kuze shuuichi

Kuze Shuuichi is Asou Renji's neighbor and a good friend to Himura Yuu. He is known for his womanizing ways and has a particular fondness for Asou Sumire, despite her being married. Shuuichi is a renowned violinist, admired by Hirono Hiro. In the past, he attended the same school as Himura Yuu, Hirono Nagi, and Amamiya Yuuko, all of whom he considered friends. However, Kuze was planning to move to another country when he met the last one. Being a ladies' man, Himura asked Shuuichi to investigate his kouhai (underclassman) Yuuko. The investigation revealed that she was the one scaring her classmates and instigating fights to keep what was in her bag hidden. Before leaving, Kuze Shuuichi organized a farewell party but only invited his three close school friends. Due to personal issues, none of them stayed through his entire performance; Amamiya left in tears because she found his playing too moving, and Himura followed her at Shuuichi's insistence. Nagi did not attend at all. Later, the violinist returned briefly to visit an acquaintance. During this time, he sent a letter to Yuu and Yuuko, who were living together, updating them on his news. While playing in the street, a little girl named Hayama Mizuki, also known as Miki, was drawn to his melody from afar. When she reached him, he called her a "cute little lady" and tied his own hair ribbon on her head, which delighted Miki. Six months before Mizuki went to Otowa, Australia for vacation prior to entering university, Kuze was diagnosed with a fatal disease. During this period, he decided to end all of his relationships, including with his fiancée, so no one would miss him. He also wanted his neighbors, Renji and his mother Sumire, to treat him normally. While burning letters he received, Kuze found a rare one from Hirono but chose to burn it without reading its content. As he was clearing out his place, he met Hayama, who wanted someone to play with since her cousin Asou was busy studying. Unaware of Shuuichi's condition, Mizuki asked him to play live for her, but he lied, saying the violin was broken, as he had lost the desire to play. After finding out about his illness, Kuze distanced himself from Hayama, just as he did with other girls he dated. Depression and frustration took over Shuuichi, leading to conflicts with Yuu and Nagi. Moreover, Nagi lied to Miki, telling her that she was Shuuichi's fiancée and that Hayama should leave him alone. Despite this, encouraged by Himura's advice and support from her friends, including receiving two school rooftop keys, Mizuki resolved to fight for Kuze. Just as they were reconciling, Shuuichi collapsed and was hospitalized. Despite the high risk and low gains, he decided to undergo surgery, something he had avoided in the past, like confessing to Hirono, whom he liked. The operation was successful, and Shuuichi spent his remaining days with his lover Mizuki, who began calling him by his first name, appreciating every moment with her and hoping to see her grow as much as possible.