Arie Matsushima, a 27-year-old office colleague of Ryō Amakusa, works alongside him at the same company. Her brown shoulder-length hair and hazel-brown eyes complement her petite frame, often accentuated by an off-the-shoulder cream sweater and a long dark-mustard skirt. The etymology of her name—combining "exist," "branch," "pine tree," and "island"—subtly mirrors her stable yet layered personality. Quietly nursing unrequited feelings for Ryō, she masks her longing by inviting him to casual after-work drinks, patiently enduring his endless confessions about his crush on Ichika Arima. Though reserved, her determination surfaces in carefully maintained professionalism and fleeting moments of hope that Ryō might notice her affection. Secretly, Arie indulges in a passion for anime, notably *Forward World*, a hobby concealed until Ryō discovers a dropped keychain from the series. This sparks shared conversations about their mutual interest, deepening their bond without dispelling her romantic uncertainty. Later, a chance bookstore meeting with Ichika reveals their mutual admiration for the same anime character, forging an unexpected camaraderie centered on fandom rather than rivalry. Her emotional journey orbits the tension between silent devotion and Ryō’s fixation on Ichika, underscoring themes of unresolved yearning and self-possession. The narrative leaves her romantic prospects open, focusing instead on her quiet resilience in navigating workplace dynamics and unreciprocated feelings with grace.