"SM no Susume" (also known as "Recovery of an MMO Junkie") centers around Moriko Morioka, a 30-year-old office worker who quits her job due to burnout and retreats into the world of online gaming. Seeking solace and a fresh start, she creates a male avatar named Hayashi in the popular MMORPG "Fruits de Mer." In the game, Moriko adopts a carefree and confident persona, forming friendships and enjoying a sense of freedom she lacks in her offline life. Her closest in-game companion is a charming healer named Lily, who is later revealed to be a man named Yuta Sakurai in real life.

As Moriko navigates her new life as a NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), she begins to reconnect with the outside world through chance encounters and friendships that blur the lines between her online and offline identities. Her interactions with Yuta, both in-game and in real life, gradually deepen, though neither initially realizes the other’s true identity. The series explores themes of self-discovery, social anxiety, and the transformative power of virtual connections, as Moriko learns to balance her online escapism with the challenges of real-world relationships.

The narrative also introduces a supporting cast of characters, including Moriko’s childhood friend Koiwai, who harbors feelings for her, and other players from "Fruits de Mer" who bring humor and camaraderie to the story. Through its blend of slice-of-life moments and lighthearted romance, "SM no Susume" portrays the complexities of modern relationships in the digital age, highlighting how virtual spaces can serve as both an escape and a bridge to personal growth. The series balances comedic elements with heartfelt moments, offering a nuanced portrayal of its characters’ struggles and triumphs.