Shuichi Takahashi

In the beginning of the story Takahashi is nothing more than Shigetas coworker. His affections for her are obvious to the point of annoying and Shigeta barely even looks at him. Despite her flaky behaviour and poor treatment of him Takahashi continues to help her out at various points even saving her from lifeordeath situations. While Shigeta pursues countless relationships with other men many of them illadvised Takahashis feelings for her remain. Takahashi is several years younger than Shigeta is relatively wealthy and is a student at Tokyo University. He later travels abroad to study in America. Shigeta yearns for him in his absense and he rushes back to Japan prematurely just to be with her. However this doesnt last.