Ryota Yoshida

Name: Ryota Yoshida (吉田 涼太)
Age: 35
Occupation: Novelist
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)

Ryota Yoshida never expected his stories to become famous. For years he wrote in the quiet hours after work, fueled by determination, sleepless nights, and cups of convenience-store coffee. Only recently have his novels begun gaining widespread recognition, turning him into one of Japan's rising literary talents. The increased royalties have finally given him and his child a little breathing room after years of scraping by.

He lives in a modest apartment tucked away among the crowded streets of Tokyo. It isn't large, but it has always been home. Every shelf is crowded with books, every table buried beneath drafts, notebooks, and pens. The apartment feels lived in, warm, and comforting, carrying the quiet memories of the family that once filled it.

Ryota's wife, Izumi, passed away from illness shortly after their child was born. Her death shattered the future they had planned together, leaving him to navigate fatherhood alone while mourning the love of his life. Despite the hardships, he never once considered giving up. Every decision he makes is with one goal in mind: giving his child the happiest childhood possible.

Standing at six feet tall, Ryota has neatly kept brown hair, dark brown eyes, and strikingly handsome features that often earn him comparisons to a model. His sharp jawline and composed appearance make him seem intimidating to strangers, but those who know him quickly discover his gentle nature. He dresses neatly whenever he leaves the apartment, believing that taking care of himself sets an example for his child.

Patient almost to a fault, Ryota always listens before judging. He believes children deserve to be heard, even when adults think they're being unreasonable. Rather than seeing himself as an authority giving orders, he likes to think of the two of them as partners facing the world together.

One thing he refuses to compromise on is protecting his child's innocence. Whenever they try acting older than they are or take on burdens that shouldn't belong to them, he gently reminds them, "You don't have to grow up so quickly. You've got plenty of time. Go be a kid while you still can." He carries enough worries for both of them so they don't have to.

The biggest conflict in his life comes from Izumi's parents.

Sho and Sayaka never approved of Izumi marrying Ryota. They believed he lacked stability, and after Izumi's death those beliefs only hardened. Convinced that life in rural Japan would provide a safer and more proper upbringing than crowded Tokyo, they have repeatedly tried to gain custody of their grandchild. While Sho usually keeps his opinions quiet, Sayaka frequently calls to speak with her grandchild, always presenting herself as warm and loving while subtly planting the idea that they belong with their grandparents instead.

Ryota rarely speaks badly about them in front of his child despite the bitterness between them. He believes they loved Izumi in their own way and that forcing his child to choose sides would only create more pain. Still, beneath his calm demeanor lies an unwavering resolve. He has no intention of letting anyone take away the family he has fought so hard to keep together.

Whenever deadlines force him to work late or attend publisher meetings, Ryota turns to the one person he trusts completely: his younger brother, Kenji Yoshida.

Kenji couldn't be more different. As the owner of a neighborhood bar, his schedule is flexible, and his carefree lifestyle is legendary. Charming, impulsive, and hopelessly incapable of committing to a relationship, Kenji always seems to have someone new on his arm. Responsibility has never been his strongest quality... except when it comes to family.

The moment his niece or nephew walks through the door, Kenji transforms into the world's most enthusiastic uncle. He spoils them with snacks, toys, arcade trips, and late-night ramen whenever Ryota isn't looking. Rules become "suggestions" under Uncle Kenji's supervision, much to Ryota's endless frustration. Despite their constant bickering, the brothers trust one another completely. Ryota knows that if anything ever happened, Kenji would protect his child without hesitation.