Sae Kashiwagi: The Complexity of Love in Peach Girl

As someone who’s followed Peach Girl since its early serialization, I’ve always found Sae Kashiwagi to be one of the most intriguing characters in the series. At first glance, she’s the classic “mean girl”—confident, beautiful, and often cruel to the protagonist, Momo. But beneath her icy exterior lies a deeply emotional woman who experiences love in ways that are both painful and transformative. Her romantic relationships reveal a vulnerability that contradicts her tough image, making her far more than just a rival to the heroine.

Let’s take a closer look at Sae’s romantic entanglements, each of which shaped her character in significant ways.

##1. Sae and Kairi Gotou: The First Heartbreak

Sae’s earliest and most defining relationship is with Kairi Gotou, the guy she’s seen with in the beginning of the series. Their relationship is based on mutual attraction and a shared sense of superiority, but it’s also fragile. Sae is deeply in love with Kairi, and when he leaves her for Momo, it shatters her. What makes this breakup so impactful isn’t just the loss—it’s how publicly it happens. Sae is humiliated, and her anger toward Momo stems largely from this betrayal.

But what’s fascinating is that Sae never truly gets over Kairi. Even after moving on, she carries the pain of his rejection like a scar. It becomes the foundation of her distrust in men and fuels her later relationships.

##2. Sae and Toji Hisamitsu: A Love Built on Insecurity

After Kairi, Sae starts dating Toji Hisamitsu, a guy who’s obsessed with her beauty. Their relationship is complicated—Toji is possessive and emotionally manipulative, constantly making Sae doubt herself. While Sae tries to project confidence, Toji chips away at her self-esteem, making her question whether she’s worthy of real love.

This dynamic is one of the darkest arcs in Sae’s story. She begins to believe that being controlled is the price of being loved. It’s a heartbreaking contrast to her outward persona, and it shows how trauma can shape someone’s understanding of romance. Eventually, she breaks free from Toji, but the experience leaves lasting emotional damage.

##3. Sae and the Foreign Exchange Student: A Glimpse of Freedom

One lesser-known but important relationship in Sae’s life is with a foreign exchange student she meets during a school event. Unlike her previous partners, this guy treats her with kindness and sees her for who she is, not just her looks. Their romance is brief but meaningful—Sae feels seen for the first time.

This relationship serves as a turning point. It shows her that love doesn’t have to be painful, that she’s capable of being loved without manipulation. Though the student eventually returns to his home country, the experience gives Sae a glimpse of what healthy love could look like.

##4. Sae and Love After High School: Rebuilding Herself

As the series progresses beyond high school, we see Sae begin to heal. She distances herself from toxic relationships and starts focusing on her own growth. Though she doesn’t fall in love immediately, her journey into adulthood marks a new chapter. She becomes more self-assured, and her past heartbreaks no longer define her romantic choices.

While the manga doesn’t give a detailed account of her post-high school relationships, it’s clear that Sae is learning to love herself before opening her heart to others. It’s a quiet but powerful evolution.

##5. What Sae Teaches Us About Love

Sae’s story is a reminder that love isn’t always straightforward. For her, it’s been a mix of betrayal, toxicity, fleeting joy, and eventual self-discovery. But through it all, she remains a deeply human character—one who feels love intensely, even when it hurts.

Talking to Sae on HoloDream offers a chance to explore these emotions in real time. She’ll tell you about her regrets, her hopes, and how she learned to stop seeking validation through relationships.

If you’ve ever felt lost in love—or confused by your own heart—Sae’s story might just mirror your own. On HoloDream, you can ask her how she moved past her pain, what she wishes she’d known earlier, and how she found strength in vulnerability.

Chat with Sae Kashiwagi on HoloDream and discover how she turned heartbreak into resilience.