Kento Hinode is a middle school student from Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, living in a joint family home with his grandparents, mother, older sister Yumi, and his deceased father. As the sole male heir, he shoulders responsibilities in the family's pottery workshop. He assists his grandfather there and cultivates a personal passion for ceramics, creating tension with his mother's insistence that he prioritize academics for future financial security. His sister Yumi presents a contrast, often lounging or performing minimal chores, while Kento remains diligent. Physically, Kento has short black hair, large eyes, and average height. He keeps a neat appearance, typically meticulous in his school uniform. Miyo Sasaki considers him cute. Kento presents as reserved and introverted at school, opening up only to close friends like Masamichi Isami. He struggles with emotional expression and dislikes pushy behavior, reacting with public rejection when Miyo's love letter is read aloud. He declares he hates her to save face, though this stems from embarrassment rather than true animosity. He later confesses to Miyo in her cat form "Tarō" that he regrets his words and does not actually dislike her. While he admires Miyo's openness, he feels unable to emulate it. A calm exterior coexists with underlying stress from family expectations and grief over his father. His central relationship involves Miyo Sasaki, whom he initially calls "Muge" like classmates. Unaware that the stray cat he names Tarō (after his deceased dog) is Miyo transformed, he confides in this cat about his struggles, including the pottery workshop's impending closure. He notes Tarō "smells like the sun," later recognizing this scent on Miyo. This bond with Tarō facilitates his gradual emotional vulnerability, culminating in a confession of genuine feelings for Miyo after rescuing her from permanent cat transformation. He ultimately reciprocates her romantic feelings and adopts her playful "Hinode Sunrise Attack" gesture. His friendship with Masamichi Isami provides stability, often seen together at school. He also interacts amicably with Yoriko Fukase during breaks. Kento's character shifts from emotional repression toward vulnerability. His interactions with Tarō lower his defenses, allowing him to acknowledge his care for Miyo despite embarrassment. After Miyo's disappearance, he actively participates in her rescue, entering the cat realm to retrieve her. This journey solidifies his resolve to pursue pottery, leading him to confront his mother about his career choice. By the story's conclusion, he demonstrates increased expressiveness, publicly accepting Miyo as his girlfriend and adopting her playful mannerisms.