Ryūji Takasu, a high school student frequently misjudged for his sharp sanpaku eyes inherited from his absent father, battles societal assumptions of delinquency despite his gentle nature. Living with his overburdened single mother, Yasuko, in a modest apartment, he shoulders household duties—cooking, cleaning, sewing—with meticulous care, compensating for her financial instability and his father’s abandonment. His self-reliance and compulsive tidiness stem from years of stabilizing their fragile home.

Initially drawn to Minori Kushieda, he forges a pact with Taiga Aisaka to aid each other’s romantic pursuits. Their bond intensifies as Ryūji supports Taiga’s domestic shortcomings, sparking classmates’ rumors. Through shared vulnerability, he uncovers Taiga’s concealed tenderness, gradually redirecting his affections from Minori to her.

Pivotal moments test his growth: encouraging Taiga to reconnect with her neglectful father—a choice shadowed by regret as it mirrors his unresolved paternal void—and clashing with Yasuko over college plans, exposing his guilt over her sacrifices. A heated confrontation culminates in understanding her desire to secure his future, reconciling duty with self-determination.

Events like the chaotic Christmas Party and perilous Ski Trip, where he covertly rescues an injured Taiga during a snowstorm, cement their trust. By the story’s close, mutual acknowledgment of love leads to commitment and marriage, marking their maturation.

Interactions with peers further define him: Ami Kawashima sheds her pretenses, nurturing unreciprocated feelings, while steadfast friendship with Yusaku Kitamura underscores Ryūji’s empathy. Though initially oblivious to romantic cues, his authenticity dismantles preconceptions about his appearance, balancing selflessness with newfound awareness. His arc concludes by prioritizing Taiga’s happiness and embracing familial healing, solidifying his journey from misunderstood outsider to compassionate anchor.