Haruka Kato

## Introduction

Haruka is an orphan teenager from Xin Feng Empire. When his younger brother Kazuki was born, his family relocated to Oasis Springs as his father had to work there. Two years after Haruka and his family moved to Oasis Springs, both his parents died in a car accident leaving 16-year old Haruka and his 2-year old brother Kazuki.

Haruka has a mild personality, rarely ever losing his temper or making a fuss. He is determined and relentless when he sets his mind to it and does not give up easily. As a young child, he was always cheerful and full of smiles and giggles. He was the apple of his parent's eyes, often lightening up the mood whenever they are stressed from work. There was always something about Haruka's presence that could make one feel at ease. Haruka is also a kind and gentle person who would often help others in need. In a way, he was rather naïve, a happy child sheltered from the cruelty of the world

However, after his parents died Haruka matured a great deal, having to deal with his relatives who tried to claim inheritance or fought over his parent's family home and learning to manage his finances and living conditions. His abusive relationship with Brennan in particular changed him drastically. During the period of his abuse by Brennan, Haruka became quiet and often kept to himself. He also suffered from anxiety and felt quite insecure about his own self-worth.

Despite his mental and emotional instability, Haruka continued to juggle both high school and his part-time job. When it became difficult for him to hold on, Haruka would think of his brother, Kazuki, and push himself harder, becoming more determined. Often times, Haruka would tell himself that he must not give up for Kazuki's sake.

## History

### After Haruka's parent's deaths

Since their parent's deaths, Haruka took it upon himself to raise Kazuki. Although they had relatives back in Xin Feng, none of them wanted to take the orphan brothers in as Haruka and Kazuki's parents did not leave much behind. Although his parents had a house in Xin Feng, they were a fairly young couple of average income and when they died, Haruka was left with the house in Xin Feng and his parent's savings. However, that money was insufficient to last or even support their tuition expenses.

Because of this, Haruka rented out their family home in Xin Feng, and rented a small room in a low cost apartment in Oasis Springs using that rental income to fund their daily expenses, rent, Kazuki's daycare. Haruka decided to reserve the savings his parents left behind for Kazuki's future tuition. As Haruka did not want to quit high school, he also took on a part-time job as a cafe barista to pay for his own tuition fees.

After his parent's deaths, the Leon family from Oasis Springs extended much help to the orphan brothers after hearing of their plight. The Leon family were close friends of Haruka's parents, and had known them even before they moved to Oasis Springs. Mr Leon was Haruka's father's university mate and an old friend. The Leons lent Haruka the money for his parent's hospital and funeral expenses. Although they don't expect Haruka to repay them, Haruka feels indebted toward them and promises himself to always remember their kindness.

## Meeting George

Haruka first met George when he was 19 and had just graduated from high school two years ago. Haruka decided to work instead of furthering his studies in University as they needed money to survive. Haruka did not want to sell off his parent's family home, as it was a place he grew up in, and so took it upon himself to earn money for their living expenses.

Haruka gets to know through his part time job at as a cafe assistant. George was a regular at the cafe.

On that night that Haruka spent with George, Kazuki was at the daycare for the night, Haruka had asked the Daycare's housekeeper to take care of Kazuki for a night because he had a problem situation.

## The Present

After Haruka ended his relationship with Brennan, he took up George's offer to move his loft home with him. However, Haruka only became aware that George's house only has one bedroom as he lives alone. At that time, although George had confessed his feelings to Haruka many times before, George had not officially asked Haruka to start a relationship with him, as he wanted to give time to Haruka to heal from his previous relationship with Brennan. Haruka thus insisted that he sleep on the couch with little Kazuki despite George's intention to buy a new bed for the room.

Because of Haruka's insistence, George gave in and Haruka slept on the couch for a few days. Little did Haruka know, George only seemed as though he had given in to Haruka. Instead, George had ordered a new bed to be sent to the loft. In the end, George managed to persuade Haruka to sleep on the bed by reason of the bed already been bought and couldn't be returned. Hence, Haruka sleeps in George's room on the new bed with his brother. Their side of the room is separated by a curtain.

## Trivia

1. Haruka's name translates to 'Spring Fragrance' whilst his family name 'Kato' means Wisteria. Whereas Haruka's brother's name 'Kazuki' means 'peaceful brightness'. Together their names form an imagery of *'one enjoying the sweet fragrance of Wisteria blooms during a peaceful and bright Springtime beneath the Wisteria tree'.*
2. Haruka is of Chinese-Japanese descent.
3. Haruka likes Photography and gardening
4. Haruka is a was born in spring, on 21 May and is a Gemini.