This section of the light novel, chapters 3 through 12, introduces the protagonist, Narumi Kouta, a second-year high school student who feels alienated in his new blended family. Kouta's mother remarried a kind salaryman, Tsujikawa Akihiro, and they moved into a new house with Akihiro's daughter, Tsujikawa Kotsumi, who is Kouta's junior at school. Kouta finds it difficult to adjust to this new family dynamic, particularly his relationship with his step-sister, and often spends his evenings at a family restaurant called "Flowers" to kill time after his part-time job.
At Flowers, Kouta repeatedly encounters Kaseguya Kohaku, a classmate from his second-year D class. They share a silent acknowledgment as fellow regulars, never interacting beyond brief eye contact. Kouta observes Kohaku, noting her striking golden hair and blue eyes, and her seemingly detached demeanor.
Kouta's discomfort at home stems from two main issues: his inability to connect with his younger step-sister, Kotsumi, who views him with a cold gaze, and his general feeling of not belonging in the new household. He confides in his childhood friend, Inumaki Natsuki, about his struggles, and Natsuki offers unwavering support, even suggesting Kouta could stay at his place if needed.
During a class discussion, Kohaku is approached by classmates who are fans of her older sister, the popular singer Kuon. Kohaku curtly rejects their requests to be introduced to her sister, revealing a sharp, dismissive side. Natsuki explains that Kohaku dislikes discussions about her sister and is rumored to be involved with unsavory individuals, though Natsuki himself dismisses these rumors as unreliable.
One evening at Flowers, Kouta is seated next to Kohaku. After a phone call with his mother, who expresses concern about his late returns home, Kouta is surprised when Kohaku initiates a conversation, asking if his family relationship is strained. Kouta admits his difficulties, and Kohaku, in turn, reveals her own struggles with her family. They discover a shared sentiment of being unable to comfortably be at home, leading them to spend time at the restaurant. This shared experience prompts them to form an "alliance," agreeing to meet at Flowers after school to talk and share their grievances without prying too deeply into each other's lives.
The alliance quickly proves beneficial. Kouta's mother, initially suspicious of his late nights and the "girl friend" she overheard on the phone, is reassured when Kohaku speaks to her, posing as Kouta's classmate. This intervention eases Kouta's home life, allowing him to have a more relaxed dinner with his new family, though he still feels a sense of unease due to his perceived inadequacy compared to his perfect step-sister.
The narrative also touches upon Kohaku's difficult family situation, where her mother seems overly focused on her older sister, Kuon, and her reputation, making Kohaku feel overlooked and pressured. Kohaku's own reputation at school is also a point of contention, with rumors circulating about her late-night activities and associations.
As their alliance deepens, Kouta and Kohaku begin to share more personal details. Kohaku reveals she stayed up all night playing a game Kouta recommended, leading to her exhaustion at school. Kouta, in turn, expresses his anger at the rumors surrounding Kohaku, realizing he is protective of his new friend. This realization solidifies their bond, moving beyond a mere alliance to a genuine friendship. They acknowledge this shift, with Kohaku admitting she finds Kouta easy to talk to and Kouta feeling a sense of relief in finding someone who understands his struggles with family. The chapters conclude with Kouta and Kohaku solidifying their friendship and agreeing to continue meeting, hinting at a growing connection between them.
