In a near future where the female population has drastically declined, an elementary school boy named Takumi finds a love doll named Arika discarded in a junkyard and develops a pure, heartfelt bond with her. This title story explores the tender connection between a human child and an artificial companion in a world where real human relationships have become scarce. The collection also includes several other narrative arcs: “Morning Beauty – The Awakening Beauty of the Forest” follows the arrival of Hiiragi Satsuki, a beautiful and noble boy who cross‑dresses, as he navigates a new school and the coming‑of‑age struggles that follow. “Utsusemi no Tamago” centers on a female teacher who has faced personal setbacks and her forbidden, emotionally charged relationship with a genius boy. “Proposal” portrays the earnest, powerful love between a university student couple as they move toward a future together. Each story is distinct in its characters and setting, yet they all share themes of beauty that conceals hidden poisons, unconventional love, and the quiet pain that accompanies deep emotion.