Momo Adachi Momo is the main character of the story. Her name fittingly means "peaches". The first conflict introduced around Momo is that she tans very easily. Because of this, people assume that she's "a playgirl", "a beach bunny", or "loose and easy". In reality, she's quite the opposite, and absolutely hates being judge by her skin. Her love interest is the tall (not dark, and to me, not-so-handsome) Toji. She's had a crush on him since junior high, and the beginning of the series centers around the ups, downs, and complications of their relationship.

What gets in the way most are those loveable creeps, Sae and Kiley. Momo detests Sae for copying everything she does (including liking Toji), but most of all because Sae lies - and gets away with it - always making Momo look like the bad guy. And of course, Kiley's own interest for Momo and the wonderful 'bad-timing' effect of the entertainment world lead to rumors and questions about where Momo's heart lies.

Momo can be so overdramatic, you want to smack her. In some senses, she is *the* hopeless romantic, spewing out bad lines like "Can't you understand what's happening inside of my heart? It only beats this way when I'm with you" (Vol.2). In the same scene, she precariously balances on the windowsill and threatens to jump out of the fourth floor when Toji won't listen to her. When Toji wants to have a 'just the two of us' party for her 16th birthday, Momo is immediately engulfed in fantasies of her dressed like Cinderella with Toji as Prince Charming (Vol.5). Gag.

Momo may be somewhat shy and unsure of herself (especially at the beginning of the series). She wants the picture-perfect relationship with Toji, and assures him that Kiley is nothing. But I can't help but feel that - she *really* likes the attention. In fact, it seems at times that she needs it. Her heart may not go all crazy when Kiley's around, but Toji is right in pointing that that she is so much more natural around him. After being stereotyped by others and manipulated by Sae - she can't help but truly appreciate all of the kindness that Kiley has given her. He trusted her. In the beginning, he was often the only one that even believed her. In Vol.3, Kiley sets up everything to get Toji and Momo back together, and to reveal Sae's true self. But later, Momo finds out that Kiley had called up one of 'Sae's victims' to be there to get revenge and even went out on a date with her afterwards (Vol.4). At this, surprisingly, Momo gets upset and storms out to find Kiley. "So, Kiley didn't just do it for me! He did it for her!", she thought, remember their 'last embrace'. But she then apologizes for not paying attention to him, and says "When times were bad, it was only when I was with you that I could forget my pain. And...if I hadn't met Toji first, today you and I would probably be..." And then she cries. She cries a lot.

So Momo isn't just the 'easy' girl with a tan. But I'm not 100% convinced that she's the perfect little angel either. Does she really love Toji - or does she just need a boyfriend and he makes a perfect love story? I'll have to read more to figure it out ^_^

Sae Kashiwagi Ahhh, Sae. With Momo as the protagonist, Sae is the antagonist. She's most often seen as a copy-cat, going after Toji knowing full well that Momo likes him. And one must doubt her actual affections, after falling temporarily ga-ga for supermodel Goru (Vol.5) and then turning out bored with him. So back to Toji she goes! As Miwa Ueda put it, "The person Sae likes the most is Sae. She hasn't found a guy yet that she's in love with, that's why she's trying so hard to copy Momo."

Sae gets her way by lying, playing innocent, and scheming. Momo was late the day that the teacher announced Toji was in the hospital with appendicitis. Sae made sure that Momo didn't find out, frequently visiting Toji like a good friend and claiming that she kept asking Momo to come, too (Vol.2). She also always happens to *accidently* be in interesting positions with Toji just as Momo shows up. She tricked Toji into giving up his first kiss on her to 'practice' before Momo (Vol.1). And boy, can she cry and look innocent. She even leads on that Momo physically abuses her (Vol.2). There are too many times to mention how much she tries to hurt Momo. But perhaps the worst trick (that I've seen yet) is in Volume 5...might as well read it yourself, it's too juicy to give away ^_^

The problem with Sae's character is that there really aren't explanations for her actions. Sure, she's jealous, and we've all heard of the Ophelia stories. But Sae just takes it *too* far. This is mainly concerning her actions in Vol.5...I still just don't understand why Sae goes so far. Hopefully future volumes will reveal some deep psychologically traume in her or something...

Kazuya Tojigamori But no one can say that, so everyone calls him Toji. He's somewhat reserved (a lot more than his lovey-dovey Momo). For instance, it takes him forever to build up the courage to publicly flash an "L" sign with his fingers (his & Momo's secret code for "I love you", Vol. 4). The major complication with Toji at the beginning is that he falls for Sae's lies. The problem is, this leads him to take Sae's word, and disregard Momo's. But at some point, can you understand the guy? Momo even tells him not to talk to Sae at all. Er, controlling?

Toji's high point is that he takes responsibility for his actions. After Sae's lies are revealed, he from then on doubts Sae and puts his trust in Momo. When Sae sets up an accident to get close to Toji, he explains it was a mistake and doesn't blame Sae. "You're mad because you saw me kissing Sae, right? Well stop picking on her. If you want to blame someone, blame me...look, it was just a misunderstanding." Toji feels compassion for others, even Sae (when it's warranted). He stops before kissing Momo when he remembers Sae's words, "You were my first kiss." (Vol.5) When he hurts somone, he feels bad about it. After not believing Momo, but finding out the truth, he admits "I didn't see what was happening", and asks for forgiveness. (Vol.3) Awwww. He does show extreme concern for Momo. After finding out he was accidently making out with Sae instead (yeah, WEIRD STORY, Vol.5), all he can say is "Oh Momo. I'm so sorry, Momo. I'm so sorry..." and immediately searching for Momo. He threatens Goru, and calls every hotel in the area to see where he took Momo. He wouldn't rest until he found her safe.

Right now, I don't know Toji as much more than "the guy Momo likes". I hope I can learn more in future volumes.

Kiley (Kairi) Okayasu Kiley is by far the coolest character, in my opinion. All the ladies at school just love him to death, and while at times it may seem like he's playing - on the inside, he really likes Momo. He jokes around by hugging her, but he actually wants Momo with Toji, so long as she's happy. He even works to get them together, like making sure Toji hears Sae revealing her plots. (Vol. 3) But even with sound advice and full support, he's still a joker. "If you ever get sick of Toji, give me a call. I can satisfy problems in bed, too." ^_~

Other Characters

Goro - a supermodel, and Sae's temporary boy toy. Poor guy is really in love with her, and he's being used.

Swim Team Booster Squad - a crew of 11th grade bronze beauties like Momo. After an amazing performance at the swim meet, they ask Momo to join to keep their team alive. They pretty much just girl-talk in the locker room, and suggest that Momo make a move on Toji.