Description
Haida, an anthropomorphic spotted hyena, begins his career in the accounting department of Carrier Man Trading Co., Ltd., working alongside Retsuko and Fenneko. His name comes from the Japanese pronunciation of "hyena." He has grayish-brown fur, a dark gray muzzle featuring freckle-like spots on his cheeks, hazel eyes, a pronounced underbite, and gray hands, tail, and ear tufts. His standard work attire includes a white dress shirt, red tie, black dress pants, and brown dress shoes. Casually, he wears a red long-sleeved shirt with black stripes or a union jack logo, a black leather jacket, jeans, and boots. In cold weather, he chooses an olive green coat with a white fur hood. After promotion to director, he adds a black coat over his work shirt.
Personality-wise, Haida exhibits neuroticism, visible anxiety, and occasional anger outbursts. Chronic indecisiveness and low self-confidence, stemming from his father’s domineering influence and unrealistic expectations, define him. This passivity leaves him susceptible to manipulation, such as complying with superiors like Himuro despite moral reservations. He demonstrates deep loyalty to friends, particularly Fenneko, whom he trusts implicitly, and shows kindness even when facing personal disappointment, like accepting Retsuko’s relationship with Resasuke. His lack of assertiveness hinders both professional advancement and romantic pursuits.
Haida harbors a long-standing romantic interest in Retsuko, sparked six months after they started working together when he observed her refilling a water bottle after hours. This crush lasts approximately five years, initially known only to Fenneko. After Retsuko dates Resasuke, Haida blames himself for not confessing sooner, leading to a depressive episode where he contracts pneumonia from lying outdoors in the rain. During hospital recovery, Retsuko informs him of her breakup, prompting his first confession; she rejects him, citing unreadiness for a relationship. Later attempts to express his feelings falter due to nervousness, though they share a walk home on Christmas after a chance encounter.
His jealousy surfaces during Retsuko’s relationship with tech millionaire Tadano, though he respects her space. He briefly dates Inui, a co-worker who shares his musical interests, hoping to move on from Retsuko. Inui recognizes his unresolved feelings and ends the relationship, advising honesty. This honesty culminates when he rescues Retsuko from a stalker, solidifying his commitment. After confessing again during karaoke and facing rejection, he persists in supporting her, leading to mutual acknowledgment of their feelings. Their early dating phase suffers from Haida’s lack of confidence, causing awkward interactions, but they grow closer after Retsuko reassures him.
Professional challenges arise when Haida is promoted to accounting director. Seeking validation, he becomes complicit in financial fraud under Himuro’s direction. Retsuko discovers this and slaps him, expressing disappointment while affirming her care. This confrontation motivates him to expose Himuro’s corruption and resign.
Post-resignation, Haida faces homelessness after his parents evict him for excessive gaming and unemployment. He lives in an internet café, meeting Shikabane, a younger gamer with similar struggles. Retsuko intervenes, scolding him with death metal karaoke assisted by Anai and Kabae, and invites him to live with her. Cohabitation strains their relationship when Haida lies about his eviction and spends compulsively on loot boxes, mirroring Retsuko’s past video game addiction. After she temporarily breaks up with him, he takes accountability, finds employment, and reconciles.
Family dynamics emerge when Retsuko introduces him to her parents; Haida inadvertently reveals his unemployment, causing tension. Later, Retsuko meets his authoritarian father, Juzo Haida, whose traditional expectations contrast with Haida’s choices, strengthening their mutual support. During Retsuko’s unexpected political campaign, Haida assists while navigating his father’s connections. The season concludes with their marriage on the night of the final election debate, following an attempt on Haida’s life.
Personality-wise, Haida exhibits neuroticism, visible anxiety, and occasional anger outbursts. Chronic indecisiveness and low self-confidence, stemming from his father’s domineering influence and unrealistic expectations, define him. This passivity leaves him susceptible to manipulation, such as complying with superiors like Himuro despite moral reservations. He demonstrates deep loyalty to friends, particularly Fenneko, whom he trusts implicitly, and shows kindness even when facing personal disappointment, like accepting Retsuko’s relationship with Resasuke. His lack of assertiveness hinders both professional advancement and romantic pursuits.
Haida harbors a long-standing romantic interest in Retsuko, sparked six months after they started working together when he observed her refilling a water bottle after hours. This crush lasts approximately five years, initially known only to Fenneko. After Retsuko dates Resasuke, Haida blames himself for not confessing sooner, leading to a depressive episode where he contracts pneumonia from lying outdoors in the rain. During hospital recovery, Retsuko informs him of her breakup, prompting his first confession; she rejects him, citing unreadiness for a relationship. Later attempts to express his feelings falter due to nervousness, though they share a walk home on Christmas after a chance encounter.
His jealousy surfaces during Retsuko’s relationship with tech millionaire Tadano, though he respects her space. He briefly dates Inui, a co-worker who shares his musical interests, hoping to move on from Retsuko. Inui recognizes his unresolved feelings and ends the relationship, advising honesty. This honesty culminates when he rescues Retsuko from a stalker, solidifying his commitment. After confessing again during karaoke and facing rejection, he persists in supporting her, leading to mutual acknowledgment of their feelings. Their early dating phase suffers from Haida’s lack of confidence, causing awkward interactions, but they grow closer after Retsuko reassures him.
Professional challenges arise when Haida is promoted to accounting director. Seeking validation, he becomes complicit in financial fraud under Himuro’s direction. Retsuko discovers this and slaps him, expressing disappointment while affirming her care. This confrontation motivates him to expose Himuro’s corruption and resign.
Post-resignation, Haida faces homelessness after his parents evict him for excessive gaming and unemployment. He lives in an internet café, meeting Shikabane, a younger gamer with similar struggles. Retsuko intervenes, scolding him with death metal karaoke assisted by Anai and Kabae, and invites him to live with her. Cohabitation strains their relationship when Haida lies about his eviction and spends compulsively on loot boxes, mirroring Retsuko’s past video game addiction. After she temporarily breaks up with him, he takes accountability, finds employment, and reconciles.
Family dynamics emerge when Retsuko introduces him to her parents; Haida inadvertently reveals his unemployment, causing tension. Later, Retsuko meets his authoritarian father, Juzo Haida, whose traditional expectations contrast with Haida’s choices, strengthening their mutual support. During Retsuko’s unexpected political campaign, Haida assists while navigating his father’s connections. The season concludes with their marriage on the night of the final election debate, following an attempt on Haida’s life.