A Side Character's Love Story

Growing up, Nobuko Tanaka was always a "side character" standing off in the corner. Now in her 20s, she's fallen in love for the first time. While she isn't any good at being assertive, she will muster her courage bit by bit as she tries her best to close the distance between herself and her crush - because even side characters fall in love. If you're tired of the same old romantic protagonists, this modest, refreshing love story is for you.

This side character's love story is rapidly unfolding...Emotions are running higher in volume 2, as we finally see things from the perspective of Irie-kun, who's fallen for Nobuko. Little by little they grow closer, and each gesture is leading up to something special. Everyone's cheering this couple on in the eagerly-awaited second installment!

It's summer, and through sheer determination, Nobuko's achieved a small miracle: she can finally have a normal conversation with her crush. She hopes things can continue on like this forever, but her junior coworker Abe-san imparts a warning about trying to "keep things the same" when it comes to love. Could this fellow side character's love story be a glimpse into Nobuko's future?

"I'm going to confess my feelings to Tanaka-san." Steeling his resolve, Irie-kun prepares to bid farewell to the relationship he and Nobuko have as "just friends," whatever that may bring. As one side character reaches out to another, this love story's ending may be in sight...

What does it mean to go out with someone? Suddenly, the things you couldn't do when you were friends are now possible, and the love, respect, and gratitude you have for one another grows ever stronger. With no manual in hand to guide them, Tanaka and Irie steadily grow closer. Perhaps they'll find the answers they seek between themselves.

After dreaming of it for so long, Tanaka and Irie are finally a couple. Even as she relishes her modest happiness, Tanaka can't help but worry that Irie seems to enjoy talking with other people more than he does with her. A small new adventure begins for this side character, who only wishes to grow closer to her boyfriend...

An incident at the park one evening prompts Tanaka and Irie to consider what it might be like to kiss the person they care for, with their nervous imaginings enough to distract them during their daily routines. It isn't easy to be yourself when you like someone, but the distance between them is closing a little more each day...

Winter is here, and the first Christmas that Tanaka-san and Irie-kun will spend together as a couple approaches. The two of them make plans to bake a cake together at Tanaka-san's place. As Christmas begins, they're both a little nervous: it's the first time she's invited a boy over, and the first time he's been in a girl's room. In the midst of it, Irie-kun works up the courage to ask for their second kiss...The heat of their love grows stronger in volume 8.

"Up till now, even kissing or holding hands has made me so nervous. But now..."An unexpected mix-up leads to a year-end excursion for Nobuko and Hiroki, who find themselves sharing a hotel room rather suddenly. But as their night alone with each other begins, neither one feels quite prepared... A turning point approaches in the love story of these side characters, as feelings of affection begin to blossom into something more.

"What can I do to move towards a future with you?"As spring rolls around, Nobuko and Hiroki celebrate their birthdays together. Their third year of college brings with it a number of changes, causing plenty of anxiety for Nobuko – until Hiroki makes a suggestion...The two of them begin fumbling towards a future after graduation, even as they grapple with their more affectionate impulses.

The last year of Nobuko and Hiroki's time together as college students is upon them.It's springtime, and job hunting is in full swing for college seniors. Hiroki does his best to support Nobuko, who is caught between studying for the civil service exam and searching for a private sector job. Facing her first real barrier of entry into society, Nobuko worries for the future. What can Hiroki say to help when she begins losing sight of herself?

"The long summer is finally at an end, and I've just realized that I don't have much time left as a college student."With her job hunt concluded at last, Nobuko accepts a position in Ehime after graduation. Though she enjoys what little time remains of her college life with Hiroki and Fumi, she is constantly plagued with anxiety for the future. And as her graduation trip with Hiroki draws near, thoughts of doing "more than kissing" are on her mind, as well...

Nobuko and Hiroki venture to Kanazawa to celebrate their graduation, and are enjoying every minute of their trip. But as night draws closer, Nobuko struggles with nerves over the possibility that they may do more than just kiss. On top of that, it seems as though Hiroki has something he wants to tell her...

With the arrival of a new season, a new chapter of Nobuko's life begins as well. Now employed at the city hall in her hometown, Nobuko faces all sorts of challenges as a working adult. Even when things are tough or she feels down, staying in touch with Hiroki helps her get through the toughest days. But being in a long-distance relationship comes with its own share of difficulties for them both...

Nobuko and Hiroki have graduated college, and their relationship is now long distance. One an office worker in Ehime, the other a graduate student in Hiroshima, their lives are very different and their schedules no longer match up. The stress of it all leads to one anxiety after another, but if they don't want their relationship to falter, they must learn to face it head on.

Nobuko and Hiroki's long-distance relationship has hit a bit of a rocky patch. Hiroki is plagued by his own anxieties, but still rushes to Nobuko's side when he senses something is amiss. But when they finally meet, she has an unusual request to make of him... How will their relationship change as they try to focus on life beyond love?

It's Nobuko's first summer as a working adult, and she and Hiroki take a trip to Kamakura, where they end up discussing Hiroki's plans after graduation. Should he move to Ehime to be close to Nobuko, or look for work somewhere else? The two of them must each face an important question: what's the most important thing in their lives right now?

"My worries may be different, but I'm happier with her than I've ever been." After their trip to Kamakura, Hiroki begins thinking of his future once again, his summer internship helping him realize what's most important for his future with Nobuko. Meanwhile, Nobuko and her coworkers each take their own steps forward, determined to do what they must to stay with the ones they love.

As spring arrives, Hiroki's job hunt is in full swing. Nobuko, meanwhile, is thinking about the future - and in the process, must confront the truth of how she feels. When the choice is between the man she loves and the job she's grown attached to, there is no easy answer. The lives and loves of many now approach a crossroads...