Kaoru is compared to the legendary Japanese nobleman who bears the same given name. She is known to be an androgynous beauty with physical and mental talents, behaviorisms that attracts many fans. She is considered one of the "Three Magnificent Ones" who are worshipped by the rest of the school. Kaoru, for her masculine appeal, is flocked after by many of the younger girls. It cannot be helped either, since she is in the same grade as them, thus to her exasperation, she is stuck with "screaming fan girls".
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University student named Takehiko Henmi was the teacher who gave Nanako, and other students, private lessons for cram school. Nanako held adoration for him and asked him to be her older brother and to read her letters. She writes him about the events in her life and the young man becomes her closest confidant. The young man goes deeper beyond such simplicities, however. His existence affects the lives of many others, including Kaoru.
It is found that he is in truth the son of Nanako's adoptive father, making him her stepbrother. Through Nanako he reads passages in her letters about Kaoru. The connection does not stop there either. Kaoru knows he is indeed Nanako's stepbrother for reason's unknown to the younger girl, but well known by her friend Rei, Takehiko's friend Takashi Ichinomiya and Takehiko, himself.
Another person is aware of the correlation... Fukiko Ichinomiya! Not only does she know of Takehiko through her brother, she is aware of how he and Kaoru know each other. It is revealed that he, like Kaoru has many secrets, some that they both share. Beneath his calm and quiet ways, he is a broken man. Not only did his father abandon him, but he has a love that will not requite his affections, Kaoru Orihara. Through Rei, the two met and fell in love at first sight. What happens to their love is taken into account later on after Nanako discovers such secrets.
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