Shouta Kazehaya is the popular and amiable male lead who serves as a central figure in his high school class. He is a student at Kitahoro High School, where his family runs a local sportswear shop and his father works as a baseball coach. Born on May 15, he grew up in the town and has a close childhood friendship with Ryu Sanada, with whom he played baseball from a young age. His decision not to join the high school baseball team stems from a combination of a complicated relationship with his demanding father and his mother's health issues, though he still participates in informal morning practices with his homeroom teacher.

Known for his refreshing smile and tall stature, Kazehaya is widely regarded by his peers as an outgoing and lively person who makes an effort to greet everyone without bias. This genuine nature has made him immensely popular, leading to the formation of a Kazehaya is Everyones alliance among his admirers to maintain peace. Despite his outward cheerfulness, he possesses a more complex inner personality. He freely admits to being selfish and wanting things his own way, a trait he often discusses with Ryu, and he can be short-tempered. His broad-mindedness is frequently contrasted with a possessive streak and a tendency toward jealousy, particularly regarding anyone who gets close to Sawako Kuronuma. He is also notably oblivious when interpreting the emotions of others, initially mistaking Sawakos admiration for romantic love and failing to recognize her true feelings for him for a significant period.

His primary motivation throughout the story stems from an immediate and deep connection he felt with Sawako after she helped him find his way on the first day of school. He is driven by a desire to support her and help her build self-confidence, as well as a wish to be the one who protects her. His role is that of a catalyst, as his consistent support of Sawako helps dispel the misconceptions surrounding her and encourages her to form friendships with other classmates like Ayane Yano and Chizuru Yoshida. His personal motto is to believe in and pursue the truth, a philosophy that guides his generally straightforward approach to life.

Regarding key relationships, his bond with Sawako Kuronuma is the most significant. He falls in love with her gradually, feeling a strong need to protect her and desiring exclusivity. After a series of misunderstandings and a memorable public confession at the school festival, they officially become a couple by their second year. His friendship with the quiet and perceptive Ryu Sanada is another cornerstone; Ryu often acts as a confidant who understands Kazehayas personality better than most, bluntly pointing out his flaws like his quick temper. He shares a playful, teasing rapport with his homeroom teacher, Pin, who has known him since childhood. He also has a younger brother named Touta, and his relationship with his father evolves from one of rebellion and tension to mutual understanding as Kazehaya clarifies his future goals.

Throughout the series, Kazehaya undergoes notable development, particularly in recognizing and managing his own insecurities. He initially struggles with the fear that his attention might be a burden to Sawako, leading to periods of withdrawn silence and depression. However, through encouragement from friends like Pin and Ryu, he learns to communicate his feelings more directly. He also confronts his family issues, eventually finding a resolution with his father by deciding to combine working at the family shop with training to become a sports coach, thus reconciling his personal dreams with familial responsibility.

In terms of notable abilities, Kazehaya is highly skilled in sports, specifically baseball, having played in his father's league and throughout middle school. Beyond athletics, his greatest ability lies in his social charisma. He possesses a natural talent for leading groups, handling social situations with fairness, and making even outcasts feel seen, which is the primary trait that draws others to him.