Takaya Arai

**Takaya** (貴也 (たかや) , *Arai Takaya*) is one of the characters in *My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* series, written and illustrated by Mashiro.

## Appearance

Based on his initial appearance in the series, it appears that Takaya has a tall and slender physique. He has long, unkempt hair of a light color. In his second appearance, specifically in Chapter 96, he can be seen wearing clip-on earrings of a light shade on both ears.

## Personality

Takaya is deeply protective of Akane, ensuring her safety in risky situations and feeling guilty for past accidents involving her. Memories of their shared past trigger strong emotions and distract him, causing turmoil. He often introspects about his actions concerning Akane, leading to distraction and emotional turmoil.

He keeps his feelings and past communication with Akane private, feeling defensive when confronted about incidents involving her. Memories with Akane evoke nostalgia and contemplation. Despite his attachment, he reluctantly accepts the reality of their situation and holds concern for Akane's well-being, ensuring her safety and attentiveness to her emotions.

Takaya blames himself for past incidents with Akane, wishing to distance himself due to feeling inadequate compared to her. His desire to avoid her stems from feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness.

## Plot

### Background

Takaya's life revolves around crucial moments involving Akane, influencing his personality and emotional reactions. Their history includes an incident where Akane got injured while riding a motorcycle, resulting in scolding from Akane's sister and Daichi, making Takaya feel inadequate.

One significant memory involves a younger Takaya being comforted by Akane in an alley, indicating his troubled relationship with his father. He's protective of Akane, ensuring her safety in risky situations, feeling guilty for past accidents involving her, and getting emotionally affected by shared memories, causing distraction.

Takaya keeps his emotions and past interactions with Akane private, feeling defensive when questioned about incidents involving her. Recollections with Akane evoke nostalgia and introspection. Despite his attachment, he reluctantly acknowledges their situation, worrying about Akane's well-being by ensuring her safety and considering her emotions.

He blames himself for past incidents with Akane and wishes to distance himself, feeling inadequate in comparison. His family's history of abuse from his father contributes to his inner conflict, prompting his desire to protect Akane by keeping his distance.

Based on information shared by Mayu-chan, Miichan, and Nabecchi during their conversation in their Karaoke room, they reminisce about the past, particularly Takaya's long-standing infatuation with Akane. Amidst the dialogue, they recall Takaya causing harm to Akane during high school. This led to Daichi, Kaede's boyfriend, becoming angry and advising Takaya to keep his distance from Akane temporarily. Alongside this, they touch upon Takaya's rebellious behavior during high school, which might have been a result of personal struggles, including a difficult home life where his father would physically abuse him when intoxicated.

## Relationships

### Familial

#### Unnamed Father

Takaya's relationship with his father is troubled and difficult, marked by abuse and conflict. His upbringing was filled with hardships and mistreatment from his father, which significantly impacted Takaya's emotional well-being and challenges.

### Akane Kinoshita

Takaya and Akane share a history from high school where Akane aimed to provide support to Takaya during his struggles with his father. The long-standing friendship between Takaya and Akane from their preschool days was apparent. This was the reason Akane's mother welcomed Takaya into their home and permitted him to spend time in Akane's room. Despite their current age, Akane's mother still treated Takaya with the familiarity of a grade school child. It's also notable that Takaya has held strong feelings for Akane since high school.

Akane meets Takaya in her hometown when Daichi, who was supposed to pick her up, is helping Kaede with her car. Takaya steps in, initiating a conversation and reassuring Akane. This marks the start of their reconnection. Daichi informs Takaya they haven't been in touch since graduation and shares insights into Akane's protective nature. Takaya remembers a time when Akane showed concern for him, highlighting their past bond. They spend time together, engaging in activities and bonding, reflecting a growing closeness. Takaya displays protective instincts towards Akane, ensuring her safety and accompanying her home after a concerning encounter. A reunion conversation hints at Takaya's longstanding affection for Akane, revealing details about their past and causing friction between them. Kaede indirectly confronts Takaya about his feelings for Akane, but he remains steadfast in his devotion to her. A past motorcycle incident involving Akane and Takaya causes tensions and strains their relationship. Takaya wrestles internally with his feelings for Akane, wanting to protect her despite his troubled past.

#### Daichi Takahashi

Daichi was initially set to pick up Akane from the Terminal. However, when Kaede needed help with her car, Daichi became occupied. Takaya intervened and picked up Akane instead, altering the plans and reassuring her. This enabled Takaya and Akane to establish a connection.

A conversation between Daichi and Takaya occurred where Daichi asked if Takaya had been in contact with Akane since their graduation. Takaya admitted they hadn't communicated. Daichi also described Akane's protective nature when close to someone, offering insights into her life. This description triggered a memory in Takaya of a younger version of himself and Akane, highlighting Akane's caring behavior towards him in the past.

Daichi was present at the hospital after the motorcycle accident involving Akane and Takaya. He disapproved and reprimanded Takaya, cautioning him to stay away from Akane if he couldn't handle the responsibility. This reprimand, along with Akane's defense of Takaya, left him feeling disheartened and immature, leading him to wish for distance from Akane due to the incident.

#### Kaede Kinoshita

Takaya and Kaede share no explicit personal connection beyond casual local acquaintance. Their interactions primarily revolve around their roles in Akane's life and their mutual concerns for her welfare. Kaede voiced apprehensions about Takaya's feelings for Akane, discussing it with Daichi, and eventually advising Takaya to stop pursuing Akane as she is already in a romantic relationship with Yamada.

## References

*My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* Manga: Chapter 97 (Page 9).
*My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999* Manga: Chapter 98 (Pages 5-6).