Taiga Hirano presents as a second-year high school student with bleached blonde hair, blue eyes, and pierced ears usually adorned with blue earrings. His deliberately casual uniform style—omitting the tie and favoring sweaters or vests—combined with his hair color frequently violates school dress codes, creating an intimidating impression. Outside school, he prefers comfortable clothing featuring busy patterns or dragon motifs. Repeated bleaching has severely damaged his hair, leading him to occasionally dye it black for formal events or family obligations. He maintains a meticulously tidy personal space in his dormitory, making his bed daily and using a soft mat under his chair. His possessions include a wallet and phone held together with tape, and he favors a ballpoint pen with a 0.5 mm nib. He enjoys yakitori and often buys lunch from the school store. Born on August 1st, his zodiac sign is Leo and his blood type is A. Beneath his blunt, rough exterior and sharp communication style lies a deeply thoughtful and nurturing nature. Often described as "motherly," he habitually cares for friends and juniors, assisting them with academics or personal issues. Academically diligent, he achieves high grades and maintains respectful interactions with teachers despite his rebellious appearance. Serving on the disciplinary committee showcases his strong sense of justice and protective instincts. He also possesses notable skill in physical confrontations. Around his first-year roommate, Kagiura Akira, his personality visibly softens; he smiles and laughs more freely, remaining largely unaware of this behavioral shift. He insists their relationship is platonic despite others' observations. An only child from a quiet household, his parents affectionately call him "Taiga-chan." His father's reserved nature contributes to a calm family dynamic. Living in the dorms, Hirano forms a close bond with Kagiura, becoming his primary caregiver: waking him for morning basketball practice, assisting his studies, and even eating his disliked green peppers. This dynamic shifts when Kagiura confesses romantic feelings; Hirano rejects him, stating he is not gay and cannot reciprocate. However, he agrees to a daily 10-second physical contact ritual to explore potential romantic awareness. During these interactions, Hirano experiences unexpected urges, like wanting to pet Kagiura after holding hands, and later feels anticipation for Kagiura's touch following an emotional moment. He academically supports Kagiura's goal to reach the top-50 class rank to remain roommates; Kagiura ultimately ranks 60th, but they still qualify as the rank requirement is revealed as a suggestion, not a strict rule. His relationships extend beyond Kagiura. He shares a close junior-senior bond with Miyano Yoshikazu, met through the disciplinary committee. After an awkward start involving Miyano admitting to viewing him through a boys' love lens, Hirano becomes protective, aiding him during conflicts but stepping back as Miyano grows closer to Sasaki Shuumei. With classmate Sasaki, he maintains a pragmatic friendship, providing academic support like shared notes and study help, though they rarely interact outside school. He initially distrusts Sasaki's intentions toward Miyano but later supports their relationship. Hirano frequently seeks advice from classmate Hanzawa Masato, who notes Hirano's increased vulnerability since mentoring underclassmen. He commiserates with Ogasawara Jirou over being perceived in BL contexts and shares a respectful but distant rapport with his former first-year roommate, Ichinose Ao. Key developments include a summer trip to Kagiura's grandfather's house, bonding with Kagiura's family and receiving earrings as a birthday gift. During the school cultural festival, he unintentionally affects Kagiura's experience in a haunted house, leading to a near-physical collision that heightens tension. Post-confession, their relationship faces strain, but Hirano actively works to restore normalcy, adjusting study schedules to mornings for Kagiura's benefit and requesting basketball lessons to foster equality. A Valentine's Day argument over chocolate from Ichinose results in their first conflict, resolved through mutual apologies and the 10-second agreement. Hirano's gradual emotional shift surfaces in moments like feeling bothered when Kagiura avoids casual touch and realizing he expected Kagiura's closeness after their roommate status is secured, highlighting his evolving awareness.