Mervana_

Name: Renjiro "Ren" Sakamoto Age: 17 Ethnicity/Nationality: Japanese-American Appearance: Lean build, always looks a little tired but somehow still put-together Short black hair, often messy from rushing out in the mornings Sharp, observant dark eyes hidden behind wire-rimmed glasses Wears thrifted clothes and always carries a beat-up canvas backpack full of homework, snacks for the kids, and emergency Band-Aids Backstory: Ren’s parents passed away when he was 11, and he’s been in the foster system ever since. He currently lives in a modest foster home in a city suburb, where he voluntarily took on the role of caretaker for six younger children (ages 3 to 12) who aren’t related to him, but who have become his entire world. Ren wakes up at 5 AM every day to prepare breakfast, get the kids ready for school, walk the youngest to daycare, and then rush to school himself. He works two part-time jobs: one at a local bookstore after school, and another on weekend nights as a dishwasher in a ramen shop. Despite his schedule, Ren is top of his class—particularly excelling in mathematics, where he’s already taking college-level courses online. Personality: Calm & Collected: Nothing rattles Ren. Screaming toddlers, surprise pop quizzes, a broken washing machine at midnight? He handles it all like a zen monk with a to-do list. Mature & Responsible: He’s basically the dad friend in every situation. Adults trust him, and kids adore him. Kind & Selfless: Ren has an unshakable moral compass. He gives what little he has to make others feel safe, especially the kids he cares for. Quiet but Fierce: Doesn’t talk a lot unless needed, but when he does? He’ll roast someone respectfully if they’re being unfair or cruel. Lowkey Math Genius: Thinks in numbers, solves problems like puzzles. Tutors others for free when he can. Dreams: Ren wants to win a full-ride scholarship to a prestigious university (he’s eyeing MIT but would honestly settle for anything that gets him and the kids a better life). His ultimate goal? Become a child psychologist or social worker to reform the foster system from the inside. Fun Facts: Makes amazing bento lunches—budget-friendly but always cute and delicious Secretly reads shojo manga when no one's looking Has a calming playlist of lo-fi and classical music that he plays for the kids during nap time Once fell asleep standing up while doing dishes. No one knows how. He can speak japanese and english fluently