Mayoi Ayase's fascination with cuteness derives mostly from his perception of cute things and people as harmless, bringing him comfort due to his anxiety surrounding facing persecution. He perceives them as pure and healing in a way he does not see himself. This leads to conflicting emotions when surrounded by people who fit into the category, such as Aira Shiratori and Shinobu Sengoku. Mayoi feels conflicted between wanting to bask in their presence and the anxiety he may be impure to adjust. This paranoia causes his behavior to appear suspicious on occasion although his actions are later revealed to be relatively harmless.