Sakakibara Kyousuke

, is a character in the Tensei Pandemic manga series and a good friend to Imamura Hinata.
==Plot==
Kyousuke is a good friend of Hinata since elementary school. Continuing to attend high school together years later, Kyousuke is one of few people who display understanding for Hinata's perceived lack of masculinity.
Partially influenced by his older sister Ayaka, a professional fashion designer, Kyousuke develops a deep interest for tailoring and fashion design at a young age, aspiring to create women's wear and pursue clothing studies in a vocational school. Having obtained permission to use a vacant classroom, Kyousuke transforms it into a makeshift studio, where he would create a massive collection of designs. One day, he takes Hinata to this room and reveals his passion to him, yet unaware of the gender change the Hinata has recently undergone. Hinata expresses support for Kyousuke's dream, but is then unexpectedly asked to model for his creations. Though reluctant, Hinata agrees to help, and they engage in a photo session which ends with both of them exhausted. Resting on the floor, Hinata asks if he was helpful, to which Kyousuke affirmatively responds, albeit with an apology, knowing Hinata's discomfort with being compared to a girl. Surprisingly, Hinata sits up and acknowledges a newfound fondness for Kyousuke's outfits, despite the initial awkwardness.
During a trip to the sea with his friends, Hinata is dragged into an idol contest by a persistent talent scout, where he assumes the fake identity of "Hinako." During the show, it is revealed that the swimsuits worn by the contestants are designed by Kyousuke. The host asks Kyousuke who her favorite girl is, and his eyes are fixed on "Hinako," oblivious to her true identity.
Later, on the beach, Kyousuke is alerted by Mikoto and finds Hinata and Aki in a cave, trapped by three creeps. He warns the men to stop what they are doing and tells them that he has called the guards, scaring them off. Upon seeing Kyousuke, Hinata, still dressed in his outfit from the idol contest, accidentally slips up and says his name, but Kyousuke recognizes him as "Hinako." As the fetish bros run off in a panic, Kyousuke turns to make sure that the two are okay, revealing that Mikoto was the one who told him Aki's whereabouts. He invites Hinata to leave together, which Hinata frantically declines. Before leaving, Kyousuke tells Hinata to be careful, acknowledging that he is indeed very cute.
Some time later, after a school festival, Hinata, who has gradually come to accept his new identity, decides to try going outside as a girl. Originally planning to go together with Aki, Hinata gets the date wrong and ends up alone. In a panic upon realizing this, she crashes into someone who turns out to be Kyousuke, and accidentally calls out his name. Despite his initial confusion, Kyousuke then recognizes Hinata as the "Hinako" that he met back at the beach. Relieved to have encountered someone familiar, Hinata joins Kyousuke to visit a fashion exhibition. On the way there, they run into Kyousuke's older sister, Ayaka, who invites them to join her at a photoshoot for an underwear brand, along with her photographer and "love partner."
The two watch from the side as Ayaka's photoshoot unfolds. Kyousuke, admiring his sister's talent, confides in "Hinako" that he feels he'll never measure up to her achievements. Despite this, he truly looks up to Ayaka. As Kyousuke speaks, Hinata notices the look of admiration on his face — one of someone looking directly into their dreams. Kyousuke then apologizes for the sudden personal revelation, admitting that it's unusual for him to share his feelings so openly. When Ayaka takes a short break from her photoshoot, Hinata compliments her passionate performance. Ayaka reveals that the theme of the shoot is "love" and extends an invitation for Hinata to model as Kyousuke's "love partner." Kyousuke protests this, but Ayaka entices him with the prospect of getting his own exhibit at this year's New York Fashion Week. Despite his internal conflict, Kyousuke would still firmly decline, not wanting to involve "Hinako" in something she finds uncomfortable. However, sensing Kyousuke's internal struggle, Hinata steps forward and agrees to model alongside Kyousuke.
As Hinata puts on the set of underwear, Kyousuke immediately recognizes it as one of his earlier designs. Ayaka admits that she grabbed it from his room on her way to the shoot. Kyousuke protests her intrusion, but Ayaka brushes it off, insisting that this is a perfect opportunity to showcase his talent. Feeling a bit more at ease knowing that she's wearing something Kyousuke created, Hinata begins with the photoshoot. However, the photographer struggles to capture a satisfactory shot. Observing this, Kyousuke, feeling frustrated, tells his sister not to blame "Hinako" and criticizes his own work, believing it's not good enough to produce any decent photos. Ayaka, however, laughs in response, assuring him that his clothes already look like they were made by a professional.
Ayaka then asks Kyousuke why he creates clothes. He answers that, like her, dreams of people around the world wearing his designs. She probes further, asking if he imagines the faces of the people he designs for. The image that immediately comes to Kyousuke's mind is his friend Hinata. Flustered, he explains that Hinata was simply the most fitting model. Ayaka, slightly surprised but understanding, tells him that he has real talent. However, she points out that his work has been held back by feelings of shame and guilt, a reluctance to fully embrace dressing others in his designs. This resistance, she says, is transmitted to those who wear his clothes as well. She encourages Kyousuke to try to get rid of this feeling, and think about what she wants from the person wearing his clothes.
Encouraged by Ayaka's words, Hinata tells Kyousuke not to worry and to share his true feelings, reassuring him to think of her as that friend. Kyousuke, opening up, confesses that what he really wants is for that friend to always be by his side. Ayaka, satisfied with his answer, takes it quite literally — she instructs the photographer to place Kyousuke beside Hinata for the photoshoot. Kyousuke protests, but his sister insists that this is an important step to make sure he never forgets about his feelings. She reminds him that "Hinako" accepted this challenge because of him, and urges him to do it for her.
Kyousuke, still concerned that "Hinako" might be uncomfortable, refutes his sister, but Hinata once again reassures him that it's okay. Though Kyousuke doesn't quite understand the kindness he's receiving, the photoshoot proceeds. Ayaka watches, pleased to see Kyousuke stepping out of his comfort zone. Yet, she reflects that it's still not enough. She believes that true greatness in a creator's work happens when a creator opens their heart and the wearer fully accepts it, creating a mutual trust known as "love."
The photoshoot finally concludes, and in the changing room, Kyousuke thanks "Hinako" for the day, expressing his gratitude despite the sudden turn of events and acknowledging that he is happy with how it went. As he prepares to leave, Hinata stops Kyousuke as he prepares to leave, explaining that a button on her sailor suit has come off. While Kyousuke works on fixing it, Ayaka hands him two tickets to Mouseland. Kyousuke and Hinata decide to visit the park together.
At Mouseland, they spend time together enjoying various attractions. As night falls, they board the Ferris wheel. Hinata gazes at the beautiful night view, and Kyousuke asks her why she went out of her way for a stranger like him, and Hinata replies that she saw it as a great opportunity for Kyousuke. Kyousuke, however, laments that he feels unable to change. Hinata confesses that she used to think she would never change either, but has noticed her feelings evolving recently, though she still remains fearful of change.
Kyousuke, still unaware of "Hinako"'s true identity, shares that he has a friend named Hina who looks like a girl. He notes that he has sensed something unusual about Hina and understands there must be difficulties preventing him from discussing it. Kyousuke encourages "Hinako" to keep trying and assures her that, no matter how hard things get, he will always be there for her because that's what friends are for. Hearing these out-of-character words from Kyousuke, Hinata suddenly starts crying, startling Kyousuke who fears he might have said something wrong. She tells him that he must be very close to this friend of his, and Kyousuke admits that he likes his friend. Hinata is momentarily alarmed by this, but Kyousuke quickly clarifies that he meant it as a friend.
Some time later, the class embarks on a school trip to Kyoto. One night, at the hotel, Hinata is invited to join the rotenburo with the rest of the boys. Although initially hesitant due to his transformed body, he decides to go in as the shower is broken. While enjoying the bath alone, Kyousuke and the other boys arrive, forcing Hinata to stay submerged to avoid being noticed. Exhausted, Hinata starts feeling dizzy. Realizing that his secret will be exposed if he collapses in the rotenburo, he decides to leave under the cover of the steam. However, as he walks away, a sudden gust of wind causes him to stumble and fall. Fortunately, Kyousuke catches him just in time. Kyousuke immediately notices the changes in Hinata's body but, being considerate, decides to cover for him, taking him to the changing room away from the others. Sitting on the floor there, Hinata confesses to Kyousuke that he has turned into a girl.
Just then, the other boys, come looking for them concerned. With no time to grab clothes or even a towel, Kyousuke and Hinata make a quick escape, sprinting out of the changing room and down the hallway. As they navigate the hallways, they narrowly avoid being spotted several times. Eventually, they reach a door, but it leads to the emergency staircase outside. With no other options, they slowly descend the stairs in the freezing cold. Shivering, Hinata suggests Kyousuke ask any questions he might have, but Kyousuke says it's not the right time. Hinata then asks why Kyousuke covered for him at the onsen, wondering if he already knew about his secret. Kyousuke answers that he had no idea and, and decided to help simply because he could tell from Hinata's face that he needed it. When they finally re-enter the building, they unexpectedly run into Yurina, who notices the changes in Hinata's body. Kyousuke tries to cover it up by saying it's a bodysuit from a souvenir shop, but before they can escape, they find themselves face-to-face with the other teachers and students, all staring in shock, seeing Hinata's transformation on full display. Overwhelmed, Hinata collapses. Ms. Katsurako, being the only member of staff aware of the Tensei Virus, manages the chaos and gathers the students to explain the situation. From this point on, Hinata would start attending school as a girl.
Weeks after she started living as a girl, Hinata unexpectedly bumps into Kyousuke one day after finishing work at the maid cafe. With her wig on, Kyousuke still recognizes her as "Hinako." Feeling that she shouldn't keep hiding her identity from Kyousuke, Hinata gathers her courage to tell him the truth. However, just as she's about to speak, a sudden downpour interrupts, leaving them both scrambling for shelter, inadvertently ending up at the love hotel. After showering and drying off, they sit side by side on the bed in their bathrobes, the air thick with awkward silence. Hinata, trying to lighten the mood, suggests they play some games and order sweets. However, this only prompts Kyousuke to question if she's been here before. Flustered, Hinata tries to explain that she came with have fun with her friends, but this only deepens the misunderstanding.
Attempting to deflect, Hinata asks Kyousuke if he's ever been to places like this, teasing that he must be popular. Kyousuke suddenly grows quiet, then admits that he hasn't, because he already has someone on his mind. When Hinata eagerly presses for more details, Kyousuke confesses that the person he likes is none other than her — Hinako. Shocked by Kyousuke's confession, Hinata is overwhelmed by the situation. She stands up, desperate to escape, regretting not telling Kyousuke the truth earlier. Kyousuke, startled by her reaction, rushes after her, pleading for her to wait and apologizing for saying something weird. Insisting that wasn't the reason, Hinata gets ready to finally tell him the truth. However, they both stumble and fall at this moment, causing Hinata's wig to slip off. Hinata is consumed with guilt, repeatedly apologizing to Kyousuke.
However, Kyousuke surprises her by pulling her into a tight hug, reassuring her that everything is alright. However, Kyousuke surprises her by pulling her into a tight hug, reassuring her that everything is alright, and that he's actually relieved that "Hinako" was really Hinata all along. He explains that before he knew the truth, he started liking Hinako but found himself picturing Hinata whenever he thought of her. He reasons that it was only natural because "Hinako" wasn't real, but he can't hide his emotions, tearing up as he speaks. Seeing this, Hinata quietly puts her wig back on and asks Kyousuke to look at her again, telling him to think of her as Hinako, just for now. Kyousuke hugs her once more, admitting he didn't want to feel guilty towards someone so kind and honest, and realizing that person was his best friend made him feel fortunate. Hinata, too, expresses gratitude for his constant support and opens up about her uncertainty regarding whether she truly wants to return to being a boy. She mentions that staying as a girl might not be so bad and asks if Kyousuke would still be her best friend if she chose to live as a woman permanently. Kyousuke reassures her, saying that their friendship would only grow stronger. He then makes a personal request, asking if Hinata would dress up as Hinako from time to time. Hinata agrees, but only on the condition that it remains an occasional thing.
Not long after, Kyousuke would become one of the people witnessing the start of the Tensei Pandemic first-hand, as the identity of the culprit, Miya, is discovered by her friends. Like many boys, Kyousuke undergoes a gender change when Miya releases the airborne version of the Tensei Virus. In the following days, he would embrace his new self and start experience life as a girl.
After a three-year time skip, society has adapted to the new reality where people can freely change their gender. Kyousuke is now helping with some of the designs for his sister's brand. Occasionally, he also has to become a girl to model. While he doesn't particularly enjoy it, Ayaka would insist that it is part of the job, and the girl version of Kyousuke has garnered a fair share of fans.
==Chapter Appearances==
==References==
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