Kagiura Akira's Passion (A KGHR Novel Analysis)

While the manga clearly shows Kagiura has a passion for basketball, the novel has an interesting scene that puts it in the forefront as well as additional details about the school. Kagiura was personally scouted to be part of the basketball team, and in a country where seniority and face are put before talent, Kagiura being a regular in his first year of high school is a rarity. The manga's first arc explore Kagiura's passion for basketball when he blames himself for missing a shot that costs the team's advance to the fall tournament after he recovers from a cold. Hirano helps him get out of this spiral, genuinely concerned for both his health and the sport Kagiura treasures.

In the novel, there's a similar scene between Kagiura and basketball, except this time is him being jealous of another talented first year. This person just started playing basketball a few months prior and Kagiura is jealous of their talent, but most importantly, the acknowledgment his classmate is receiving from their seniors. Kagiura has put the effort into the sport for years, so he feels threatened by this newcomer's talent.

Kagiura arrives at the room he shares this situation with Hirano. He's in a low mood, even after having eaten double his usual food intake. His decision to open up to his senpai roommate ends up helping alleviate those feelings as Hirano gives him advice and support, listening intently to Kagiura's words.

The translation I found seemed to imply that Kagiura wants to lead a basketball team of his own one day, become a captain.

I found this scene and the exposition the most intriguing because the KGHR manga dove head-first into the romance, showing us very little about the character's personalities, Hirano & Kagiura, apart from their interactions in the SSMY manga. I value the novel's additional strokes of characterization because they make a character unique, much like Sasaki & Miyano. Their quirks, you might also say.

Lastly, I enjoyed the attention Hirano put into listening to Kagiura's troubles and his effort to cheer him up despite having known each other for so little and being in two different paths of life, studies, and sports. It's scenes like these that in the long run make Kagiura's feelings for Hirano much more understandable: Hirano has been so kind and understanding to Kagiura in many important times; Kagiura appreciates that and wants to reciprocate that kindness, slowly falling in love with Hirano in the process. While romantic, physical, and sexual attraction can come from a myriad of situations, Harusono-sensei has promised us healthy relationships based on mutual care, trust, communication.

If you enjoy this analysis, please consider supporting Harusono sensei through Yen Press's official SSMY English release or subscribe to her Fanbox (Japanese Patreon-like site; accepts PayPal).

You can comment and share this post via Dreamwidth Tumblr, and Pillowfort (TBA).