somebody's soulmate

or what we have been able to see of him so far

2nd-year middle school

First-year

Second-year

Third-year

College

Adult

When Yoshiki confronts him over trying to kill Asako, "Hikaru" is up front with his intentions. Asako knew, so he had to kill her. But when Yoshiki asks about Matsuura-san, "Hikaru" looks away awkwardly and gives him a non-answer.

The way she dies also isn't really "Hikaru's" style. Something calls her name over and over, claims to be delivering a package, and the next morning she's found with her own hand stuffed down her throat. "Hikaru" doesn't mess around; by his own admission, humans can't get too close to his true form without going mad and dying, and just looking into his eyes almost killed Asako.

"I wish I could put a name to this feeling. if only I met you sooner. if only, I had a little more time… could I have felt this just a bit longer?"

Free! The Final Stroke Character Relationship Diagram

Split in two for better visibility lol

Did the anime industry just look at Chiaki Kobayashi’s previous roles as gay men and say “oh yeah we got this in the bag for 2025.”

Kobayashi is gonna get PAID in 2025 with the Ganbare Nakamura and The Summer Hikaru Died anime and the SK8 the Infinity OVA.

Edit 1: source