterpret as cool, mysterious, and intimidating. This reputation is reinforced by her natural athletic ability, which allows her to dominate school sports events, and her reserved, soft-spoken nature, which others mistake for aloofness. In reality, Sakaki is profoundly shy, gentle, and emotionally sensitive. She rarely speaks not out of a desire to seem distant, but because of her deep introversion and discomfort with her own physical appearance. She struggles with her height and full figure, secretly wishing she could be small, soft, and adorable like her much younger classmate Chiyo Mihama. Her most defining motivation is her intense, almost obsessive love for all things cute, particularly animals and especially cats. She collects and makes stuffed animals, fills her living space with cat-themed items, and dreams of one day being able to freely pet and care for real cats. However, this passion is a source of quiet frustration and comedy, as most cats, particularly a malicious neighborhood stray she nicknames Kamineko, react to her with aggression, biting or scratching her whenever she attempts to approach them. This recurring gag underscores her inner longing and the disconnect between her outward appearance and her soft heart.

Sakaki's role in the story is that of a kind, gentle presence within the main group of friends, often serving as a silent anchor. She is the object of admiration for many of her female classmates, most notably Kaorin, who harbors an intense, unrequited crush on her. Her key relationships include her bond with Chiyo Mihama, whose innocence and small stature Sakaki envies, but whose dog, Mr. Tadakichi, provides her with one of the few safe outlets for her affection for animals. She also develops a friendly athletic rivalry with Kagura, who joins her class in the second year. This rivalry is largely one-sided, as Sakaki has little personal interest in sports but naturally excels. Her relationship with her other classmates, Tomo Takino and Koyomi Yomi Mizuhara, is one of patient tolerance, as she rarely reacts to Tomo's antics, further cementing her mystique. Her teacher, Yukari Tanizaki, values her as a reliable asset for school competitions.

Over the course of her three years of high school, Sakaki experiences quiet but meaningful development. Her journey is largely centered on reconciling her inner self with her external image and finding a way to pursue her true passions. The turning point occurs during a class trip to Okinawa, where she encounters a baby Iriomote mountain cat that allows her to pet it, marking the first time a cat has not bitten her. This experience deepens her connection to animals. In her final year, that same Iriomote mountain cat, whose mother has died, travels from Okinawa to Tokyo to find her. She names the cat Maya, and after initially keeping it at Chiyo's home due to her mother's allergies, Sakaki decides to pursue a career that aligns with her love of cute things, such as a veterinarian, a florist, or a plushie salesperson. She successfully gains admission to a veterinary college, secures her own apartment, and is finally able to live with Maya. The series concludes with her graduation, having shed her mysterious persona and grown into a more confident young woman ready to embrace her true self. Her notable abilities include her superior athleticism and physical coordination, as well as a talent for drawing, often creating detailed pictures of cats. Ultimately, her most remarkable quality is her gentle resilience and her unwavering, tender-hearted nature.