Sawako Kuronuma, a shy and deeply kind high school freshman, has always been misunderstood by her classmates. Her long black hair and pale skin, combined with her inability to make eye contact or speak up, lead to her being given the cruel nickname Sadako, after the ghost from the horror film The Ring. Rumors swirl that she can see ghosts and curse people, leaving her isolated and lonely despite her desperate wish to be helpful and make friends.

Her life changes when the most popular boy in school, Shota Kazehaya, begins talking to her. Kazehaya, known for his bright smile and cheerful, straightforward personality, is drawn to Sawako’s genuine and unpretentious nature. Unlike everyone else, he calls her by her real name and treats her with simple kindness, becoming the first person to truly see past her frightening facade. Inspired by his example, Sawako starts to emerge from her shell. She forms her first friendships with the lively and protective Chizuru Yoshida and the cool, observant Ayane Yano, two girls who appreciate her honesty and loyalty.

As Sawako navigates the joys of her first real social life, her feelings for Kazehaya begin to deepen into love. However, her path is not without obstacles. Her difficulty expressing herself often leads to awkward misunderstandings, and she must contend with Ume Kurumizawa, a popular and doll-like girl who has harbored a secret crush on Kazehaya since middle school and initially sees Sawako as a rival. With the support of her friends, including the quiet and loyal baseball player Ryu Sanada who has his own long-standing feelings for Chizuru, Sawako slowly learns to communicate her emotions. The story follows the sweet and awkward blossoming of her relationship with Kazehaya, as they overcome the barriers of shyness and rumor to reach each other at last. The live-action series covers the main arcs of their first year, from their tentative friendship to the moment their romance finally begins.