Kei Karuizawa/Relationships (2024)

In her monologue in volume 7.5, she admits that she has truly fallen in love with him.^[5] Although she was in charge of setting up the date between Maya and Kiyotaka, deep down she was very conflicted due to her own feelings towards him but decided to suppress them for the sake of her friend's happiness. She even told Maya that Kiyotaka is one of the Top 10 cutest boys in school but just needed to know how to communicate to become popular, potentially even more so than Hirata. She constantly shot 'love arrows' for them to take the bait but in the end it was unneeded. She couldn’t stop herself from staying back after the date and was nearby eavesdropping when Maya confessed and was rejected before Kiyotaka called out to her to come out of hiding. She then handed him a wrapped Christmas gift and jokingly told him to give back twice the value next time to which he merrily accepts. He then shocks her by calling her first name which stuns her and made her heart skip a beat. She also agreed to follow him to his meeting with Vice President Kiriyama. This was when they both started to call each other by their first names. She voiced her concerns on whether she will stop be useful to him and protect her if she broke up with Hirata, to which Kiyotaka actually encouraged her to do so that he could be the new person to protect her. Kiyotaka also handed a gift to her which came in the form of medicine. Initially she was skeptical but later on she felt terrible for believing that he did not care about her as he took the time and money to give her this, and was happy that he was thinking about her since the events of the last volume.

In volume 8, he tasked Kei to research into the backgrounds of many people to which she dutifully did so. She was happy deep inside that he relied on her but questioned her own sanity for being delighted on being worked to the bone. They met up inconspicuously in the cafeteria and exchanged information before he called her by her first name which she hadn’t gotten used to, momentarily freezing her. He then reiterates once again that she is the most trusted person to him in the class.

In volume 9, after Kei dumped Hirata, Kei met up with Kiyotaka and asked if he could tutor her to prepare for the end-of-year examinations so as to not cause a scene in the class. They then made a schedule. She then handed Kiyotaka her Valentine's day gift and was happy that she was the first and only girl at that point to have handed him a gift. She secretly hoped that she may monopolise him on white day. Rumors then began popping up that they were dating but were mostly ignored.

In volume 10, Kei sought him for advice on how she should act and do for the examinations and gossips spreading around them. After knowing that everyone was targeting to expel him, she panicked and called him repeatedly to notify him. She was surprised at his unflappability and didn’t care if she was targeted as well for telling him the news. He knew from the onset that she was one of the people that would definitely not vote him out.

In Volume 11, she was consulted by Kiyotaka and provided relevant information of all the girls in Class 1-A in under 10 minutes, which surprised Kei that he was able to retain all that information. She even praised him and said he could beat the class representative of 1-A, Sakayanagi. She was shocked to see that he knew of her birthday and had a gift prepared. He told her that it was also for White Day. After discovering it was an expensive heart-shaped Gold Necklace, she was shocked to realise how much he was willing to spend for her. She tried to hide her true feelings by giving Kiyotaka a 10 out of 100 in terms of points, but she couldn’t hide her glee and satisfaction when she wore it. In her internal monologue, she hoped that there would come a time where she could wear this and go somewhere together with him, knowing that it will definitely be an enjoyable day.

In volume 11.5, Kei sees Kiyotaka and Hiyori Shiina going on a date and becomes jealous. She is also jealous that Kiyotaka has the same hobby as Hiyori. She would always glare at him whenever they cross paths but deep down he was happy as he wanted her to feel jealous for his sake.

In the epilogue of volume 11.5, during the spring break before becoming second years, Kiyotaka declares his love for her to which she accepts and they officially became a couple. They decided to keep their relationship a secret. At this moment, the couple both knew that they have grown closer to one another more than anyone else throughout the year and silently prayed that this would continue.

In the short volume 11.75, one of the couple's phone calls was shown. They talked about a myriad of frivolous things, but both were clearly enjoying it. It was getting late at night so they decided to end it, but Kei was reluctant to do so and told Kiyotaka to end it. Without hesitation, he turned it off, causing Kei to call back and asked why and how he did it so easily. Kiyotaka answered that he would be glad to continue but today would never end and that he wanted to see her tomorrow. She reciprocated those feelings and decided to forgive him.

In 2nd Year Volume 1, Kei called Kiyotaka to share the pieces of informations he asked her to research. She raillery asked if it was useful and told him to thank her properly later. Kiyotaka went along with the banter and asked if she’s been diligent in her studies to which she said she’s been putting it off until later. She then said that she will work hard in front of her boyfriend, so Ayanokōji invited Kei to his room to study together to which she enthusiastically agreed. She teases him and asked if he was concerned for her to which he immediately answered as he wouldn’t want his girlfriend to be expelled. They then talked about others topics as Kei ruthlessly chewed out Kiyotaka for trying to end the call early with her when they hadn’t talked for awhile.

When she arrived, she wanted to converse with him first before studying but was refused since it was getting late. He then made Kei take the test exams Keisei made to gauge her capabilities. He collected that she got a good head on her shoulders but just need to be consistent to catch up on the work she missed during her blank period.

Afterward, Kei asked Ayanokōji why he was hiding his academic prowess and fighting skills and knew that he was more capable than what he was displaying. She thinks that his reputation can easily eclipse that of Hirata if he chooses to do so, but his reasoning was that he didn’t want to stand out. Thus, he was lackadaisical with his grades. Kei then asked what he could get when he gets serious, with his ultimatum being that if he told her, she would have to attend Hirata's study sessions. After knowing the dangers of expulsion and being excited for his answer, she agreed. Ayanokōji told her that he 'will' get 400 points, instead of 'could' which Kei stated was equal to an academic ability A. Kei was awed by his answer as she couldn’t comprehend herself close to even achieving a score such as that. Additionally, Ayanokōji said that there hadn't been a problem that he couldn't solve ever since coming to the school. Kei then told Kiyotaka to sit beside her instead of the opposite so that she could learn better. The scent of Kiyotaka carried by a breeze when he moved caused Kei to be joyful and distracted but she immediately focused for the sake of their future together.

Later that evening, Kei noticed a strand of red hair on the floor and inquired Ayanokōji on who it belongs to. At that moment, the doorbell rang and the figure of Amasawa was shown on the monitor, which made Kei furiously gripped the strand of hair in her hand as both are of the same color. Forgetting her secret relationship with Kiyotaka, she angrily answered the machine which causes Kiyotaka to pull her away to calm her down. Kei then introduced herself to Amasawa not hiding her disdain and inquired her on her relationship with Kiyotaka. Amasawa told Kei that Ayanokōji was her personal chef, which confused Kei. Amasawa then bent over to look for her lost hair rubber under the bed. Amasawa then teased Ayanokōji saying that he should stop looking at her butt, which made Kei glare at Ayanokōji in anger and switch positions. After the hairband was found, Amasawa jokingly said that she shouldn’t be alone next time with senpai, and should invite Kei. After Amasawa left, the studious mood vanished as Kiyotaka had to reveal the entire truth to Kei. She sarcastically remarked that he has made acquaintance with a rather cute Kouhai.

Days later, Maya called Kei to hang out which hadn’t happened for a while. Maya blatantly confronted Kei and asked if she had broken up with Hirata so that she could date Ayanokōji. Normally, Kei would had denied it, but Maya said that they would stop being friends if she lied and already suspects the truth beforehand. Seeing no way out, she resolutely told her that she was indeed dating Kiyotaka, purposefully addressing him by his first name. Maya then slapped Kei and asked when she first liked him. She replied that she didn’t know the answer to that for sure but replied saying that she has had her eye on him for a long time, even before setting up the date between Maya and Kiyotaka. Kei offered her other cheek to make amends but it was rejected. Kei then declared to herself that she won’t make light of her position as Kiyotaka's girlfriend and knew that many more would be attracted to his charms. She was determined to fight and vowed to not lose to any of them

In 2nd Year Volume 2, Kei was the one subtly defending Kiyotaka when their classmates were targeting him for hiding his academic abilities after he achieved full marks on a really difficult math test and accusing him of cheating by diverting their attention elsewhere. It has become a customary routine for Kei to visit Kiyotaka's room to study and hang out at night. On one occasion, Kei was in the process of making hot drinks and told Kiyotaka that it has become harder to come out with their relationship due to his perfect score in Math. She was worried and annoyed that others may see her as only dating him for status instead of love to which he reassured her that it's not wrong to date for status like for a boy like himself to date such a cute girl. Hearing that, Kei blushed and said that he was very handsome as well. They shared a long conversation but eventually ran out of things to talk about. Both of them were feeling the same emotion and their bodies began to approach one another. Moments before their lips came into contact the door rang. It was Amasawa, and it was revealed that she has been spying on Kei. Amasawa then handed them some contraceptives and dropped the news about Kiyotaka's 20 million bounty and her role in his injury. She left soon after, which forced Kiyotaka to explain to her the entire situation although he did not want her to worry.

After a while, in another study session, Kei shyly wanted to group up with Kiyotaka for protection in the upcoming class event but he told her that he was going solo and did not want to put her in danger. She said that he can probably take first place with no problem and started fantasising about his achievement and how she would faint from his awesomeness. However, Kiyotaka said that it would be difficult even for him to get 1st and said it would be a 50-50 shot. Seeing how she decided to pick another team, as an added protection, he gave her all his private points and decided to sell his Trial Card so that Kei would have enough points to save herself from expulsion if it ever came down to it. Kei then timidly but sincerely thanked him.

In 2nd Year Volume 3, they coincidentally met each other during the test, which caused Kei to let out an unintentional squeal, confusing her teammates. After leaving the main group for a while, Kei met Kiyotaka behind a tree and held hands together, both looking contented. After telling her experiences during the test, she suddenly looked him straight in the eyes and asked why he was sticking with a first-year so closely to the point that everyone knew. She then said she trusts him completely, but the idea of him being alone with another girl, she vehemently hates it. Feeling heartened and not wanting her to be worried, Kiyotaka gave her his first kiss which lasted for a second, and told her to have faith in him and wait just a little bit longer to which she nodded her head robotically. For a while, Kei was in a daze and all she could think about was the kiss.

In 2nd Year Volume 4, they went on a unique trial date. Instead of actually being together, Kiyotaka was always a few stores behind Kei so others wouldn’t question their close relation. After traveling around the mall, Kei eventually entered a store where new phone straps arrived. Kei sent him a picture of the strap that caught her eye and initially wanted to jokingly ask Kiyotaka to buy the cute cat strap for her but decided to go against it. Although Kei found the date as an enjoyable experience, she hoped that there would come a day where they can hang out openly. Later on when she returned to her dorm to rest, suddenly a knock came at her door. After opening it, she found a bag with the cat strap in it. She remarked on how Kiyotaka was really simple when it comes to romance and decided to remove all of her old straps to put on this new one on her phone. She spent the rest of the day glancing at her phone, satisfied and happy.

In 2nd Year Volume 4.5, Kei has became bolder in talking about her relationship with Kiyotaka. She confidently told Maya of her progress with Kiyotaka and even revealed they kissed in the exam when they were in a public area. Furthermore, she further elaborated that it was her first kiss. When Maya joked about stealing Kiyotaka if Kei decides to move on to higher profile men like Nagumo since that was in her nature, Kei gave her a disgruntled look, perfectly conveying across the message to Maya that she thinks Kiyotaka is the best, no matter what others may say.

After she found out that Maya partnered up with Kiyotaka for a game, she immediately wanted to call him as she feared what could had happened between them and was worried that she may had made a move on him. Moreover, she complained further on how he was still meeting with the first year girl daily. She decides to forgive him on the condition that Kiyotaka says the words 'I love you' to her. She chuckled after hearing him, and asked him to repeat it. After getting her fill, she then asked if he wanted to her to say it as well but Kiyotaka attempted to cut their conversation short while giving off a nonchalant attitude about it. She got angry at his apathetic attitude, but in the end, she still said those three magical words to him, wishing him good night.

Later on, Kei met up with Kiyotaka and the couple decides to finally reveal their relationship to the public the next day when the second semester begins. She is determined and resolved to do it and told Kiyotaka to protect her if/when her social standing takes a hit. She doesn’t mind being gossiped or accused of for dating him for status, and decides to take the next step with him. Kiyotaka suddenly kissed her twice on her lips, leaving her in a state of shock. She tells him to at least warn her first before doing it so she can mentally prepare herself. Although it seems like she was complaining, deep down she was elated and wanted more. Kiyotaka decides to take her advice and tell her that he was about to do it again. She closed her eyes and nodded as they engaged in their first deep kiss. They repeated the action again and again, each kiss lasting 10 seconds or more, but both seemed to be really into it. She entrusted her body to him and reciprocated all his kisses. They reflect on how their relationship would continue moving forward. Kiyotaka would view Kei to be someone irreplaceable and indispensable to him in the future, though he also feels that their relationship has a limited timeframe as they were inevitably going to meet the hardest hurdle which was his father. Until that time comes, Kiyotaka hope that she will grow and be able to handle herself without latching on to another host as they repeatedly tasted each other's lips.

In 2nd Year Volume 5, Kei wanted to ask Kiyotaka to walk with her to school but got nervous. She didn't find him in his room and saw him walking with Sudō. Kiyotaka asked her if she was going to reveal their relationship to others. Kei said it was difficult to do so but Kiyotaka mentioned how easy it was for her to do the same with Yōsuke. Then Kiyotaka told Sudō that they are dating. Kei was happy that Kiyotaka announced it without any problem. She got angry when she heard Sudō's thoughts that she was not suitable for Kiyotaka. The relationship between Kiyotaka and Kei was kept secret for 2 weeks. When lunchtime at school came, Kei revealed their relationship to all of the class, which shocked everyone.

In 2nd Year Volume 6, Kei went to Kiyotaka's room to talk with him, saying how she has gotten used to being in his room. Kiyotaka said he was going to make omelette for dinner, to which Kei responded happily. When Kiyotaka was making dinner, Kei hugged him from behind. Kiyotaka convinced Kei to sit and wait as he could not cook like this. While having dinner, they talked about Airi's expulsion, Shinohara and why Kiyotaka and Suzune kept Kikyō in school. After finishing, Kiyotaka went to wash the dishes before Yōsuke's arrival. Kei started losing her patience and nagging Kiyotaka to come and talk with her. She poked at his cheek and they kissed, with Kei telling him she was waiting for it. They kept kissing and stayed in each other's arms for some time until Yōsuke rang the bell. They went on a date to Keyaki market, Kei wanted to buy a present for Kiyotaka since his birthday was close. They run into Maya which when saw their arms together said they are so in love and ran away. Then they ran into Daichi and Albert. Kei was somewhat worried because of what happend in volume 7. Daichi apolgized to Kei, Kei did not think well of it but accepted it after Kiyotaka said Daichi changed. Everyone was surprised that Kiyotaka and Kakeru both had the same birthday date, Octobor 20th. Daichi asked can they celebrate together which Kei said Kakeru should apolgize to her.

In 2nd Year Volume 7, Kiyotaka and Kei started walking while holding hands. Kiyotaka said Kei and he spend night at same room. It was also mentined Kei stepped toward adulthood, which might mean that Kiyotaka and Kei had sex. During the cultural festival, they went to a shooting stall. Kiyotaka tried to aim and shoot at the most expensive gift but failed. Kei said he was happy to see his other side and knew that he can't do everything. When Miyabi threaten Kiyotaka that if he takes Kei hostage what will he do. Kiyotaka said it does not matter who he expells because it's not like Kiyotaka can protect everyone 24/7.

In 2nd Year Volume 8, Kei asked if Kiyotaka is not going to hang out with his group, to which he said he could not since Airi's explusion. Kei said it was good that she can keep him all for herself. Kei and Kiyotaka hung around with Maya and Yōsuke, which Maya said felt like a double date. One night, Sudō came to see Kiyotaka but saw them preparing to eat curry. Kiyotaka asked Kei to temporarily leave so he and Sudō could talk, but she decided to eavesdrop on them. After Sudō had left. Kiyotaka and Kei made a bet on whether Sudō could successfully confess to Suzune. Kei bet Sudō would fail while Kiyotaka thought he would succeed. Kei said if she won she would get an expensive Christmas present, otherwise she would do anything Kiyotaka wanted. Later in the volume, Kei called him to complain about how they hadn't contacted each other for a long time after the school trip started, and he went to see her after. When they met, Kei angrily scolded him, but was happy again after Kiyotaka gave her a hug.

In 2nd year volume 9, Kei and Kiyotaka relationship somehow got into problem, Kiyotaka said he is going to talk with Honami and Kei left. Kei did not talk with Kiyotaka. She wanted to forgive him but when she went to talk first time Miyabi called him and second time it was Suzune. Kei told Maya about the problem. Maya said it was Kiyotaka's fault, while Kei said she thinks too but somehow she is at fault too for getting jealous easily and leaving. Then Honami appeared and Honami talked about what Kiyotaka talked with her and Kei decided that she might be able to reconcil her relationship with Kiyotaka.

Spoilers end. Click here to hide spoilers.

Hirata was one of the trusted few which Kei willingly confide her humiliating past secret with. She was relieved when Hirata didn’t reject or pity her but instead agreed to be her fake boyfriend. He also knew the conditions of not being able to go out with anyone else and allowed her to use his image for protection. Furthermore, she trusts his judgment and leadership immensely and due to his high academic scores, she has a high impression of him.

In Volume 4 of the light novel, despite promising to protect Karuizawa from being bullied by Manabe and her group, Yōsuke did not want to take a side but rather tried to discuss it peacefully among themselves without resorting to violence against someone. He did offer his help to her, but since he was not her real boyfriend, he didn't feel any obligation to go any further for her other than words. He also tells her that he won't help her in similar situations and that she won't be able to depend on him when there's nothing he can do for her.^[1] She was extremely upset and betrayed at his explanation of how he felt nothing for her which caused their relationship to sour as she now knows she can’t readily depend on him for protection.

In volume 11, one of their biggest arguments broke out in class. Hirata was not his normal gregarious self which was shown when he went too far in reprimanding Mei-Yu. Kei then stepped in as the leader of the girls in the class and tried to defuse the situation. Hirata lambasted her for calling him his given name so intimately especially after they broke up. She corrected herself but continued to stand her ground against him. She was ready to protect her classmate, but ultimately, he threatened to reveal her entire secret to everyone in class which caused Kei to begrudgingly back down. She was worried about his behavior before he eventually went back to normal thanks to Kiyotaka's interference.

After the incident, she didn’t hold a grudge and they are still on friendly terms as classmates. Kei has made it a point of not being too close to him as that might cause others to suspect they are still together. As for Hirata, he feels no sentimental attachment to her as he felt like hasn’t developed enough to experience romance. They still address each other respectfully if they are ever in contact.

The two of them are now commonly called and relied upon by Kiyotaka due to their respective social statuses, which allows them to work with each other more often. Hirata was surprised but wasn’t against the fact when Kei announced to the class that Kiyotaka is her boyfriend.

Spoilers end. Click here to hide spoilers.

In Volume 6 of the light novel, Kei becomes jealous of Maya's flirtatious attitude towards Kiyotaka and their seemingly close relationship. This causes her to reflect on her feelings for Kiyotaka.

After Maya told of her feelings about Kiyotaka to Kei, Kei secretly thought to herself that Sato's feelings for Kiyotaka were shallow and that she was being too simplistic for falling for his looks and abilities without knowing his character unlike herself who knew Kiyotaka for who he was. Initially, she attempted to recommend different boys for her to date but gave up soon after as she realized that Maya has truly fallen for Kiyotaka. She was on edge as if it was any other boys, Kei would have fully supported her friend without being conflicted.

However, she does recognize the fact that Maya trusted and depended on her because she herself already had a 'boyfriend', and wouldn’t be considered a rival for her crush. She then agreed to help her friend in pursuing her crush while disregarding her own feelings. She also gave advice on how they should go about their date and even praised her for presenting herself by doing up her hair just for Kiyotaka. She was willing to drag herself and Hirata into Sato's idea for a double date and actively tried to get those two to open up to one another during it.

After Kiyotaka rejected Maya, Kei hid behind the bush to hear the entire ordeal happening even though Hirata and herself should have returned to the dormitories beforehand. She felt guilty for betraying her friend as she admitted that she really has fallen head over heels for Kiyotaka.

In Volume 11.5 Maya has a feeling that Kiyotaka has developed feelings for Kei and thinks that Kei might have broken up with Hirata just to be with him. She then told some of her friends about her intuition that their interactions were very suggestive. ^[6]

Kei said Maya tried to ask her that if Kei had broken up with Yousuke to go out with Kiyotaka which Kei denied but Kei did not thought that Maya might have been convinced.

In Second Year Arc Volume 1 Kei was together with Maya at Keyaki Mall and was heading towards the school before she suddenly inquired Kei of the reason for her break up with Hirata. Not satisfied with Kei trying to change the subject, she then directly asked Kei if she was dating Ayanokoji. Kei originally planned to deny Maya's claims but Maya continued her barrage of questions which made Kei answer her truthfully that she is indeed dating Ayanokoji after she threatened their friendship to be dissolved if she was found lying. Unable to accept the answer given to her, Maya cried and slapped Kei for taking advantage of her and going behind her back when she was the only person she thought could be trusted to convey her crush with.

Maya apologized for her impulsive behavior but Kei apologized as well, citing the fact that even though she knew of Maya's feelings for Ayanokoji, she still decided to fall for the same person and even went out with him. She felt like Maya was entirely in the right and was justified, even offering her other cheek as recompense. She then consoled her with a hug and invited her for tea as they agreed that falling for the same person meant that they both recognized his charms. They then attempted to rekindle their old friendship. ^[7]

As for the more recent volumes, Maya has come to terms with their relationship and even supported them for trying to make it publicly known. Though she has made it clear that she would steal him away if Kei ever decides to break up or go for higher profile men. Kei is also willing to share the intimate moments she shares with Kiyotaka to Maya like her first kiss which Maya seems to be very interested in.

Maya also enjoys every limited time spent with Kiyotaka and finds it a small price to pay, though she does exercise caution not to overstep her boundaries as a careful thought for Kei. Maya also enjoys Kei's frantic reactions whenever she teases her about her relationship and constantly brings up sensitive topics. Kei still hadn’t told her the truth of her past and continues to play off the image that she was a playgirl ever since middle school.

Currently, their relationship could be described as something akin to like a best friend as they are closer than they ever have been before. She is one of the few who knows of Kei's secret relationship from the beginning and even before they decide to reveal it.

Also it was shown that Maya values happiness of her friend over her own as she did not accepted Takuya's help for expelling Kei.

In 2nd year volume 9, Kei told Maya about the fact that Kei's relationship with Kiyotaka might be in trouble. Maya said it is defentiely Kiyotaka's fault but Kei said she is at fault too.

Spoilers end. Click here to hide spoilers.

She is one of the few to have noticed that Kei often looks at Kiyotaka a particular way. Previously she ignored this because Kei had a 'boyfriend' but after she broke up with Hirata, she now becomes suspicious of it and questions if Kiyotaka was behind it. Chiaki had a talk with Kiyotaka as she wanted to know why Kei thinks Kiyotaka is so special so much that she would break up with Yousuke to be with Kiyotaka. Kiyotaka said somethings to her and made her understand. Kei was worried that Chiaki might say somethings and it can become bad but Kiyotaka confessed his feelings for Kei and that helped Kei.

Spoilers end. Click here to hide spoilers.

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} You-Zitsu Light Novel — Volume 4
2. ↑ You-Zitsu Light Novel — Volume 5
3. ↑ You-Zitsu Light Novel — Volume 6
4. ↑ You-Zitsu Light Novel — Volume 7
5. ↑ You-Zitsu Light Novel — Volume 7.5
6. ↑ You-Zitsu Light Novel — Volume 11.5
7. ↑ You-Zitsu Light Novel — 2nd Year Volume 1

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