The story follows Hayato Fuyuhara, a 23-year-old who has been reincarnated into a world where societal gender roles are reversed from his previous life. In this world, men are expected to be demure and chaste, while women are assertive and sexually liberated. Despite being reincarnated with exceptional looks, Hayato lives a listless life, working part-time at a popular cafe and struggling with a past trauma from high school that prevents him from pursuing relationships.
Hayato's manager, Kaoru Kirishima, is a strict but caring woman who runs the cafe with efficiency and dedication. She notices Hayato's fatigue and offers him a break, showing a subtle concern that he appreciates. He also senses her gaze on him more frequently, though she always averts her eyes when he looks. Kirishima questions Hayato about his future aspirations, suggesting he might want more than his current job, but he expresses contentment, partly due to her presence.
One day, Hayato is shocked by the appearance of his high school childhood friend and first love, Rei Natsuki, at the cafe. Rei, who had previously deeply hurt him, wants to talk. However, Kirishima intervenes, politely but firmly escorting Rei away, creating an awkward tension. Kirishima then questions Hayato about Rei, sensing his distress and warning him to be cautious of women who approach him suddenly, hinting at a protective sentiment beyond her role as manager.
Rei messages Hayato, wanting to talk, but he hesitates to reply. The next day, Kirishima seems distant and asks about his childhood friend. Hayato admits he liked Rei and that their past was complicated. Kirishima, though outwardly composed, shows subtle emotional reactions, warning him against rekindling the past and asking him to promise not to meet Rei. Hayato agrees, but the encounter leaves him feeling conflicted. Later, he breaks his promise and messages Rei, arranging to meet.
Hayato meets Rei, who apologizes for her past actions. They have a surprisingly mature conversation, and Hayato finds himself drawn to her changed demeanor, even admitting he might like her again. Rei, flustered but pleased, suggests they meet again.
Meanwhile, Kirishima, revealed to be in love with Hayato, struggles with her feelings. She observes Hayato's interactions with Rei and feels a pang of jealousy. After Rei visits the cafe again, Kirishima invites Hayato for drinks. During their conversation, fueled by alcohol, Kirishima confesses her feelings for him, admitting she's watched him and finds him endearing. They end up spending the night together, though Hayato's memory of the events is hazy.
The next morning, both Hayato and Kirishima are left grappling with the aftermath. Hayato, feeling confused and believing the encounter was due to alcohol and his emotional vulnerability after meeting Rei, asks Kirishima to pretend it never happened. Kirishima, though deeply hurt and suppressing her emotions, agrees. Shortly after, Rei arrives at the cafe, and Hayato feels he has lost something important, though he can't quite pinpoint what. Kirishima, in her private moments, clings to the scent of Hayato's uniform, her unrequited feelings evident.