Aono Hajime/Relationships

## Akine Ritsuko

Aono and Akine met due to Akine's awful violin playing in the nurses office. The two didn't like each other at first and often would squabble with each other, however it was Akine's sound that saved Aono and it was because of her that he was able to move forward and pick up his violin once more. The two have a very special bond together-Akine being the more outgoing and energetic of the two, but Aono being the more experienced and skilled violinist. Akine will often go over to Aono's house to practise and get tutoring from him and she sits right behind him in class. Akine deeply cares for Aono and will look out for him when he needs help. Aono encourages Akine and admires her desire to learn the violin. The two are both in the Orchestra Club as 1st years and it is heavily implied that they have begun growing romantic feelings towards each other.

## Saeki Nao

Both Aono and Saeki are the only 1st year violin veterans who are male in the Umimaku Orchestra Club. They have a friendly rivalry and both strive to become better than the other-they compete for 1st chair. Aono was astounded by Saeki's skill when he first met him. The two played a duet together and found it was fun and exciting to play with each other. Aono gets annoyed often with Saeki during practises for zoning out and often will scold him. The two have grown a friendship along with a motivational competitive relationship and they appear to actually get along with each other. They both love their music and will practise together on a regular basis. It is revealed, however, that Saeki was actually Aono's half-brother all along, but was hesitant to tell him. This causes Aono to go in shock and he breaks down, telling Saeki that he wished he had never come to Japan. Saeki feels responsible for all the trouble Aono has gone through with his father and reveals to Aono the guilt that he feels. Aono, though, demands that Saeki tell him what he really wants and Saeki gets emotional and replies that he wants to play with Aono. The two make up and Aono tells Saeki he is sorry. After the two now realise their blood connection with each other, they begin to become closer friends and they maintain a good relationship.

## Kozakura Haru

Aono doesn't remember Haru from when they were kids at the music competition together, but the two still have become friends and both are 1st violin veterans in the orchestra. Haru will sometimes sit next to Aono as his partner during practise and Aono comes to know that he finds it easier to sync with her playing more than Saeki's. Aono knows that Haru is a shy girl who gets nervous easily but is completely oblivious to her romantic feelings toward him. He protects her like a big brother and will often go out of his way to talk to her.

## Harada So

Aono first saw Harada during the opening day and immediately noticed his playing as the concertmaster who stood out form the other violinists. He greatly respects Harada as his upperclassman and wants to become just like him. Harada is amazed with Aono's skill in the violin and will often encourage him.

## Machii Mizuki

Machii is Aono's upperclassman who gives him advice whenever the concertmaster isn't available.