Series by 柚原瑞香

Naina Kuriyama has always struggled to say no to her childhood friend Yuyu, matching her hairstyle and belongings to please her. Desperate to break free and find her own identity, Naina takes a bold step by cutting her long hair and declaring she won't follow Yuyu's wishes anymore. But her newfound independence comes at a cost—Yuyu, along with classmates, begins to isolate and bully her, leaving Naina to face loneliness. Amidst the struggle, she finds solace in Nozomi Shioka, who encourages her, and gradually develops special feelings for him. As Naina forms new bonds, like with Himari Konno, another outcast, she learns the strength to stand up for herself.

Hikari Amamiya, a sharp and socially adept high school girl, navigates life with confidence until her mother’s remarriage brings her a new stepsister, Mizuki Suzumura. Mizuki, timid and often overlooked, struggles to find her place in their shared class and new family dynamic. Together, they confront challenges at school and home, from shifting friendships to tense family moments, gradually reshaping their relationship. A nearby sibling duo, bound by blood, adds new layers to their evolving circle, stirring both rivalry and support.

In a middle school where romance dominates conversations and crushes are the norm, Chieri struggles to connect with the overwhelming focus on love. She finds solace in her close-knit group with longtime friends Sakura and Ichika, who share her discomfort with the romantic pressures invading their daily lives. As the trio navigates classroom dynamics and subtle shifts in their friendships, Chieri begins to confront her own budding feelings toward her childhood companion, Aoi.