Smells Like Green Spirit

Mishima is a junior high school student enduring relentless bullying for his sexuality in an isolated, rural town where he feels entirely out of place. Raised by a single mother, he finds his only genuine sense of vitality through a secret ritual: applying her stolen lipstick to transform his appearance. This fragile sanctuary of self-expression shatters when the lipstick goes missing, leading Mishima to a startling discovery on the school roof. There, he catches Kirino—the celebrated star of the soccer team and one of his most vicious tormentors—secretly trying on the very same cosmetics. This unexpected encounter binds the two boys together in a complicated dynamic, sparking a bittersweet summer defined by their shared search for acceptance. As they navigate the oppressive environment of their hometown, Mishima and Kirino attempt to carve out a space where they can finally exist as their authentic selves without fear of persecution. However, unearthing hidden truths carries its own weight, and opening this emotional Pandora’s box introduces consequences that neither boy could have anticipated, threatening the delicate connection they are trying to build.