Masuo Fuguno is a 24-year-old Tokyo salaryman defined by chronic romantic misfortune. Prior to meeting kindergarten teacher Nagisa Shiozaki at a marriage interview pub, he possessed no relationship experience—never having kissed or held hands with a woman. A fortune teller's prophecy that he would never find a lover deepened his despair, yet fueled his determined, if clumsy, pursuit of Nagisa. Persistently earnest but socially awkward, his attempts to win her affection often backfire.

His gentle and chivalrous nature attracts genuine feelings from coworker Miho Hamaoka, creating a complex love triangle. Though devoted solely to Nagisa, Masuo's efforts to support Miho—intervening against her workplace harassment or aiding her during personal difficulties—routinely misfire. Nagisa misinterprets these actions as romantic interest, sparking volatile misunderstandings. Masuo struggles with communication, avoiding difficult conversations or making ill-timed statements that worsen conflicts. He eventually recognizes his reluctance to reject Miho stems from empathy, yet his commitment to Nagisa remains firm.

Masuo exhibits exaggerated physical reactions to emotional distress, metaphorically disintegrating—crumbling to dust, liquefying, or solidifying into stone—as manifestations of despair, underscoring his fragile self-esteem amid relentless setbacks. Despite this, he demonstrates resilience, continually pursuing Nagisa after rejections and humiliations. A significant realization occurs when he acknowledges that, under different circumstances, he might have reciprocated Miho’s feelings had they met first. His integrity faces a crisis when Miho kisses him—an incident witnessed by her influential father—triggering professional and romantic fallout. The narrative culminates with Masuo’s job transfer to Kyushu, where a potential reconciliation with Nagisa during their farewell hints at mutual commitment.