Ane Oto

The Nomura household remains deeply shaken by the tragic loss of their eldest son. In the wake of this profound grief, Moeko’s father makes the decision to take in Kiichi, the son of an acquaintance, with the intention of formally integrating the boy into the family as Moeko’s new younger brother. Though Moeko harbors no ill will toward Kiichi, she finds it immensely difficult to navigate the presence of a "replacement" sibling while still struggling to process her own sorrow. Meanwhile, having recently relocated from Tokyo, Kiichi strives to embrace the serene pace of his new coastal, rural surroundings despite stepping into a household burdened by complicated emotions. As life moves forward, Moeko and Kiichi begin attending middle school together and sharing their daily routines. Through this growing bond, the slow and steady process of their evolving relationship may ultimately offer the healing their fractured family so desperately needs.