Chapters 3 through 12 of the light novel introduce the protagonist, Yota Ichinose, a self-proclaimed "introverted loner" who finds solace in his friendship with Homare Ishihara. The narrative unfolds at the beginning of a new school year, focusing on the anxieties of class assignments and seating arrangements for Yota, who cherishes his back-row window seat. He is assigned to a seat next to Ayano Sasaki, a cheerful girl with a relaxed demeanor, and across from Asuka Kurashina, who appears serious but is revealed to be gentle and thoughtful. Yota's primary motivation in these chapters is to maintain his comfortable, low-profile existence, avoiding social interactions that he finds draining.
The story also introduces the members of the boys' soft tennis club, where Yota is the fourth-ranked forward. Key members include the diligent captain Mukai, his partner Shinnuma, the quiet but skilled Kenshin and his partner Suda, the gentle forward Kamishiro and his partner Terashima, and Yota's own partner Kenta Hishinuma. Asuka Kurashina serves as the team's sole female manager, maintaining friendly relationships with all the members. The chapter arc sees Yota successfully securing his preferred seating arrangement, a small victory that eases his initial anxieties.
A significant turning point occurs during the morning assembly, where students are instructed to line up according to their assigned seats. Yota, positioned at the very back, finds this a surprisingly easy task, contrasting with the usual chaos for introverts. However, his peaceful routine is disrupted when some boisterous male students attempt to gather behind him, disrupting his carefully maintained solitude. This event highlights Yota's desire for personal space and his frustration with the more outgoing students. The narrative emphasizes Yota's "unconscious strongest" trait, a secret known only to the narrator (implied to be Ayano Sasaki), who observes his extraordinary abilities and calm demeanor, contrasting with his own perceived ordinariness. The chapters establish the initial dynamics of Yota's new class and his place within it, setting the stage for future interactions and potential developments.
