The first episode of "Otonari ni Ginga (A Galaxy Next Door)" begins with an exciting introduction to the fascinating universe the anime will explore. Our protagonist, Ichiro Kuga, is a dedicated manga artist who lives with his younger sister and younger brother, Machi and Fumio. He is overworked and understaffed, trying to meet his deadlines while caring for his family, who have lost their father.

His life takes an unexpected turn when Shiori Goshiki enters his world as his new assistant. Shiori, a young woman with remarkable talent and speed, proves to be a godsend, taking much of Ichiro's workload off his shoulders. Alongside her outstanding artistic skills, Shiori also carries a mysterious aura, not least because she insists on wearing formal attire while working.

The episode provides a deep look into the hectic life of Ichiro and his siblings. We see how Ichiro balances his familial responsibilities with his career, working tirelessly to make ends meet and support his siblings' education. As the stress of an impending deadline grows, he has no choice but to ask Shiori for help during an overnight shift, which she willingly accepts.

This action-packed episode culminates in a thrilling cliffhanger. After an exhausting night, Ichiro experiences a bizarre hallucination, seeing a strange, thorn-like appendage protruding from Shiori's body. When Ichiro impulsively pulls it out, he unknowingly participates in an alien ritual that binds their fates together.

This sudden revelation shakes the mundane world of Ichiro's life as he learns Shiori's true identity—a princess of the Star People. To make matters worse, this act is interpreted as a marriage vow in Shiori's culture. The bewildered Ichiro, desperately trying to maintain professional boundaries, manages to convince Shiori to keep their relationship platonic for the time being.