Nakano Ritsuka, known affectionately as Ricchan, is a 15-year-old high school student with vibrant red hair typically in double ponytails, warm brown eyes, and standing 156 centimeters (approximately 5 feet 1.5 inches) tall. Her blood type is O, and she celebrates her birthday on May 5. She shares an unbreakable bond with Nishiyama Hiyori, a friendship rooted in their kindergarten days. Ritsuka acts as Hiyori's steadfast emotional anchor and chief encourager, often adopting a protective, almost maternal role, persistently motivating Hiyori to conquer social anxiety and connect more with others. During junior high, Ritsuka attracted attention from boys but consistently turned them down, lacking any mutual interest. Her fierce loyalty erupted when she struck a boy with her purse and abandoned a festival after he insulted Hiyori. Later, she reassured Hiyori of their enduring connection, declaring Hiyori her top priority and promising to share any future romantic confidences with her first. Ritsuka initially viewed Hirose Yuushin's growing closeness to Hiyori as a threat, sparking intense jealousy. This resentment peaked, causing Ritsuka to fall ill with a fever. Hiyori's care during this illness led to a reconciliation, dissolving Ritsuka's hostility towards Yuushin. Unrequited feelings define a key part of her journey, centered on Nitobe Kou, whom she often addresses with deliberately incorrect name pronunciations. Aware Kou initially harbored feelings for Hiyori, Ritsuka still actively advised him on navigating his emotions and relationship with her. On Valentine’s Day, she prepared chocolates intending to confess, only to witness Kou reject another girl's gift by claiming to dislike sweets. When Kou dismissed her intervention, Ritsuka confronted him, revealed her long-standing admiration, and threw the chocolates at him before fleeing. Kou later found her but remained unaware of her confession, causing her to run away again. After Yuushin urged Kou to pursue her, Ritsuka explicitly confessed her feelings. Kou responded that while uninterested in romance at that moment—specifically denying lingering feelings for Hiyori—he didn't dislike her affection. He allowed her to use his given name informally and accepted her feelings. Later, Ritsuka confessed again, questioning his emotions. Kou embraced her, admitting uncertainty but expressing a desire to prevent her tears, marking the tentative start of their relationship. Their connection deepened when Ritsuka helped Kou relocate; he affectionately called her Ri-chan, and they shared a kiss. Ritsuka participates in her school's archery club and has whimsically expressed a preference for a partner resilient enough to "survive an arrow through the heart." Her interactions consistently involve nurturing Hiyori’s social confidence while navigating her own complex emotional landscape, illustrating a balance between unwavering friendship and personal vulnerability.