Tina invites everyone to Kyushu to visit the hot springs there. Much to Kaoru's dismay men and women are allowed to bathe together so he must join his lady friends. When the group arrives at Hakata, Tina's home prefecture, she insists on getting some alone time with Kaoru, and then convinces him to act like her boyfriend!

Aoi Sakuraba
The daughter of a wealthy family, who grew up under the impression that she was to marry Kaoru Hanabishi. She has paid careful attention to every aspect of him that she has been able to see, and is deeply in love with him. She is very polite in speaking, especially in reference to her dear Kaoru-sama.

Kaoru Hanabishi
A college student living on his own. He used to be the heir to the Hanabishi Zaibatsu, but was disowned when he was unable to live up to his family's expectations. It is easy for Aoi to fall in love with him all over again, as he is a very helpful and caring individual.

Miyabi Kagurazaki
A loyal employee of the Sakuraba family, she has served to take care of Aoi since Aoi was a child. She is very mindful of what is good for the Sakuraba, and is always reminding Aoi of what behavior may or may not be appropriate. She is very much against Aoi's relationship with Kaoru.

Kou Fumizuki
Ai Yori Aoshi first ran in Hakusensha's young men's magazine Young Animal.