#keiko is that silly chaotic friend who would literally die for you

[fullofsunsetwhispers]

Do you have any Keiko headcanons? (Kimiko's BFF that she texted sometimes)

Since all we know about Keiko is from her phone calls with Kimiko in season 1, her character is almost non-existent in the show. Well, for one it's a plus because we can build her character from scratch and I'm about to do it, thanks for the request!

For starters, let's analyze moments in which Kimiko actually talks to her.

Episode 1: It seems as if Kimiko and Keiko are inseparable. The moment Kimiko noticed she can't continue their call, she assured Keiko she'll email her. Although a scene later Kimiko is on the phone again, filling her bestie with anything she's witnessing the first day at the temple. For example, Kimiko shares with her Raimundo's prank on Omi.

Yet another mention of Keiko takes place in the Texas episode (s01e10). Kimiko has just lassoed a cow, and, full of pride in committing such a feat, immediately calls Keiko. Unfortunately due to the cow pulling her, Kimiko loses her phone. I presume girls' bond is so strong they have to inform each other of their respective achievements, even if these are mundane things such as finding a cool color of nail polish or buying new clothes etc. This time, it was an exception because that surely was kinda impressive on Kimiko's end that her help comes to fruition!

But enough of that. From these two instances we can draw the following conclusions:

Keiko is a good, PATIENT listener

she's very excited whenever Kimiko is ready to share with her the gossip

she's up for a good laugh and I suppose they have a similar type of humor (because in any other case Kimiko wouldn't tell her that Omi was the victim of a prank, right? Probably Keiko giggled too)

Keiko exchanges with Kimiko a lot of e-mails, texts, and phone calls every day. I bet when Kimiko is done with her training, in the evenings she and Keiko are up for the video chat (so that's my headcanon no1)

Now we're entering that area, which is mostly my guesses or headcanons I enforced on Keiko (as I said there is so little known about her someone's gotta come up with something!)

Keiko and Kimiko know each other since childhood.

they attended the same kindergarten and schools

in kindergarten, they knew each other - sure, but it wasn't friendship yet

However, that changed right after Kimiko's incident. Remember Kimiko's greatest fear? A half-burned doll? Well, she accidentally activated her fire powers for the first time and unfortunately, it was in public. Just imagine - kids freaking out, crying and running to their moms and poor Kimiko who was just as frightened as the other witnesses. The worst thing is that her classmates started bullying her because of that. This is when Keiko steps in.

Keiko was the only one, who didn't reject her. She started hanging out with our Kimiko more, to the point they were seen together on every school break. Kimiko was so happy that despite what happened to her, she can invite someone over.

Keiko was Kimiko's only friend in elementary school. She was usually a calm kid, but there was something rebellious about her. Well, it came to good use when someone dared to call Kimi 'a freak' She always was ready to protect Kimiko for that particular reason - Kimiko didn't have the courage to defend herself, so Keiko started teaching her how to deal with the oppressors. Just punch them, even if it means the adults would punish you for that.

As a result, Keiko would land at the principal's office sometimes. 'Why did you punch Kenzo, young lady?' 'Because he deserved it!' - Keiko's best trait was her bravery and straightforwardness.

So, it is not a surprise Kimiko started admiring her. She noticed that compared to her, she was too shy and quiet. Just like a candle's flame, which is about to snuff out. She wanted to be acknowledged by her peers and with Keiko's help, she was finally able to assert herself.

What I'm trying to say, if it weren't for Keiko, Kimiko wouldn't be such a badass in the series. Keiko helped her grow into that awesome young lady we know and love <3

2. Keiko is into fashion!

and by 'she likes fashion' I actually mean she's mad keen on fashion

Kimiko's cool wardrobe and iconic outfits every episode? It's all Keiko's influence!

Kimiko's interest in fashion has awakened thanks to Keiko. One day Keiko suggested it could help with her anxieties. It worked. Not only did it build Kimiko's confidence, but also it made her more satisfied with her overall appearance.

girls' dressing up pajama parties. They include talking about boys/crushes, painting nails (Keiko is an expert), and sorting through fashion magazines for inspiration! And of course, trying out new clothes bought this week! And discussing which accessories would match the most.

Keiko is that type of friend, who tries to cheer you up in the most unusual ways. She says 'I know a place' and some time later you two end up in front of a big mall. She hotheadedly believes shopping could kill any sadness.

she's pretty good at designing clothes and coming up with outfit ideas. She's reconsidering a job as a fashion designer

that's why she's learning how to sew, knit, and everything (besides, that awareness her bestie is learning the hard way how to be a monk warrior made Keiko kinda desperate to start achieving her dreams too)

At school, she is often reprimanded because she violates the dress code, like... EVERYDAY. She thinks this kind of policy kills off the student's individuality.

3. Keiko usually puts a blame on herself in order to save Kimiko from trouble or she basically covers for her.

when Kimiko had her 'screw the rules' phase, in which she also decided to wear whatever she liked instead of the school uniform, Keiko would always put the teachers' focus on herself to buy Kimiko more time to dress in uniform in girls' toilet.

There is a whole elaborate operation on how to exit the school safely in 'normal clothes' without worrying someone would rat them out

Every time someone new recognizes Kimiko for her surname, Keiko chimes in and says that person they got it wrong and Kimiko is not the daughter of that famous games guy. Keiko is just a lifesaver, ok? She knows Kimiko would never want to start off a friendship in which others care more about her money/status. Keiko is just helping to get rid of jerks, that's all. Once they hear Kimiko is not THAT TOHOMIKO they quickly lose interest.

4. Speaking of Toshiro, he finds the girl an amazing friend and loves to have her around. To her objection, he gives her something extra as a gift.

'Yo, Kimi your dad gave me the 4th mp3 player this month tell him to stop'. 'Bold of you to assume I can control my dad's actions when it comes to you'

but Tamagotchi's are cool. That kind of gift is most appreciated

When Toshiro asks her to test some toys or games, she's eager whether Kimiko's around or not.

Keiko would sometimes express a slight irritation when Kimiko buys her something more expensive for her b-day. Thank god Kimiko is good at making her bff come round to some things.

5. Keiko comes from a mixed background. In fact, she's half Japanese and half American. Hence, her broad knowledge of the American latest fashion trends.

oh and she teaches Kimiko English! (She encourages Kimiko to cheat on their English tests lol, but Kimiko often criticizes that idea) For Kimiko more talking practice is a way better method of learning the language rather than the English lessons they have at school.

Keiko shares with Kimiko American brands of clothes, cosmetics, and accessories. It's easy for her to order such products because of her parents' connections

It turned out rather long. The only thing I would like to add to this list of headcanons is how I picture Keiko.

There are two of these AI generated pics, although I prefer the 2nd one more. I see her as a girl with a darker skin tone than Kimiko (although she claims Kimi is the beautiful one of their duo. She would sometimes tell Kimiko she's so jealous of how pretty she is), with short-ish, messy hair. She's got brown eyes. Oh and she dyes her hair quite a lot. Her natural hair color is dark brown but in order to look original, she opts for more vibrant colors. One month her hair is green, the next one- blue, blond anything she feels like it. Man, that girl's hairstyle modifications have a long history! However, Keiko's favorite hue is a mix of purple, red and pink. One time she cosplayed Megurine Luka and she had pink hair for a year (that's an impressive amount of time taking into consideration she prefers changing her hair color every month). She has to wear dangling earrings every day. If she forgets her earrings - it's almost the end of the world for her. Most of her earrings have a butterfly or flower theme.

So, yeah Kimiko adapted more or less Keiko's style, but she said from the start she doesn't want to dye her hair. So, Keiko bought her the first wig and this is how Kimiko gained her collection of wigs from the series! Keiko herself owns a couple of wigs too, for herself to wear and for fashion projects, she's working on.