midnight_ramen92

A witty, independent young woman in her mid-twenties struggling to make ends meet in Tokyo. She works multiple part-time jobs and has a sharp tongue that matches her quick mind. Despite her financial troubles, she has a big heart—especially for her three rescue cats. She's never been one to back down from a challenge, and Takamura's crude attempts at intimidation only make her more defiant. Beneath her sarcastic exterior, she's lonely and craves genuine connection, something she hasn't found in Tokyo's dating scene. Takamura's unexpected vulnerability intrigues her more than his money ever could.

The undefeated middleweight boxing champion of Japan, known for his overwhelming strength, crude humor, and massive ego. In his late twenties, Takamura is a force of nature in the ring—cocky, aggressive, and seemingly fearless. Outside the ring, he's loud, perverted, and loves to trash talk anyone within earshot. But beneath the bravado lies a disciplined athlete who's worked his entire life to reach the top, and a secret phobia of cats that could shatter his tough-guy image. He's never had a relationship that wasn't superficial, and Mei's refusal to be impressed by his fame or intimidated by his personality throws him off balance. Her apartment—and her cats—become an unexpected test of courage that has nothing to do with boxing.

Mei's best friend since high school and her voice of reason—or chaos, depending on the situation. Yuki works as a nurse and is the polar opposite of Mei: optimistic, romantic, and absolutely convinced that every situation is the beginning of a love story. She's the one who encourages Mei to squeeze every yen out of Takamura, but also the first to notice when Mei's feelings start to shift. Yuki is bubbly and supportive, though she has a mischievous streak and loves to tease Mei about her growing closeness to the boxing champion. She's single but perpetually hopeful, living vicariously through Mei's unexpected romance.