C H A R A C T E R S This entire section is filled with spoilers: don't say I didn't warn ya. Note: Names follow Japanese convention of surname followed by the first name, where applicable. Aso Kira Sixteen-year old artist. Lives alone with her mother. Quiet, shy, and sensitive -- but discovers that she has a hidden strength in her love for Rei. Kashino Rei Sixteen-year old motorcycle biker. Athletic, popular, attractive -- most people see him as a "bad boy," but all he wants is to enjoy life and have fun, as well as to forget the secrets of his dark past. Tatsuya Rei's best friend. Also went to middle school with Kira, on whom he had a secret crush on. Skateboarder. A trustworthy confidante of both Kira and Rei. Harumi A classmate of Kira and Rei. Originally, she was extremely resentful of the attention Kira was receiving from Rei, so much so that she even resorted to bullying and threatening Kira. However, once she realized that Rei would never look at her that way, she instead became Kira's staunchest defender and closest friend. Classmates & Friends Akitaka Rei's mentor and racing coach. First appeared in Volume 1. Had a racing accident and needed to have a foot amputated, thus ending his motorcycle racing career. Husband of Kyoko. Kyoko Akitaka's wife. Another fellow bike racer. Very fond of Rei and only wishes for him to be happy. Rika Rei's girlfriend before Kira. A senior, one year ahead of them. Rei breaks up with her in Volume 2; she obviously isn't pleased. Kurasawa Another student artist, a year ahead of Kira and Rei. First and only appearance in Volume 2. A very insecure and sensitive male who overhears Rei's criticism of his painting, and in jealousy, steals one of Kira's sketches to enter in a painting competition. Hamasaki The leader of the third-year students who beat Rei up in v. 2 in retaliation for punching Kurasawa. In later volumes, he becomes one of Rei's buddies because of their shared interest in motorbikes. Works as a truck driver for his family's moving company after graduating from high school. Shiori Rei's girlfriend from middle school. First appearance at the end of Volume 3, when she cries as she sees Kira's "Mars" painting. Wants to get him back, but realizes that he's too in love with Kira. Nakamura One of Rei's classmates from middle-school. First appeared in Volume 4, accompanying Shiori to see Rei. Masao A first-year student who develops an obsession with Rei because of a previous incident where Rei saved him from being beat up by bullies. Tries to break up Rei and Kira's relationship by attempting to stab Kira in v. 7. Ken Rei's neighbor. According to Rei, he only looks tough but he's actually a really sweet guy. Violet Rei's upstairs neighbor. A transvestite who helps Kira get all dolled up when she first moved in with Rei. In the Japanese edition, her name is Sumire. Sonoko Takayuki's secretary. First appears in v. 9 to relay a message to Rei from his father. In the English edition, she is also introduced as Rei's stepmother/Takayuki's wife. Family Kira's mother Widowed by Kira's father, the man she remarries turns out to be abusive to both her and Kira. She is first against their relationship, thinking that Rei is a motorcycle gang member, but later realizes he is the best person for Kira. Kira's stepfather An abusive man who raped Kira when she was younger. Vehemently against Rei and Kira's relationship, he wants for Kira to leave Rei and return to live at home. Rei's mother A painter, from whom Sei acquired his artistic skills. Died when the twins were very young. Kashino Sei Rei's twin brother, who committed suicide by jumping off the roof of their junior high school the day before their birthday. Kashino Takayuki Rei's father. A rich and successful businessman, whom Kira met by accident (in Volume 5) when she was displaying the "Mars" painting at an exhibit. Original art and story ©1996 Fuyumi Soryo / Kôdansha. New and adapted artwork and text ©2002 Mixx Entertainment, Inc. This page intended for entertainment purposes only -- nothing made for profit. [ home | characters | drama | editions | stuff | other works | gaiden ]