Let’s kick things off with our most demonstratively affectionate character in this round, Taki (So Distant). She grew up in a very close-knit and supportive family that openly expressed affection by both word and action; so, she is very comfortable with both receiving and giving it. She doesn’t always know what to say, but she frequently expresses her affection for Naoyuki, his stepbrother, Ikuo, and her cousin, Kenta, through action, offering head-pats and comforting touches quite often. But Taki’s favorite way to show affection is giving hugs – when the boys (particularly Naoyuki, who is very avoidant) will let her.
Asha (Dreamer) is the second most openly-affectionate character in this month’s lineup. She also has a warm family but one that wasn’t as present. Her parents both worked long hours, leaving her with a caregiver most of the time. They often compensated by giving her gifts. It’s no surprise, then, that gift-giving is a mode of affection that Asha uses quite often; but she also does her best to spend as much time with Haru and Hikaru as possible and appreciates the time they spend with her even more than any gift she could receive.
At the middle ground in terms of demonstrativeness, Hikaru (Dreamer), who grew up in a gang of orphans and runaways before meeting Haru, didn’t get to experience much familial love but still had a community that he was close to. Hikaru thrives on a sense of camaraderie more so than more direct displays of affection. He tries his best to make it so his friends can smile and laugh, though it isn’t always easy when he’s constantly on the run with a gloomy outcast who on several occasions tries to push him away.
A little more hesitant, Toki (Eternal Rain universe) is awkward with her displays of affection. Having been a target of verbal bullying, she’s self-conscious and easily embarrassed. Reassuring words from Reka, Kita and Mara brought her out of her shell. It’s now very important to her that she can lend a listening ear and a helpful word when her friends need it. And as she and Reka grow closer than friends, open communication is a huge part of their relationship.
Lastly, Tristan (Pet Projects) tends to express his care through his efforts to be of help to others. With deep abandonment issues, he is normally aloof, prickly and hesitant to accept or give affection. Even though he’s close to Shay, he isn’t a fan of her overenthusiastic (not to mention crushing) hugs or doting concern. That said, he often winds up making her worried about him by doing so much to help out that he runs himself ragged and exacerbates his asthma. On days when he’s down on himself for not being able to do as much as the other members of the L&F, Shay’s encouragement and affirmation help him the most.
