Masuo Fuguno, a 24-year-old Japanese salaryman, endures relentless romantic setbacks despite his earnest and kind-hearted nature. A fortune teller’s bleak prophecy—that he will never find love—fuels his resolve to defy fate by courting Nagisa Shiozaki, a guarded kindergarten teacher haunted by past relationship wounds. His pursuit unravels through a series of comedic blunders, misadventures, and awkward collisions with coworker Miho Hamaoka, whose silent affection for him lingers unacknowledged.

External rivals intensify his challenges: a brawny PE instructor, a affluent real estate agent, and Nagisa’s ex-lover vie for her attention, pushing Masuo’s determination to its limits. His innate compassion shines when he shelters a pregnant stranger, an act Nagisa mistakenly perceives as betrayal. Though the misunderstanding strains their bond, it highlights his selflessness and sparks growth in addressing trust gaps.

Masuo’s emotional extremes—melting into liquid, crumbling to dust, or flattening like paper after rejections—exaggerate his vulnerability for humor. Yet he persists, balancing endearing clumsiness with unwavering dedication, slowly refining his approach to love’s complexities.

The manga and OVA conclude with Masuo and Nagisa forging a stable partnership, welcoming daughter Yuka. In contrast, the TV series leaves their fate uncertain: Nagisa confesses feelings as he departs for a job transfer, freezing their romance in ambiguity. Across adaptations, his journey oscillates between unyielding optimism and the messy truths of miscommunication, anchoring his growth in sincerity over slick charm.