In the beginning of the story, Takahashi is nothing more than Shigeta's coworker. His affections for her are obvious to the point of annoying and Shigeta barely even looks at him. Despite her flaky behaviour and poor treatment of him Takahashi continues to help her out at various points, even saving her from life-or-death situations. While Shigeta pursues countless relationships with other men, many of them ill-advised, Takahashi's feelings for her remain. Takahashi is several years younger than Shigeta, is relatively wealthy and is a student at Tokyo University. He later travels abroad to study in America. Shigeta yearns for him in his absense and he rushes back to Japan prematurely just to be with her. However, this doesn't last.

Spoiler

Takahashi and Shigeta are engaged for a brief period before the engagement is called off. By the end of the series, They finally get married.