Ranmaru Fujieda, Benio Hanamura's childhood friend and neighbor, is one year her junior. Trained in kabuki theater specializing in female roles, he displays effeminate mannerisms and appearance. Despite his feminine presentation, he harbors romantic feelings for women—particularly a longstanding, unrequited love for Benio.

To support Benio's resistance against her arranged marriage to Shinobu Ijuin, he adopts the crossdressing persona "Ranko," infiltrating the Ijuin household as her personal maid. During this deception, he accidentally shatters a valuable heirloom plate, risking severe punishment. Benio intervenes by destroying the remaining plates to share culpability, sparing him and strengthening their bond.

After Benio confirms her feelings for Shinobu, Ranmaru aids her escape from the marriage early in their story, ultimately respecting her choice and withdrawing romantically. Following Shinobu's presumed death and Benio's subsequent marriage to Tosei Aoe, he abandons acting at Benio's urging, rejoining his family's entrepreneurial business.

His arc concludes with romantic fulfillment: he develops feelings for a woman embodying traditional femininity, only to discover she possesses Benio's spirited personality. This relationship resolves his unrequited love, allowing him to move forward.