My name is Yoshimoto Kanade. I was once hailed as a 'child prodigy' in the world of junior shogi.

But that's all in the past now. Now, I'm just an introverted, friendless high school student. While leading a school life far removed from a vibrant youth, I still found solace in my recently favorite idol, Sasaki Yui.

But then, in the spring of my second year of high school, came Sasaki Yui's sudden retirement announcement.

Just as I lost my sole source of comfort, a turning point arrived in my life.

Unbelievably, that very Sasaki Yui transferred into my class!

What's more, she sat right next to me, and as if that weren't enough, her house was also right next door.

However, no matter how physically close we became, the worlds of a former national idol like her and an ordinary guy like me were just too different.

I was certain we would have almost no interaction.

However, to my surprise, she treated me with an unexpected eagerness and friendliness!?

I shouldn't fall for someone as out of my league as her. Even as I told myself that, I found myself falling deeper in love with her beauty and kind personality each day.

But I was oblivious to one crucial fact.

Namely, that Sasaki Yui and I shared an unexpected connection...

・Also published on Kakuyomu.