Yoriko Fukase, a middle school student, has been Miyo Sasaki’s closest friend since elementary school, when Miyo shielded her from bullies—a defining moment that forged their unshakable bond. Reserved yet perceptive, Yoriko balances intelligence with practicality, her calm demeanor masking profound care for Miyo. She serves as a grounding force, tempering Miyo’s impulsiveness with steady counsel. Bullied in elementary school for her glasses and "nerdy" traits, Yoriko grew introverted until Miyo’s intervention. Over time, she became Miyo’s confidante, offering solace during her parents’ divorce and clashes with her stepmother. Yoriko persistently urges Miyo to approach problems thoughtfully, especially regarding her reckless pursuit of classmate Kento Hinode. Sporting a short bob with square bangs and olive eyes, Yoriko is often in her school uniform. She joins Kento and others for rooftop lunches, fostering connections beyond Miyo. Subtle exchanges with classmate Masamichi Isami hint at mutual attraction, culminating in a post-credits scene suggesting budding romance. Her surname, Fukase (深瀬), merges "deep" and "swift current," while Yoriko (頼子) means "child who relies on others"—echoing her early reliance on Miyo and her evolution into a pillar of support. Though composed, she occasionally wrestles with anxiety, particularly when navigating social tensions or Miyo’s emotional turbulence.