The story begins with the protagonist, Rumin, a seemingly ordinary high school freshman, being stabbed in the abdomen by a fellow student in an abandoned art preparation room on the fourth floor of his school's old building. Bleeding profusely and clutching the knife he took from his attacker, Rumin locks himself in the room, fearing the return of his assailant. As sirens wail in the distance, he reflects on how he ended up in this dire situation.
Rumin attends Ninna Reimei University Affiliated High School, a prestigious and popular institution known for its stylish uniform, flexible dress code, and high entrance exam difficulty. The school boasts a high university progression rate and a well-funded but athletically weak club system. A significant factor in the school's increased applicant numbers is the presence of six exceptionally beautiful girls, each with a grand title. Four of these "title holders" are in Rumin's class, 1-A: "Saintess" Komugiko Shijima, a quarter-Irish/Japanese girl with a kind demeanor; "Angel" Charlotte Grande, a quarter-British/Japanese model with golden hair and blue eyes; and "Queen" Victoria Sigurina, a half-Russian/Japanese girl with striking black hair and pale skin, whom Rumin knew from middle school. The fourth title holder, "Demon Lord," is absent today. These girls are described as otherworldly, drawing attention and causing disruption.
Rumin's childhood friend, Regina Rexclator, a quarter-French/Japanese girl with silver hair and green eyes, is also a year older than Rumin and intentionally repeated a year to attend school with him. She is incredibly charismatic and comes from a wealthy family, rumored to be a major donor to the school, earning her the unofficial title of "Demon Lord" due to her overwhelming presence and influence. Regina's affection for Rumin is evident in her bold displays of affection, including kisses.
During lunch, Rumin is joined by his other childhood friend, Asumi Sekai, a pure Japanese girl with long black hair and a distinctive ruby-inlaid prosthetic left eye, a result of a soccer accident caused by Rumin in middle school. Asumi is accompanied by her friends, Karen Sakuraba, a flamboyant boy with feminine features and a past as a soccer ace, and Haruka Hyakki, a striking individual with bleached blonde hair, tattoos, and heterochromia. They discuss their plans for club activities. Rumin intends to join the "General Arts Club," a seemingly inactive club that Asumi also joins.
The General Arts Club is revealed to be a merger of several less popular clubs, including literature, photography, manga, film, and astronomy. It's a place where students can essentially be "home-goers." To Rumin's surprise, the "Saintess," "Angel," and "Queen" also join this club. Victoria expresses concern about Rumin quitting soccer, which he dismisses, stating it's a shared decision with Karen. Charlotte directly asks Rumin if he's the person from a certain viral video, a topic Rumin finds uncomfortable. The club's advisor, Ms. Otsumi, a capable-looking teacher, briefly introduces the club's activities, including the possibility of night sky observation.
The narrative then shifts to Victoria's perspective. She recounts her difficult middle school experience, being bullied by a group of girls led by a powerful student. Rumin intervened violently, saving her from a severe assault. However, the video of his actions went viral, leading to widespread criticism and Rumin having to move. Victoria feels a mix of gratitude and guilt towards Rumin, and her desire to be close to him drives her to join the same club.
Later, Rumin is approached by Komugiko Shijima, the "Saintess," who expresses a desire to talk. Their conversation is awkward and filled with Shijima's peculiar remarks and attempts at conversation games. She reveals her family runs a church and she prays for things to stop "falling." Rumin finds her both strange and endearing. He also learns that Shijima has rejected numerous confessions of love, citing the "greatest happiness for the greatest number."
Charlotte Grande, the "Angel," joins Rumin and Asumi on the rooftop, where they discuss playing a mobile game called "Princess of Legend." Charlotte, despite her angelic appearance, is revealed to be calculating and manipulative, enjoying controlling passive male students. Rumin, Asumi, and Charlotte begin playing the game together, forming a strong team. Rumin notices inconsistencies in Charlotte's gameplay, which she vehemently denies, increasing his suspicion.
The story concludes with Rumin reflecting on the chaotic state of the General Arts Club, which has become a hub for male students drawn to Shijima and Charlotte. He observes Shijima and Charlotte's seemingly genuine enjoyment of the attention, contrasting with Victoria and Asumi's clear disdain for the encroaching male attention. Rumin's initial plan to casually participate in the club is disrupted by his growing curiosity about the unfolding situation.