"I have resigned as the butler of the Kaguragi household. It was impossible for me to be there with you gone."
—Kobayashi demonstrates his loyalty to Haruto[src]
Kobayashi (小林,Kobayashi) was a butler employed by the Kaguragi family for their Tokyo residence. He began working for the family over forty-five years ago. Kobayashi began taking care of the Kaguragis' current heir, Haruto, when he was a young child. He was extremely loyal to Haruto and wanted him to be happy above all else. Kobayashi was from Nagasaki.
Kobayashi was from Nagasaki.[1] In Tokyo, he began working as a butler for the Kaguragi family forty-five years ago.[2] Kobayashi was later put in charge of caring for Haruto Kaguragi, whom he became close to. Haruto's father put his son through "tests" to see if he was worthy to inherit Kaguragi Enterprises. On one occasion, he forced Kobayashi to leave Haruto in the woods for several days.[3]
Old age[]
Over the next several years, Kobayashi grew closer to Haruto whom he continued to look after. He often indulged Haruto in his every whim, such as encouraging his penchant for mail-order items.[4]
One day, Kobayashi presented Haruto with some mail-order items and also told him about a new item. He then headed off to pick up some more items at a convenience store. However, he tripped and hurt himself so Haruto decided to go instead.[4] He later witnessed Oto Edogawa slap Haruto with a "hunk of beef". As Haruto stood there in shock, Kobayashi asked him if he was alright, before exclaiming "get a hold of yourself!" Later that day, Kobayashi told Kaito Taira about the incident.[5] After Oto called Haruto "creepy", Kobayashi tried to cheer him up by showing him photos of Tsukasa Domyoji. A maid then arrived to announce that Oto was at the front gate. She thanked Haruto for saving her earlier, before leaving. Much to his butler's surprise, Haruto was blushing.[2]
One weekend, Haruto was going somewhere with Oto and Kobayashi helped him decide what to wear. He suggested that he wear his horoscope's "lucky item."[6] Later that day, he took care of Haruto when he became sick after Kaito told him about Tenma Hase.[7] A few days later, he scolded Haruto for eating food from outside the mansion. Haruto blushed when he asked who made it.[8] Kobayashi later started to notice that Haruto began changing "ever since that girl came to visit."[9] Several days later, Kobayashi "got a bad feeling" when a clock fell from the wall, smashing Haruto's power stone crystal.[10] Over the next few days Kobayashi grew worried about Haruto. When Megumi Nishidome visited, he pleaded with Haruto to let her stay. She also made them dinner. The food caused Kobayashi to pass out.[11]
Kobayashi later heard loud noises from Haruto's treasure vault. He discovered Haruto throwing out all of his mail-order items.[12] Sometime later, Kobayashi tried to cheer up Haruto by serving him his favorite food. Oto then showed up and Kobayashi served them tea.[13] After Oto left, Kobayashi tried to comfort Haruto with a puzzle. When it formed Megumi's face, Haruto told Kobayashi that he "set [him] up."[14] Several days later, Kobayashi informed Haruto that a young man, Tenma Hase, was waiting for him at the front gate.[15] The following summer, he announced that Haruto had a guest. When Haruto asked who, Kobayashi said "he has visited once before", meaning Tenma.[16] Later, when Haruto was on a school trip, he tried several times to get ahold of Haruto but was unable to.[17]
Haruto disowned[]
Kobayashi is not allowed to let Haruto inside
"I have served the Kaguragis for decades. I just knew there was someone out there who would see the good qualities of the young master. I'm so glad it was you, Miss Edogawa!"
—Kobayashi cries after learning Haruto and Oto are dating[src]
When Haruto arrived home, Kobayashi was barred from letting him inside since he was disowned. Haruto's father replaced him with Kei Windsor.[18] Kobayashi was unable to sleep due to the guilt and decided to resign. Haruto told him to hold off and left Kobayashi waiting at Airi Maya's house.[1] After speaking to Kei, Haruto ordered Kobayashi to return. He refused to "go back by [him]self," causing Haruto to snap at him.[19] Kobayashi later wrote a letter to Kei, asking for Haruto to be able to come back. While leaving it in Kei's room, he tripped on a briefcase and found documents on the Kaguragi family inside. Kobayashi immediately rushed to Haruto and declared that Kei had an "ulterior motive for getting close to the [family]."[20] Kobayashi later informed Haruto's father about it.[21]
After everything was settled, Kobayashi was overjoyed to welcome Haruto back home. He told Kobayashi "If it weren't for you, I'd be done for."[22] A few days later, Haruto was preparing for a summer festival. Kobayashi was excited about the idea.[23] Haruto asked him to deliver the yukata to her that night.[24] Kobayashi was also in charge of preparing the festival's games.[25] A couple weeks later, Haruto was getting ready to meet Oto's parents. Kobayashi made several suggestions about his outfit. He then cried, thinking of how Haruto had "matured."[26] A few days after, Haruto called him, requesting the private jet to be prepared. He promptly answered "Yes, Young Master."[27] Haruto later brought Oto over to the house to spend the night. Kobayashi cried tears of joy that Haruto had found someone who valued him.[28]
Physical appearance[]
Having worked for the Kaguragi family for forty-five years, Kobayashi was at least in his mid-sixties. He was easily recognized by his round, wire-rimmed glasses. Most of the time, his eyes could not be seen through his glasses. Kobayashi's uniform consisted of a formal black tux and bow tie.
Personality and traits[]
Kobayashi was an extremely loyal and kind employee to Haruto. He was enthusiastic about anything related to Haruto and gladly did whatever he wanted. Kobayashi always believed that Haruto would find someone who appreciated all of his qualities. Thus, he cried from happiness when he and Oto finally started dating. Kobayashi's exaggerated mannerisms were often unintentionally comical, including the time he passed out after eating Megumi's food.
Behind the scenes[]
Boys Over Flowers Wiki has 11 images related to Kobayashi.
