The narrative picks up as the protagonist, Shinra Minato, a seemingly ordinary and somewhat detached student, is approached by his two most prominent friends: the exceptionally handsome and popular Hagiwara Yuto, and the beautiful and elegant Kanzaki Shizuku. Both confess their feelings for someone and seek Minato's help, though their requests are met with his immediate refusal due to their perceived troublesome nature. This sets a tone of impending complication for the upcoming school year.
Minato reflects on the concept of equality, arguing that the world is inherently unequal from birth, citing disparities in wealth, opportunity, and most significantly, appearance. He describes himself as plain and unremarkable, often feeling overshadowed by Yuto and Shizuku, who are the undisputed "prince" and "princess" of their school, Sakuragaoka Academy. Their popularity is so immense that they even won "Most Compatible Couple" despite not dating.
The new school year begins with the announcement of class rosters. Minato is dismayed to find himself in the same class, Class 3, as Yuto and Shizuku, anticipating a year of being drawn into their orbit and enduring the attention they attract. He is further surprised when Yuto approaches him, expressing excitement about their shared class.
Sakuragaoka Academy is described as a three-building campus with a unique "three" shape, connected by corridors. The campus is surrounded by mountains and features a picturesque courtyard with cherry trees. Minato finds the school building itself old and cold, contrasting with the beauty of its grounds.
Upon entering Class 3, the usual boisterous atmosphere intensifies with the arrival of Yuto, drawing immediate adoration from female students. Shizuku also enters, receiving a warm greeting from Minato, who observes her gentle demeanor and notes the subtle sympathy in her gaze towards Yuto. Their conversation is interrupted by male students eager to speak with Yuto, creating a scene that reinforces Minato's feeling of alienation.
A new character is introduced: Kirasaka Rei, known as the "Ice Queen" for her aloofness and sharp tongue. Despite her reputation, she unexpectedly sits next to Minato and initiates a conversation, surprising him with her clear voice and directness. She dismisses the advances of other male students, explaining her lack of response by their "obvious ulterior motives." Minato is struck by her beauty and mature aura.
The tension escalates when Yuto approaches Kirasaka to introduce himself, only to be met with her cold dismissal, stating she doesn't know him and finds his self-importance excessive. This shocks the class and Yuto himself. Minato finds himself amused by Yuto's reaction and Kirasaka's bluntness. Kirasaka then reveals her interest in people who live "boringly" and invites Minato to call her by her name, which he refuses, finding her enigmatic and slightly unsettling.
Shizuku then approaches Kirasaka, and their interaction is marked by a tense silence and a powerful handshake that causes their hands to redden. This silent confrontation hints at a deeper rivalry or animosity between them. The school day concludes with the opening ceremony and brief self-introductions, after which Minato leaves, feeling dread for the upcoming school year.
A week into the new term, Class 3 remains chaotic due to Yuto and Shizuku's popularity. Minato and Kirasaka, both seemingly unimpressed by the commotion, share a moment of mutual exasperation. The impending academic test creates a new buzz, and Kirasaka proposes studying together, which Minato promptly rejects.
Despite his refusal, Kirasaka follows Minato home. He is shocked to find her already at his house, conversing with his younger sister, Kaede, and enjoying coffee. Kirasaka claims she was invited to study at his place, a claim Minato finds hard to believe given the school's supposed privacy protocols. He is also presented with a large box of high-quality meat by Kirasaka, which she suggests they use for a barbecue.
Minato tries to get Kirasaka to leave, but she persistently deflects his attempts, focusing on studying. He then recalls his past as a soccer player, explaining to Kirasaka that despite his years of dedication, he was sidelined due to his height and the overwhelming talent of his seniors. This experience led him to abandon the sport, realizing the limitations of effort against inherent advantages.
As they prepare to study in Minato's room, another unexpected guest arrives: Shizuku. This creates an awkward situation, as Shizuku and Kirasaka clearly dislike each other. Shizuku enters Minato's room, finding him and Kirasaka already seated at his desk. The two girls immediately engage in a passive-aggressive exchange, vying for Minato's attention and attempting to assert dominance, even going so far as to take his drinks. Minato, overwhelmed by the situation, retreats to the living room to get more drinks, leaving the two rivals to their silent battle.