Slow Start

Hana Ichinose’s transition into high school is derailed by a stroke of terrible timing when she contracts the mumps just before her entrance exams. Unable to sit for the tests, she is forced to spend an entire year as a ronin, waiting for the next opportunity to begin her secondary education. This unexpected delay leaves her feeling isolated and out of step with her peers, casting a shadow over what should have been an exciting milestone in her life. Determined to move forward, Hana eventually relocates to a new area and finally enrolls in high school a full year behind schedule. Eager to blend in and leave her setback behind, she quickly forms close bonds with three classmates: Eiko, Tama, and Kamuri. Together, they navigate the everyday joys and challenges of school life, building a warm and supportive friendship. However, beneath her cheerful exterior, Hana carries a quiet anxiety. She carefully guards the truth about her gap year, terrified that revealing she is older than her friends might change how they see her or fracture the connection they share. As she immerses herself in this fresh start, Hana must balance the comfort of her newfound companionship with the weight of her hidden secret.