Takaaki Kōno serves as the central male protagonist throughout the To Heart 2 franchise. His parents' overseas business commitments leave him living alone, establishing the initial conditions for numerous storylines. He shares significant bonds with two childhood friends: Konomi Yuzuhara, whom he treats like a younger sister, and Tamaki Kousaka, whom he regards as an older sister figure. His closest male companion is Yūji Kousaka.

Personality-wise, Takaaki possesses a kind and helpful nature, consistently assisting others despite innate shyness and awkwardness around most girls outside his established childhood friendships. This inherent kindness sometimes triggers misunderstandings or unintended romantic tension. A notable example occurred when he offered his surname to childhood friend Takashiro Yuuki following her parents' divorce and move; this gesture was later interpreted by some as a marriage promise.

Within the original visual novel narratives, his daily routine forms the backbone of the story. Player decisions directly influence his interactions during school commutes, classes, after-school activities, and evenings at home, shaping relationships and plot trajectories. His role undergoes a significant shift in the "Dungeon Travelers" spin-off, where an experiment transports him and others into a fantasy RPG world. In this context, he acts as the non-combatant party leader, providing strategic direction during battles while relying entirely on the female characters who assume combat roles like fighters, magic users, scouts, and maids. This scenario intensifies existing dynamics, making him the focal point of romantic and competitive attention among the female cast.

His visual depiction varies slightly between adaptations. The initial 2005 anime presents him with 'greenish' black hair and brown eyes, while subsequent OVAs, games, and later media consistently feature him with brown hair.