If there’s one word to sum up Haruka’s personality, this is it. In the first episode of Harukana Receive, where Haruka first comes to Okinawa and meets Narumi and Ayasa, she wastes no time trying to befriend them and challenging them to a volleyball match. She has no idea that the pair she’s up against are the national champions of beach volleyball. Despite barely knowing the rules, how to hit the volleyball correctly, or even how to properly run on the sand, she’s determined to get a point on the Narumi-Ayasa pair. After obviously losing her first ever volleyball match, Haruka wastes little time in declaring that she wants a re-match. Over the next week, Haruka works hard to learn how to play beach volleyball properly, surprising her cousin with just how much effort she’s putting into a sport she knows so little about. Nothing keeps Haruka down for long as she’s determined to get better and improve herself, her game, and others along the way.

Honestly, nothing gets Haruka Oozora down for long. This girl is the epitome of happy-go-lucky. When the Harukana pair are down in points, Haruka reassures Kanata that things will work out and to trust her while giving Kanata a huge smile. Even after losing matches, she grins and says that she’ll just have to work harder so she doesn’t hold Kanata back. When Kanata is feeling depressed about never spiking, Haruka is there to cheer her up and push her forward. Whether it’s hellish training or just eating dinner at home, Haruka is guaranteed to find something funny to say to brighten up the mood.

The underdog. The come-back kid. The girl who, despite being a complete and utter novice at beach volleyball, does anything and everything to become a better player and partner for Kanata is none other than Haruka Oozora. Even if it’s beach volleyball, Haruka sends a strong message that winners aren’t made over night. She works hard, training secretly in the morning with the Thomas twins behind Kanata’s back. When the Harukana pair are playing in their first official match and Kanata doesn’t want to use the pokey, Haruka uses it, despite being tall, saying that “a point is a point” and inspires Kanata to use whatever she can to win because that’s more important than anything else.

One of the best things about Haruka is how silly and funny she can be without even trying. When learning about different moves, Haruka tries to name one “cut shot” and does a silly gesture, which makes Kanata say that it’s not going to happen. It’s very reminiscent of Regina George’s “Stop trying to make ‘fetch’ happen. It’s not going to happen” from the movie Mean Girls. Haruka is also very comfortable around Kanata and often puts her cousin in some awkward situations, like when she strips off her swimsuit in front of Kanata so she can alter it for her, causing her cousin to madly blush. Haruka can be childish, clumsy, and cute, all adding to her charm.

What makes Haruka so special other than her personality are her bonds with others, especially Kanata. Haruka is first and foremost Kanata’s family. Even though the two hadn’t seen each other for years, Haruka treats Kanata like they’ve never been separated. It’s only through becoming Kanata’s teammate that Haruka learns more about Kanata’s past with Narumi and beach volleyball. Haruka lives with Kanata, plays beach volleyball with Kanata, and is in the same class as Kanata. It’s no wonder that Haruka soon becomes Kanata’s best friend, gently pushing her to overcome her fears and weaknesses and insipiring Kanata to not only regain her former self, but become someone even better. After all, you can’t have Harukana without Kanata!