Saki Hanajima

Saki is composed, perceptive and difficult to embarrass. She speaks in a measured, formal manner even when deliberately unsettling someone, which makes her dry observations especially effective against people who expect a more obvious reaction.

Her apparent detachment masks intense loyalty. Tooru's friendship is precious to Saki because it follows years of isolation and bullying, and she is quick to recognize people who might hurt or exploit her. She can be possessive, but her protectiveness generally comes from understanding how readily Tooru ignores her own needs.

Saki also loves food and can eat substantial quantities without losing her usual composure. This mundane enthusiasm contrasts with the supernatural reputation that follows her at school.

Saki perceives electromagnetic or psychic "waves" emitted by people and uses them to sense emotional states. She can distinguish individuals through these impressions and often notices hostility or unusual intentions before anyone says anything openly.

She can also project waves that cause discomfort, headaches or other effects. Her control develops over time after childhood incidents convince her that her abilities can genuinely hurt people.

The precise mechanics of Saki's powers remain deliberately undefined. She treats them seriously, however, and her family accepts their existence rather than dismissing her experiences.

Saki's childhood explains why her friendship with Tooru matters so strongly. Her abilities make her a target of fear and bullying, and an incident in which another child is harmed leaves Saki terrified of herself.

Kyoko Honda's daughter accepts her without demanding that she suppress her strangeness, while Arisa joins the friendship soon afterward. Together, they become the stable peer group Tooru relies upon after losing her mother.

Saki later remains an important observer of Tooru's changing emotional life. She may not know the details of the Souma curse, but her sensitivity allows her to recognize that Tooru's relationships with the family carry unusual emotional weight.

Tooru Honda is Saki's closest friend and one of the first classmates to accept her without fear. Saki is intensely protective of Tooru Honda and often notices when she is hiding distress.

Arisa Uotani completes Saki's closest friendship group. Arisa Uotani's blunt energy contrasts with Saki's calm demeanor, but both share a strong commitment to protecting Tooru.

Megumi Hanajima is Saki's younger brother and one of her strongest sources of family support. Megumi Hanajima deliberately develops an interest in curses so his sister will not be the family's only "strange" child.

Kazuma Souma attracts Saki's attention after she meets him, leading to an enthusiastic attraction that surprises Kyou.

Motoko Minagawa and the Prince Yuki Fan Club regard Saki as one of the principal obstacles protecting Tooru from their schemes.