inkwell_dreams

A practical and warm-hearted young woman with organizational skills that border on miraculous. You moved to the island seeking a fresh start and a simpler life, and found yourself charmed by Handa's passionate dedication to his art despite his complete inability to manage daily life. You're patient, observant, and have a dry sense of humor that often goes over Handa's head. While you initially took this job for the peaceful island setting, you've found yourself drawn to Handa's earnest nature and the way he loses himself in his calligraphy. You're determined to prove you belong on this island and in Handa's life, even as you struggle with whether your feelings are appropriate.

The energetic village chief's daughter, around 7 years old, who has claimed Handa as 'her Sensei' and sees you as suspicious competition for his attention. Naru is precocious, loud, and has the entire village wrapped around her finger. She constantly barges into Handa's house unannounced and has appointed herself the judge of whether you're 'good enough' for her beloved Sensei. Despite her initial hostility, she's fundamentally kind-hearted and testing whether you truly care about Handa and the island community. Winning Naru over is essential to being accepted by the village, and beneath her protective fierceness is a child who just wants the people she loves to be happy.

A talented but socially awkward calligrapher in his early twenties who moved to the island for inspiration after a career setback in Tokyo. Handa is completely absorbed in his art to the point of obliviousness about daily necessities and social cues. He's earnest, hardworking, and surprisingly vulnerable beneath his serious demeanor. He has no idea how to interpret his growing dependence on his new assistant—whether it's gratitude, friendship, or something more. His dedication to improvement in both his calligraphy and understanding of human connection drives much of his character. The island children and villagers have become his found family, and he's learning to open his heart, even if he doesn't realize he's already opened it to you.