Herr Shinonome, a middle-aged salaryman, grapples with dissatisfaction in his life and unfulfilling marriage, feeling trapped within his daily routine.

Seeking escape, he attends his junior high school reunion, driven by nostalgic memories of a former classmate, Shima Seiko, for whom he once held romantic feelings. At the event, he initially mistakes Takai Shimako for Shima, leading to disappointment. He eventually encounters the real Shima Seiko, who remains as beautiful as he remembered, but learns she is happily married with four children – a stark contrast to his own marital unhappiness.

This reunion forces Shinonome to confront his life choices and current circumstances. The encounter with the contented Shima underscores the disparity between his nostalgic ideals and reality. The story concludes without significant change, emphasizing Shinonome's ongoing resignation to his unsatisfying marriage and unfulfilled aspirations. His narrative explores midlife regret and the enduring contrast between youthful dreams and adult realities.