Kouichi Shindou is a tall, lean young man standing at 173 cm, with spiky medium-length orange hair swept to the right and light green eyes. A distinctive cowlick frequently draws attention, cementing his memorable appearance. He favors school uniforms or casual outfits like a white polo paired with black jeans. During junior high, he forged an unlikely bond with Izumi Miyamura, then an outcast ostracized by peers. Kouichi openly defended Miyamura against bullies like Makio Tanihara, intrigued by his quiet demeanor. Their friendship survived diverging high school paths, as Kouichi attended Yasaka High under parental pressure for academic rigor. Yet his grades stagnated, resulting in repeated school years—a source of tension with Chika Ichijou’s disapproving parents. Cheerful and impulsive, Kouichi wears his heart on his sleeve, humorously gifting Miyamura Valentine’s chocolates sarcastically labeled “for my true love.” Beneath his lively exterior lie struggles with smoking and academic focus, habits Chika and Miyamura actively combat—even challenging his intense cheese aversion. He and Chika began dating after her immediate acceptance of his direct confession. Their relationship thrives on mutual effort, with Chika awaiting his graduation despite familial resistance. Yet his carefree attitude and academic delays strain their dynamic. Kouichi’s loyalty anchors his ties to Miyamura, whom he supports in pursuing Kyouko Hori, often dropping by unannounced. He maintains an unexpected friendship with former bully Makio Tanihara, who later seeks redemption. Behind his laidback facade lie insecurities magnified by repeated academic failures and parental expectations, highlighting a clash between societal norms and personal struggles. The original webcomic depicts him as a smoker, though the manga omits this. Notably averse to cheese—a recurring gag among friends—he also boasts unexpected Tetris prowess. Born April 2, he ranks ninth in series popularity, embodying a bridge between social divides through unwavering loyalty and genuine care for those closest to him.