Chika Kudo is a tall young man with short blond hair, narrow brown eyes, and a childish charm underscored by blunt honesty. Socially awkward yet fiercely loyal, he struggles to articulate emotions or interpret social cues but expresses devotion through steadfast actions, often flustering when thanked. His past is marked by paternal neglect and a life under the care of his grandfather, Gen Kudo, who steered him from delinquency. Framed by ex-associates for vandalizing Gen’s koto shop, Chika endured public scorn and false accusations, culminating in Gen’s fatal heart attack. Relocated to his affluent aunt Isaki’s apartment, he battles lingering stigma while forging a new path. Notorious as a former delinquent, Chika faces skepticism but joins his school’s koto club to honor Gen’s legacy. Obsessively practicing until his fingers bleed, he vows to rival prodigy Satowa Hozuki’s skill. Their contentious dynamic softens into mutual admiration and quiet romance after Satowa shields him from assailants, confessing her feelings. Chika reciprocates upon recalling Gen’s plea for his happiness, their bond deepening through koto performances and Chika’s instinctive protectiveness. Lifelong friend Tetsuki Takaoka deciphers Chika’s unspoken thoughts, while koto club president Takezo Kurata transitions from distrust to ally after Chika is falsely accused of bullying him. Cleared of wrongdoing, Chika earns the club’s acceptance, channeling remorse over past mistakes into disciplined growth. He evolves from a solitary troublemaker to a dedicated teammate, his guilt fueling a resolve to safeguard others. Outside the koto, he indulges in sweets, strawberries, and lazy manga sessions at Tetsuki’s home. The name "Chika" (love, affection) and "Kudo" (long time, distant) mirror his trajectory from isolation to kinship through music. His arc intertwines atonement with vulnerability, guided by Gen’s dying wish to pursue joy—a purpose he fulfills by embracing love, camaraderie, and the koto’s healing resonance.