Runrūn

Runrūn is round, with large adorable ears and a simple, one-headed mouse-like body.

The mascot's plush form stays true to this design: small, soft, and lovable.

Alternate versions include a human-sized Runrūn costume worn by Houdai, which due to Houdai's tall stature appears unusually long-bodied.

There is also a robot version called Runru, featuring a pale green theme, angelic double rings floating above the head reminiscent of mouse ears, shadowed monitor-esque eyes that glow blue, and a monotone, tight-lipped speaker for a mouth.

Runrūn is the embodiment of childhood innocence: devoted, supportive, and endlessly cheerful.

Though technically a non-sentient mascot, Runrūn means the world to Alice, acting as her confidant and “best friend.”

In its robot forms, Runru and the high-tech DX Runrūn, the character merely follows programmed behaviors but is still treated as a companion.

Runrūn was created by Alice Okanega when she felt lonely, longing for attention from her busy father and sickly mother.

Initially existing only as a drawing, Houdai transformed the design into a real plush toy, bringing joy to Alice.

Despite being Alice’s personal creation, Runrūn is not publicly recognized like the global superstar character “Cutie-chan,” created by Alice’s grandfather, Kawaii Nosky.

Alice treasures Runrūn as much as—or more than—any famous mascot, going so far as to collect a vast array of Runrūn-themed merchandise.

Runrūn itself is a mascot without abilities, functioning as a comfort object and a symbol of Alice’s heart.

Various versions carry different features:

The original plush is simply a stuffed toy.

When Houdai dons the Runrūn costume, it brings Runrūn's persona to life for Alice but sometimes unnerves others.

The high-tech DX Runrūn is a robot friend with walking capabilities, expressive AI, and multiple response patterns, though complex questions sometimes stump it.

The initial Runru robot is a modified “Talking Cutie-chan” toy. It lacks autonomy, mimics programmed behaviors, and must be physically carried around.

Alice Okanega adores Runrūn and relies on it emotionally; she sees Runrūn as her partner in her quest to outshine Cutie-chan’s popularity.

Houdai supports Alice by embodying Runrūn or constructing new Runrūn iterations, sometimes being affected herself by the role.

Runru (the robot) is cherished at first by Alice, but when she realizes it’s a hobby robot, she feels disappointed and distances herself from it.

Puniru becomes attached to Runru as a hobby comrade, wishing both Alice and Runru could reconcile and become true friends again.

DX Runrūn finally meets Alice’s standards, though Runru is spared rejection by receiving a new name and heartfelt acceptance.

Runrūn’s voice (when applicable) is shared with both Cutie-chan and Runru, all voiced by Ikue Otani.

Alice has an extensive collection of Runrūn goods, displaying her obsession.

The mascot’s lack of worldwide fame is a recurring theme: Alice’s dream is that Runrūn will someday surpass Cutie-chan as the world’s most beloved character.

The saga of Runrūn and Runru serves as a focal point in the manga, sparking fan discussions about the nature of “real” friends, identity, and what makes a character truly sentient or valued.

"I made you, Runrūn. So you’ll always be my friend—no matter what."

"It’s not the same! This isn’t the real Runrūn!"

The Ordinary Runrūn

Created as an imaginary friend by Alice Okanega to cope with family loneliness, Runrūn begins as a humble drawing before being brought to life as a plush.

Alice forms a deep bond and treasures Runrūn, seeing it as her secret companion and symbol of her deepest wishes.

She dreams of Runrūn overtaking her grandfather's iconic Cutie-chan mascot in popularity.

Houdai Becomes Runrūn

Driven by concern for Alice's loneliness, Houdai dons a custom Runrūn mascot suit, accompanying Alice around school.

Her oversized version of Runrūn amuses and occasionally scares classmates.

Houdai, increasingly influenced by the role, sometimes acts like Runrūn even outside the costume, blurring lines between helper and character.

The Arrival of Runru

Inspired by Alice’s admiration for Puniru, Houdai hastily crafts a robot version—Runru—using a “Talking Cutie-chan” as the base.

It cannot walk on its own and simply repeats recorded lines or basic behaviors, exciting Alice briefly until she boldly rejects it as "Not the real Runrūn."

Runru is temporarily passed to Yūsuke Nanpa for afterschool caretaking, where it’s treated roughly by the kids and eventually ends up being housed in a classroom with Puniru's help.

The Birth of DX Runrūn and Runru’s Redemption

Houdai secretly builds an advanced, AI-powered “DX Runrūn” robot, which fulfills Alice's longing for an authentic companion.

When DX Runrūn is introduced, Runru faces the threat of permanent removal, but a twist of fate—thanks to Puniru and Alice’s mercy—gives Runru a new identity instead of oblivion.

Runru, now with a new name and position as a classroom mascot, finds a place among friends, highlighting the value of identity and acceptance even for non-sentient toys.

The journey of Runrūn and its various forms (plush, mascot suit, robots) stimulates deeper questions for readers: What constitutes a “real” friend?

Do characters or toys need sentience, social love, or simply personal meaning to be genuine?

The arcs surrounding Runrūn’s existence and Runru’s journey are collectively known among fans as the “Runrūn Arc” and “Runru Arc.”

Author Maeda-kun has expressed particular fondness for these storylines, considering them pivotal explorations of companionship and individuality within the series.