The protagonist, Amagi Toru, wakes up in an unfamiliar, luxurious room, a stark contrast to his usual cramped apartment. He quickly realizes that his smartphone displays different apps and unfamiliar calendar notations. Venturing outside, he observes a striking anomaly: the streets are overwhelmingly populated by women, with men being few and walking with a noticeable deference. This societal imbalance is confirmed when he overhears a news report stating a male-to-female birth ratio of 1:5, with men being considered a precious and protected demographic.
This revelation triggers a cascade of understanding regarding the reversed social norms. Women hold the dominant positions in politics, economy, and business, while men are largely expected to focus on domestic life and are protected from stress and overwork. Social media posts and job listings further illustrate this, with emphasis on men's well-being and less demanding work environments. Toru also discovers that chastity and a cautious approach to romance are highly valued in men, with women actively pursuing relationships and even submitting "dating applications."
Facing financial hardship, Toru searches for work. He finds that most male-oriented jobs are low-stress and supportive, not aligning with his need for substantial income. He stumbles upon a "boyfriend-for-hire" service, a recognized profession in this world where women, due to their dominant role in relationships, struggle to gain romantic experience. Despite initial hesitation, the high pay and lack of other viable options lead him to apply.
Toru is hired by "Excellence Partner," a reputable company in the boyfriend-for-hire industry. He is assigned his first client, Tachibana Misaki, a 28-year-old, highly successful corporate manager. Misaki, despite her outward confidence and polished demeanor, is revealed to be inexperienced in romance, having prioritized her career. Toru's task is to lead her through a "dating experience" without revealing her lack of experience. Their first meeting takes place in a luxurious hotel lounge, a setting chosen by Misaki.
During their date, Toru observes Misaki's impeccable composure and intelligence, yet notices subtle hesitations and a careful selection of words when discussing personal matters. He deduces that her professional success has inadvertently made her appear unapproachable in the romantic sphere, where men are the "choosers." He decides to guide her through a more natural dating experience, encouraging her to be her authentic self. They visit a quiet cafe, where Misaki expresses her unfamiliarity with such relaxed settings and her surprise at Toru's thoughtful suggestions, like ordering chamomile tea for her. She admits to never having considered what a romantic outing would entail. Toru proposes they simply spend time together as a couple, and Misaki agrees, intrigued by the idea of being "just Misaki."
As they walk through the city, Toru notes how Misaki, accustomed to car travel, finds walking side-by-side with him novel. Their presence together draws attention from other women, highlighting the rarity of such a sight. Misaki, though initially reserved, gradually relaxes, and Toru senses a shift in her demeanor. He observes that while she is a perfect career woman, her romantic experience is a blank slate.
Later, Misaki reflects on her date with Toru. She acknowledges that her professional achievements, which made her a "strong woman," paradoxically made her less appealing in the romantic market where men prefer women who are perceived as needing protection. She realizes that Toru treated her not as a "career woman" or an "unattainable figure," but as a "woman," a novel experience for her. She finds herself wanting to see him again, a sentiment she cannot deny.
Meanwhile, Shirase Rika, a young woman from a prestigious family, grapples with her own romantic struggles. Raised to be an "elite woman" with impeccable grace and dignity, she finds that these very qualities make her appear unapproachable and too high-caliber for most men in this world, where men are the choosers and prefer women who are perceived as needing support and protection. Despite her inherent qualities, she is consistently overlooked in the romantic arena, leading to a sense of isolation and a longing for a genuine connection she doesn't know how to achieve.
