Initial concept

[Insert design images of Kou]

(Note: This article contains spoilers about Kou’s route.)

[Insert initial drawing proto-Kou]
We can already see what will become Kou Tomoe, Hana’s best friend. He embodies the handsome guy that I can easily draw by default but who in the end gave me quite a bit of trouble to keep consistency in his features.

Unlike the majority of characters, Kou has the “chance” to appear on other routes than his own, which allows for better nuance in his characterization (and his suffering).

He is one of my favorite characters but who potentially inherited the most divisive route of the game due to its sawtooth construction. His romance doesn’t go exactly like the usual “friends to lovers” trope, it’s meant to be more realistic – more gray.
But that’s also what makes it charming, haha?

If we follow the recommended reading order, Kou’s route is in the middle of the journey.
This is notably to be able to gradually introduce darker themes, more complex characters, but also allow seeing Kou from several angles. Another bonus: Kyoko can also occupy a more important place on this route if we let her “manage” ;)

I take advantage of this blog post to confirm that he is indeed the canon love interest of Doki Doki 5! (Even though another character is a very strong rival…)