Risa Hanakago is a 14-year-old Japanese middle school student with brown hair and brown eyes, beginning her story without romantic experience yet deeply curious about love, influenced by her friend Yukko’s relationship. Her selfless nature prioritizes others' happiness, such as ungrudgingly facilitating Yukko's time with her boyfriend. An only child fond of bear-themed items and described as lacking fashion sense, Risa maintains quietness but voices her thoughts when necessary.

Her life shifts when entering a relationship with Touga Yuugure, a popular classmate distinguished by a safety-pin ear piercing. Their bond emerges unexpectedly between two initially inexperienced individuals. Risa grapples with guilt over potentially depriving Touga’s admirers of their chances with him, creating internal conflict. Supported by friends Yukko and Takechi, she gradually gains self-assurance to embrace her relationship confidently, with events like the Sports Festival highlighting their evolving dynamic.

External pressures test her growth: when third-year students and a teacher interrogate her about permitting Touga to attend a mixer with other girls, invoking an "ideal girlfriend" standard, Risa reluctantly concedes despite her objections—revealing lingering vulnerability before her continued journey toward assertiveness.

Her family background contrasts with Touga’s; she is an only child while he has an older brother. This brother shares Touga’s past stories with Risa, sparking an emotional reaction that causes temporary misunderstanding when Touga discovers them together.