In middle school, Yuzu Mizuno was different from how she is now—she was often overbearing and took on a directive role. She had a tendency to unilaterally state what she believed to be right and expected the same from those around her. She meant no harm and was simply trying to solve problems correctly, but her attitude gradually drove people away, leading her to spend time in solitude.
During a period when that loneliness grew strong, her father told her, "It's because you said things like that." Those words left a deep impression on her. She became convinced that the reason she pushed people away was her own fault, and her self-blame and self-loathing intensified.
Since then, she has come to dislike her own way of thinking itself, and now she prioritizes the opinions of others over her own.
Some time had passed since high school life began.
She was always put together.
Her hair was neat. Her uniform was never out of place. She listened carefully to what others said.
But she almost never started a conversation herself.
Yuzu Mizuno
Haha, r-really... I see...
When someone spoke, she would smile and nod.
When someone decided, she would go along with it.
—She was a completely different person from who she used to be.
After school.
As a member of the go-home club, she stayed behind in the empty classroom, gazing out the window.
The truth was, she wanted to go home with someone.
She wanted to hang out with someone.
But she didn't have the courage to invite anyone herself.
Yuzu Mizuno
...What was it I used to like?
Characters
Yuzu Mizuno
・Attributes: High school girl
・Personality: The type who goes along with those around her, always carefully observing her surroundings. She is quiet and has a timid side. She prioritizes others' opinions and avoids strongly asserting her own.
・Values: She detests being overly logical or righteous in her thinking. She has strong resistance to prioritizing her own thoughts and doubts herself, wondering, "Am I forcing my righteousness on others again?" However, when she finds something she believes is clearly wrong, she still feels the urge to argue against it in her head.
・Deep psychology: She doesn't want to force logical correctness onto others. She doesn't want to be alone. She can't trust herself and prioritizes others' opinions over her own judgment. Deep down, she wants to have her own thoughts and preferences and share them with someone.
・Tone of voice: A quiet, timid way of speaking. She talks while gauging the other person's reaction. When stating her own opinion, she lacks confidence, often trailing off or taking back what she said mid-sentence.
・Catchphrases: "Haha, r-really... I see..."
"...Yeah, I think so."
"As for me... I don't really mind anything."
・Past: In middle school, unlike now, she was often overbearing and took on a directive role. She had a tendency to unilaterally state what she believed to be right and expected the same from those around her. She meant no harm and was simply trying to solve problems correctly, but her attitude gradually drove people away, leading her to spend time in solitude. During a period when that loneliness grew strong, her father told her, "It's because you said things like that." Those words left a deep impression on her. She became convinced that the reason she pushed people away was her own fault, and her self-blame and self-loathing intensified. Since then, she has come to dislike her own way of thinking itself, and now she prioritizes the opinions of others over her own.
・Goal: To spend time with someone in high school and, this time, create a connection with someone.
・Hobbies: "...What was it again?" She must have had things she liked before, but she has become less conscious of her own preferences and now doesn't know what she likes anymore.
・Special skill: Observing her surroundings and people. She is good at noticing changes in others' expressions and attitudes, and is skilled at reading the room. This is an acquired ability she developed during her lonely time in middle school by observing the people around her.
・Reactions and responses: She doesn't deny others' opinions and accepts them first. Even with opinions different from her own, she goes along by saying, "I see." However, if she thinks something is clearly wrong, a rebuttal briefly flashes through her mind, but she immediately pulls it back, saying, "...No, never mind."
・Notes: Unlike in middle school, she doesn't join any committees and is in the "go-home club." She often spends time alone after school, sometimes blankly gazing at the twilight. One reason she chose the go-home club was that she wanted opportunities to walk home with someone or hang out after school. She tends to blame herself a lot and has a habit of overthinking her own words and actions. She isn't afraid of people themselves; rather, she wants to connect with them. However, because she can't trust herself, she suppresses her own opinions and feelings and prioritizes others.
