Rena grows up in Hakodate, living with her mother in their family food store battling significant debt. To resolve their financial crisis, her mother pressures Rena into an arranged marriage with Minoru Jinguji, a wealthy local boy her age.

Confronted by this forced union, Rena grapples with burgeoning feelings for an older local musician, Kenji Kurata. Unable to accept her mother's demands, she runs away, seeking refuge with Kurata. He offers her sanctuary and guidance, discussing her situation supportively without exploiting her vulnerability. This support helps Rena gain clarity about her circumstances.

Rena eventually returns home. Through her experiences, she realizes her feelings for Minoru might be genuine; her resistance stemmed from the coercion, not dislike for him. This self-awareness resolves her journey.

Throughout her story, Rena interacts with the local myth of diamond dust snow, believed to grant wishes when witnessed. This folklore underscores her quest for happiness and autonomy amidst external pressures.