TV-Series
Description
Hanabi Ayase stands as one of the two primary protagonists in the series. She is a 12-year-old sixth-grade student in Class 6-2, marked by her small stature, brown hair typically styled in two pigtails, and brown eyes, creating an innocent and childlike appearance. Initially harboring a negative view of boys due to their teasing, she experiences significant development across the narrative's media.

Her personality blends childlike innocence with a strong sense of justice. Sociable and generous, she often includes everyone in activities and defends classmates against bullying. However, she displays naivety regarding romance, initially oblivious to boys' affections unless directly stated. This changes following an unexpected kiss with Yuuto Takao on the school rooftop during a music rehearsal partnership, sparking her romantic awareness.

Hanabi forms a core friendship trio with Yui Aoi and Marin Ogura. Her central romantic relationship evolves with Yuuto Takao, the most popular boy in their class, defined by mutual affection yet challenged by external rivals. Cocoa Hamana, perceived as Hanabi's primary rival, actively sabotages their relationship using manipulative tactics, leveraging her popularity and feigned innocence to undermine Hanabi's confidence.

A significant subplot involves Ayumu Tsutsumi, Hanabi's childhood friend since kindergarten. Reunited after his return from Tokyo, Ayumu holds unreciprocated romantic feelings for her. His attempts to disrupt her relationship with Yuuto include deliberate sabotage, such as causing her to miss a date. This rivalry culminates in a direct confrontation between Yuuto and Ayumu, resolved by a school race competition where the winner would gain the right to pursue Hanabi.

Throughout the series, Hanabi navigates adolescent challenges, including physiological changes, social pressures, and evolving relationship dynamics. Her journey depicts the transition from childhood innocence to the complexities of first love, emphasizing emotional growth amidst interpersonal conflicts. She has an unknown older brother and unspecified parents. Her development continues across the manga's serialization, OVAs, and anime seasons, focusing on relationship perseverance and personal maturation within her school environment.