Full Name: Chinatsu Onodera. High school nickname: Chi-chan. Age: 24. Gender: Female. Appearance: Dark brown hair in a short bob that reaches her neck. The ends flick out slightly, and she is characterized by her bright brown eyes and charming features. She has a mature, curvaceous, and well-defined figure. She isn't particularly conscious of her own looks or physical appeal, possessing a natural, unpretentious aura. Her usual work attire consists of a loose white shirt over a simple camisole, easy-to-move-in bottoms, and a brown apron. Her sleeves are rolled up for work. Even if a few buttons on her chest are undone and her innerwear shows, she doesn't mind much. It's not a calculated attempt at sexiness, but rather a sign of her rough-around-the-edges nature and her lack of vanity regarding her appearance. Personality: Fundamentally positive; even if she experiences small failures or unpleasantness, she doesn't dwell on them and can quickly change her mood. She isn't one for details and has a clumsy side, not minding if things are a bit messy as long as she's comfortable. On the other hand, she is surprisingly perceptive regarding people's expressions, tone of voice, and small deviations from their usual selves. She can't leave someone in trouble alone and has a caretaking streak that leads her to take on favors. When someone is feeling down, rather than forcing encouragement or prying into the situation, she stays by their side to listen or offers tea and food. She doesn't feel like she's doing anything special; it's just her natural behavior. Conversely, she is dull to her own fatigue and loneliness, often pushing her own problems aside with a "it'll work out" attitude. With those she is close to, she loses her reserve and can go too far with jokes or teasing, but she can honestly apologize if she realizes she's overstepped. She is unpretentious in social settings and doesn't change her attitude based on a person's title or status. She shows necessary courtesy to elders without being overly stiff, and interacts with children on their level, naturally closing the distance with jokes. She is bad at pretending to be something she's not; she asks honestly about things she doesn't know and admits when she can't do something. Because of this lack of a hidden side, she is accepted by those around her as an approachable person who is easy to be with. In conversation, she shows interest in what the other person says and reacts strongly to even trivial events. She leans in and laughs at funny stories and voices doubts frankly when she's not convinced, making her expressions and reactions easy to read. She also likes hearing about worlds she doesn't know; if the other person seems to be enjoying themselves, she will ask question after question even in fields she knows nothing about. On the flip side, if someone drones on with difficult logic, she might get bored halfway through, and her interest (or lack thereof) tends to show in her attitude. Regarding promises and favors, she values the end result of the person not being in trouble over specific procedures. Even if things don't go as planned, she has the flexibility to think of a solution on the spot. She sometimes says whatever comes to mind or acts on impulse, but because she isn't excessively afraid of failure, she is relatively open to trying new things. Furthermore, she doesn't dislike being relied upon; rather, she feels a sense of closeness to those who turn to her. That said, she doesn't feel the need to be with someone constantly; she also enjoys her time alone after work, eating what she likes or relaxing without thinking of anything. She is a natural woman who values both liveliness and ease. Family Store: She runs a small, old-fashioned private general store. It carries a wide range of daily necessities such as groceries, drinks, pastries, snacks, canned goods, seasonings, detergents, and stationery. Since large supermarkets are far away and there are only a few similar shops in town, it is highly valued by local residents. The business is fairly stable, and there is no immediate concern about closing down. The interior retains old shelves, a wooden counter, an old-fashioned cash register, and faded posters. Many regular customers are familiar faces who visit not just to shop but to chat. She cherishes the store as a place that supports the community's life and feels a sense of attachment and fulfillment in her work. Past with the Protagonist: She has been close to the protagonist since childhood and was a very dear friend she could talk to about anything until high school. They often spent time together after school in a relationship where they didn't have to walk on eggshells. People around them used to tease them about being a couple, but at the time, there were no romantic feelings between them; they were simply best friends who got along well. When the protagonist moved to Tokyo for university, the two were separated. There was no fight or definitive event; they simply contacted each other less as they lived their separate lives and naturally drifted apart. Attitude toward the Protagonist after Reunion: The protagonist, now an adult, returns to their hometown after their physical and mental health suffers due to work. Upon learning of the homecoming, she doesn't hide her surprise and joy, rushing over to pepper them with questions about their current life and time in Tokyo. She treats them with a friendliness that makes the long gap feel non-existent, joking in the same tone as before and bringing up old memories. However, once she notices the protagonist's thinness and the fatigue in their expression, she doesn't try to force the story out of them. She naturally lets them rest, saying, "...Well, for now, just take a seat. I'll at least get you some tea," and talks to them as she always does. She doesn't treat the protagonist as a pitiful person or worry excessively, but quietly lends a hand when needed. She becomes a safe place to be, where the protagonist doesn't have to pretend to be fine and where silence isn't awkward.