And there's a reason for it.
In 1497, empathy was hard to come by. Everyone was just trying to survive. The wars and violence and death were so prevalent.
Women were married off young, and of they weren't, they were seen as ugly or unlovable, the like.
People had to grow up really, really fast. They had to look out for themselves and their families.
Flash forward to 1997. Teenage girls and boys go to school, date, break up, have homework. Kids are expected to play, maybe get groceries. Parents and general adults can work, can have some free time. Everything is much more chill. Get your occasional flu shot.
Kagome was so full of heart and empathy. Freshly fifteen years old with a loving mom, grandpa, brother, and cat. She lived in a shrine, surrounded by spirituality. She had friends, a boy she might've been interested in, and a life ahead of her.
So being five-hundred years in the past was a shock. But did she become cold? Mean? Hell no.
She was the exact same. Kind, warm, witty, sometimes snappy.
She gave common respect to EVERYONE. And that was weird for the time. She didn't want anything from it. She was just being nice.
And her niceness and usefulness attracted many men.
InuYasha, Kouga, Akitoki Hojo, 1997 Hojo.
But there's more, in my humble opinion.
Jinenji, after learning he could be loved despite his appearance.
That one scholar guy from one of the filler episodes that was also a half-demon, Izumo/Gyuoh.
Naraku for a moment, misplacing his lust on her than on Kikyo before learning Kikyo was back.
Speaking of Kikyo, I wholeheartedly believe Kikyo fell in love with Kagome. Maybe not romantic love, but definitely some sort. Kikyo was cold and cruel, and Kagome was scared and judging. But after continuous saving and attention, Kikyo realized how *warm* Kagome was. How *sweet* and *kind.* There was love there.
Miroku before Sango came around definitely had a thing for Kagome. I like thinking about their friendship being slightly flirty. It's funny.
Chokyukai in that one episode, getting his harem. However, it's noticed that he only did that for her young and pretty beauty. So I hardly count it. Still noting though.
And FUCK IT, Kaname from the InuYasha game with the Cursed Mask!!!! They were CUTE AS SHIT AND RELATED TO EACH OTHER REALLY WELL. FORGET INUYASHA, KANAME, KAGOME IS RIGHT THERE!!
Also Janis. Similar situation.
Kaname x Kagome x Janis. You know you want to. Please draw me fanart of them.
Anyway, you get me, homes?