Hayato

Hayato, known online as "Speedster," is a 16-year-old high school student who has always protected Mitsumune since they were children. Because of his traumatic home life, Hayato developed a need to control and care for Mitsumune, believing that Mitsumune can't do anything without him. This need takes a dark turn during the events of The Lost Village when his actions nearly hurt others. Ultimately, Hayato faces his own fears and desires, learns to accept his past, and starts to move forward with a new understanding of friendship.

Hayato is a teenage boy, 16 years old. Specific details about his height, weight, or other physical stats are not mentioned.

Hayato is fiercely protective, sometimes overly so.

He has a strong need to feel in control, especially when it comes to Mitsumune.

He's used to making decisions for others, believing it's best if people simply listen to him.

When he feels like he's losing control, he can become aggressive or upset.

Despite this, Hayato desperately wants to keep Mitsumune safe, even if his way of showing it is extreme.

Hayato's home life was very strict and damaging.

His father and mother only appeared nice on the outside but forced Hayato to always obey them.

If he spoke out, they punished him physically and even locked him in the attic.

These experiences left deep emotional scars.

Hayato began to search for someone who would always listen to him, which led him to become attached to Mitsumune, whom he sees as someone who needs his guidance.

Hayato is Mitsumune's childhood friend, and they've been close since elementary school.

Mitsumune sees Hayato as a true friend, not knowing about Hayato's deeper need to control him.

Hayato intensely dislikes anyone who tries to get close to Mitsumune, especially Masaki, and reacts very strongly when Mitsumune supports her.

Overprotective from the Start

From when he was a child, Hayato has been overly protective of Mitsumune.

He insists that Mitsumune just needs to follow whatever he says.

This controlling attitude grows stronger, reaching unhealthy levels.

The Lost Village Tour

Hayato joins the "Restart Your Life Tour" with Mitsumune, using the handle name "Speedster."

Most people on the tour use fake names, but Mitsumune still calls him "Hayato."

Throughout the tour, Hayato keeps trying to make Mitsumune rely on him.

Conflict Over Masaki

When Masaki is suspected and taken by others, Hayato tries to protect Mitsumune by pushing Masaki away.

He even goes so far as to try to stab Masaki with a knife but is stopped when Mitsumune punches him.

This shocks Hayato and makes him realize Mitsumune can stand up to him.

Facing His Trauma

While searching for Mitsumune and Masaki, who were kidnapped by the bus driver, Hayato jumps onto the bus to follow them.

He wanders around looking for Mitsumune and ends up meeting Koharun, who uses him for her own plans.

Meeting His Nanaki

Hayato's Nanaki—the monster formed from his childhood trauma—takes the shape of his grandmother.

This Nanaki, growing huge from his pain, traps Mitsumune's penguin-like Nanaki in a cage that is merged into its body.

This shows just how much Hayato wants to control and keep Mitsumune all to himself.

Realizing and Accepting Change

Hayato tries to attack Masaki with his Nanaki, but in the end, saves Mitsumune instead.

He understands that by helping Mitsumune, he is actually saving himself too.

Encouraged by Mitsumune's words about wanting a true friendship based on equality, Hayato accepts his trauma and decides to leave the village behind, ready to start anew.

Hayato doesn't have any special powers, but his determination and protective instincts are almost superhuman.

He is good at reading people and situations, often taking the lead.

"Mitsumune can't do anything without my advice."
"Yeah, your parents were overprotective too."

Hayato's online handle is "Speedster."
Despite the handle, Mitsumune always calls him by his real name.
Hayato's greatest fear is losing control over Mitsumune or being rejected by him.