Mikage is a young university student living in Tokyo who serves as the narrator for the first two sections of the book. Following the recent passing of her grandmother, her last living relative, she struggles with grief and a profound sense of isolation. She finds immense comfort in kitchens, which she views as safe, creative spaces. When she accepts an offer to live with a classmate's family, she slowly begins to rebuild her life.

Eriko is Yuichi’s beautiful, strong-willed mother. She owns and operates a nightclub, working late hours to support her family. Having rebuilt her life on her own terms after the death of her wife, Eriko has undergone gender affirmation surgery and raises Yuichi with warmth and fierce dedication. She instantly welcomes Mikage into her home without hesitation.

Yuichi is a university student who steps in to help Mikage after her grandmother passes away. Having worked at a flower shop her grandmother frequented, he feels a personal connection to the older woman's passing. He is often perceived as aloof and mysterious by his peers, masking a deep-seated sadness that Mikage slowly begins to recognize.

Satsuki is the narrator of the novel's final section, "Moonlight Shadow." She is a young woman struggling to cope with the sudden loss of her boyfriend, Hitoshi, in a car accident. Unable to sleep through the night, she adopts a daily routine of early morning jogging to dull her emotional pain. She desperately seeks a way to continue living when her primary anchor to the world is gone.

Hiiragi is Hitoshi’s younger brother, approaching his eighteenth birthday. In the same accident that claimed his brother's life, Hiiragi lost his beloved girlfriend, Yumiko. To manage his overwhelming grief, he adopts an unconventional coping mechanism by wearing his late girlfriend's uniform in public, unbothered by the attention it draws.

Urara is a mysterious, kind-hearted woman Satsuki encounters near the bridge where Hitoshi died. Described as having an ancient yet cheerful face, Urara masks her own profound grief while offering comfort to Satsuki. She cryptically informs Satsuki about a special phenomenon that occurs in the area.

Hitoshi is Satsuki's boyfriend and Hiiragi's older brother, whose life is cut short in a tragic car accident before the events of the "Moonlight Shadow" narrative. Remembered as having an ephemeral, almost otherworldly quality, he carried a small cat bell that Satsuki gave him, which became a powerful symbol of their relationship.

Yumiko was Hiiragi's girlfriend who tragically perishes in the same car crash as Hitoshi. Her passing deeply affects Hiiragi, who keeps her memory close by wearing her school clothing.

Sotaro is Mikage's ex-boyfriend from her university. Cheerful and fond of the outdoors, he serves as a connection to her past and provides updates on university gossip regarding her new living situation with the Tanabes.

Okuno is a young woman from the university who has a strained relationship with Yuichi. Frustrated by his emotional distance, she becomes highly critical and jealous of his decision to let another woman live in his family's apartment.

Chika is the head employee at the nightclub owned by Eriko Tanabe. She is a loyal, observant worker who cares deeply for the Tanabe family and keeps a watchful eye on their well-being, later intervening to help guide Yuichi and Mikage.

Nori is one of Mikage's fellow assistants at the cooking classes where she works. She provides camaraderie and a sense of normalcy for Mikage in her professional life, offering comfort during stressful moments.

Kuri is another assistant working in the culinary arts program with Mikage. She is part of the supportive workplace environment that Mikage relies on as she focuses on her career in food.