Shūmei Sasaki, a tall high school student with striking red hair and an array of ear piercings—three helix studs on his left ear and two lobe rings on his right—carries a mischievous charm. His snaggletooth peeks through during wide smiles, fostering a “bad boy” image that contrasts his warm, cheerful nature. He favors a relaxed uniform style, leaving buttons undone to reveal a reddish undershirt, and layers seasonal accessories like a plaid scarf or a sleek black high-necked jacket in winter. In junior high, Sasaki’s impulsivity often overruled caution, exemplified by disregarding his older sister Satoko’s warnings during fireworks mishaps. A heated argument led to him accidentally shoving her, sparking immediate remorse and a resolve to grow kinder. By high school, his protective streak surfaced when defending Miyano Yoshikazu’s friend in a fight, an act that ignited their bond. Gradually, Sasaki’s admiration for Miyano’s sweetness deepened into romantic affection, prompting him to offer steadfast support during Miyano’s struggles with self-doubt over his androgynous features. Around Miyano, Sasaki softens, adopting a gentle, attentive manner laced with playful teasing. He patiently nurtures their relationship, respecting Miyano’s pace while embracing his passions, including boys’ love manga. Though initially baffled by terms like “seme” or “uke,” Sasaki grows fond of the genre, championing its merits and joining Miyano at BL events. Beyond this bond, he leans on classmates like Hirano Taiga for academic help and shares music-fueled camaraderie with longtime friend Ogasawara Jirou. His dynamic with Satoko remains a mix of affectionate bickering and mutual care, while mornings often find him rushing to school after shifts at his family’s bakery, lunchbread tucked in his bag. Post-graduation, Sasaki sustains his relationship with Miyano despite attending separate schools, coordinating study meetups and home visits. College life brings challenges balancing studies and yearning for Miyano, who later transfers to his university. Spin-off stories show Sasaki commemorating Miyano’s birthday with matching bracelets and an ear cuff during a heartfelt date, alongside deftly fielding peers’ curiosity about their partnership. Notable quirks include motion sickness, an aversion to spicy foods and mint, and a sweet tooth indulged monthly with shortcake on the 22nd. Past misadventures feature temporary black hair dye inviting ridicule and a ghostly school festival role. Though naturally gifted in math, he shrugs off broader academics, and his heat sensitivity steers him clear of warm drinks, even in winter.