Oborozukiyo, younger sister to the powerful consort Kokiden, first encountered Genji one night after a party when he found her door open. He entered and raped her, declaring resistance futile as he always prevailed. Despite her distress, she maintained composure to avoid appearing ill-mannered.

She initially retained some power by withholding her name from Genji. He named her "the lady of the misty moon" after the imagery on a fan she gave him. Weeks later, they met again at a gathering where Genji learned her true identity, leading to an intermittent relationship.

This relationship became politically charged when Kokiden elevated Oborozukiyo's rank and brought her to court to serve Emperor Suzaku, Genji's half-brother. Their affair was discovered when the Minister of the Right found them in bed together, directly triggering Genji's exile to Suma.

During Genji's exile, Oborozukiyo maintained contact through exchanged notes. However, after his return, she did not resume their sexual relationship despite an implied ongoing fixation. Emperor Suzaku later remarked on this lingering attachment, cautioning her that any child born from a renewed liaison with Genji would be considered a commoner, diminishing her political standing and influence at court.