The story begins with Nagai Kentaro, a high school freshman who finds solace in anime and manga, struggling to connect with his classmates. He prefers his solitary hobbies to social interaction, finding the efforts of his peers to form groups tiring. During his first week of high school, as his classmates are planning a karaoke outing, Kentaro is unexpectedly invited by Momoki Haruru, a vibrant gal from the popular "first-string" group. Despite initial hesitation and the mixed reactions of the group, Kentaro is swept along. It is then that Yukikawa Tsukino, the seemingly aloof but beautiful leader of the first-string group, approaches Kentaro. She notices his reluctance and subtly encourages him to speak up if he's uncomfortable, revealing a surprisingly considerate side. This interaction sparks Kentaro's curiosity about Tsukino, leading him to accept the karaoke invitation.
At karaoke, the initial excitement fades, and Kentaro observes the superficiality of the social dynamics. Tsukino remains quiet, leading Kentaro to wonder if she also felt out of place. When it's his turn to sing, he chooses a song from a niche anime, "Twenty Knights," which he considers a "black history" for the band Absolute. To his surprise, Tsukino and Haruru show genuine interest in the song. After karaoke, Kentaro leaves, feeling ostracized by his classmates who now view him with suspicion due to his interaction with the popular group. However, Tsukino catches up to him, revealing her own passion for "Twenty Knights." This shared interest forms an unexpected connection, and they decide to travel home together by train, continuing their conversation about the anime.
During their train ride, Kentaro discovers Tsukino is also an anime enthusiast, despite her popular image. She confides that she feels suffocated by her social circle, as they don't share her interests, and that her father encouraged her to maintain relationships. Kentaro empathizes with her, recognizing a similar reliance on fictional worlds for comfort. They agree to continue their conversation at Kentaro's apartment, where he lives alone.
At Kentaro's apartment, they watch "Twenty Knights" and discuss its flaws and the director's other works, like "Marionette Harem." Tsukino is impressed by Kentaro's knowledge and his collection of manga. She expresses a desire to borrow "Marionette Harem," and after some hesitation, Kentaro agrees to let her read it at his place. This leads to Tsukino asking to stay the night, which Kentaro, after some internal debate, accepts.
The following day, they wake up after a night of playing a fighting game, "Smash Sisters," and discussing anime. Tsukino's parents are frequently away for work, making her feel lonely, which resonates with Kentaro's own solitary upbringing fueled by his love for fictional media. They bond over their shared experiences and interests, with Tsukino expressing a desire for more "otaku friends." The day progresses with them enjoying each other's company, playing games, and sharing meals, solidifying their growing connection. Tsukino's playful teasing and genuine interest in Kentaro's hobbies begin to break down his social barriers. The chapters conclude with them planning to spend more time together, hinting at a developing friendship that transcends their initial social standings.
