Mokuhei Mano is a 60-year-old retired fireman, whose main focus in life now is breeding beautiful chrysanthemums. When he meets 19-year-old Miharu, they seem to have nothing in common. But Miharu is friends with famous chrysanthemum grower Kurose, and she introduces them. A friendship based on mutual respect forms between these three, who each hide an inner turmoil and inadequacy under a veneer of outward confidence. As a chrysanthemum competition draws near, putting Mano and Kurose in competition, these private, inward people are made to realize how important their connections to each other are.