Mamoru Nekoyashiki is a creator of doujinshi, or self-published manga, who writes boys' love stories under the pen name Koniku-sensei. His entire sense of self-worth is built on external validation, which he receives by being a popular artist at doujinshi conventions. His ultimate goal is to have his works sold in the Kabesa section, a special area along the wall of a convention venue reserved for the most successful circles, a recognition he craves more than anything else.

At one such convention, Nekoyashiki has a chance reunion with Kazama Issei, a childhood friend he once had a crush on. Issei is now a popular male idol performing under the stage name Issay as part of the group Shiny Smile. Their lives, seemingly from two different worlds, become entangled again, forcing Nekoyashiki to confront his deep-seated insecurities and his complicated feelings from the past. The story follows the rekindled relationship between the reclusive, approval-seeking artist and the charismatic idol as they navigate their professional lives, personal struggles, and the growing romantic tension between them. Key narrative arcs explore Nekoyashiki's journey to find value in his art beyond public recognition, the pressures of the entertainment industry on Issei, and the two men learning to communicate honestly about the ambiguous circumstances that led to their separation following their high school graduation ceremony.