Early 1970s. In a country town Akira (aged ten) is a dreamer often hounded by a gang of bullies. He lives with his parents, his strict father a journalist and his mother a housewife. Entering his class is Rumiko, a beautiful and brilliant girl popular with both boys and girls, whose character and sense of justice are very solid. Rumiko not only defends Akira from the bullies but also protects Hideko, an older girl taunted by the boys. Rumiko takes her side, helped by Akira who, while having a crush on her, has no intention of taking big risks.
