Shōta Kazehaya attends Kitahoro High School in his hometown, where his family runs a sportswear store. His father, a baseball coach, involved Shōta in his league from childhood. Shōta played baseball alongside his best friend Ryu Sanada in middle school but quit upon entering high school due to his strained relationship with his father and his mother's declining health. Despite quitting, he still attends morning baseball practices run by his homeroom teacher, Kazuichi "Pin" Arai. Initially seen as refreshingly friendly and approachable, Shōta gains widespread popularity for treating everyone equally, leading admirers to form the "Kazehaya is Everyone's" alliance. Underneath this persona, he acknowledges selfishness, possessiveness, and a quick temper, often wishing things would go his way. He can be oblivious, misinterpreting feelings like mistaking Sawako Kuronuma's admiration for romantic interest or misreading Kurumi's affections. His core trait is a fierce dedication to truth and honesty, embodied in his motto: "Believe in and pursue the truth." Meeting Sawako Kuronuma on their first day of high school significantly changes his life. Captivated by her genuine smile under cherry blossoms, he develops a deep, persistent interest. Unswayed by rumors about her appearance, he sees her true kindness, diligence, and inner strength, with admiration evolving into romantic love. He actively creates opportunities for her to connect with classmates, helping her form friendships with Ayane Yano and Chizuru Yoshida. While supportive, he remains unaware of his impact on her growth, crediting her achievements to her own determination. Their relationship faces challenges. After recognizing his feelings, Shōta experiences intense jealousy towards those close to Sawako, including Ryu and later Kento Miura. Miscommunication strains them, like when Sawako's nervousness prevents her giving him Valentine's chocolates, making him doubt her feelings. A major rift occurs in their second year when Shōta avoids Sawako for months, fearing he cannot live up to the "refreshing" persona he believes she loves. Sawako confronts him, leading to a heartfelt conversation, their first kiss, and reconciliation. They later navigate milestones like meeting parents and learning to communicate more openly, though initial physical affection like holding hands remains awkward. Shōta's development extends beyond romance. His strained relationship with his father centers on differing expectations; his father sees him as irresponsible, while Shōta seeks independence. Influenced by Sawako's courage and his own reflections, he decides on a future combining sports training (honoring his baseball roots) and managing the family store. He reconciles with his father by demonstrating this resolved path and takes entrance exams for a local university's sports science department. Long-term, his relationship with Sawako endures. After graduating university, they reunite at the spot of their first meeting and eventually marry, solidifying their lifelong connection.