Kaboku Kotani, often called Kabo, is the protagonist of the story. He is a first-year high school student who stands out for his tall and slim physique, a trait that makes him noticeable whether he wishes to be or not. He has black hair and dark eyes, and is typically seen in his school's uniform.

At the beginning of his high school journey, Kaboku is a reserved and introverted young man. This personality is largely a result of a significant stutter that makes verbal communication difficult and causes him considerable anxiety in social situations. His speech impediment first developed in elementary school when he was bullied for being physically small, an experience that shattered his confidence. Before this, he was known as a bright and sociable child. Now, he tends to stay quiet and go along with the flow to avoid drawing attention to himself or the effort it takes to speak.

Kaboku's entire outlook changes when he encounters Hikari Wanda, a fellow first-year, dancing alone with a sense of complete freedom and joy. Captivated by her lack of inhibition, he sees in dance a potential way to express himself without the struggle of spoken words. This inspires him to do something he never imagined: he joins the school's dance club.

In the story, Kaboku begins as a complete beginner with no prior dance experience, though his background in middle school basketball has given him a degree of physical coordination. His role is that of a protagonist discovering a new passion and a new version of himself. He joins the dance club not just to learn moves, but to find a way to feel free. His journey involves pushing past his insecurities, learning to trust his own instincts, and gradually building a stronger sense of self.

His relationship with Hikari Wanda is the central pillar of his development. Wanda, who is direct, free-spirited, and often mysterious in her lack of mystery, becomes his primary mentor and practice partner. Despite his stutter, she is able to understand him, and her consistent support and commitment to dancing with him motivates Kaboku to excel. Through her guidance and his own intense practice, he begins to open up, not only to the other members of the dance club but also to his own potential.

Throughout the narrative, Kaboku’s development is marked by a shift from passivity to agency. Initially someone who is easily influenced by the opinions of those around him, he gradually learns to articulate what he truly wants and to stand up for his convictions. He moves from being a shy teenager who just wants to blend in to someone who actively seeks out his own path and strives to discover his identity as a dancer and as a person.

Kaboku's most notable ability as a dancer is not physical power or prior training, but his exceptional ear for music. He possesses a rare talent for listening to music on a deep, nuanced level and translating its rhythms, melodies, and emotions directly into his body movements. This innate musicality becomes his greatest strength, allowing him to develop a unique and expressive style that sets him apart as he grows from a novice into a formidable dancer.