The story takes place in the summer of 1997, a time of great change and social upheaval in Japan. We follow the lives of four childhood friends - Akira, Shigeru, Takeru, and Hiro - as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. Akira, the de facto leader of the group, is struggling to come to terms with his own identity and sense of purpose. Shigeru, the class clown, harbors a secret crush on Akira, which complicates their friendship. Takeru, the athlete, faces pressure from his family to excel in sports, while Hiro, the bookworm, tries to find his place among his peers.