Due to a bullying issue, Mariko was reassigned to a distant school after clashing with the administration. She became the advisor for the art club at her new school, which only had one member, Kuroi. One day, as she headed towards the club room, she witnessed Kuroi being bullied. Although Mariko scolded them, nothing changed, and she felt overwhelmed by her helplessness. Kuroi told her, 'I'm just happy if you protect me.' Mariko, a mix of pity and affection, ended up crossing the line with Kuroi in the club room after school.
