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Stepping onto the grounds of the prestigious Itan Private High School on her very first day, Shouko Komi instantly commands the adoration of her peers, rising effortlessly to the status of the school's untouchable Madonna. With her striking long black hair, elegant stature, and poised demeanor, she effortlessly captivates everyone she meets. There is just one agonizing secret beneath her flawless exterior: despite her overwhelming popularity, Shouko suffers from severe communication anxiety that leaves her utterly paralyzed when trying to speak to others. Enter Hitohito Tadano, a quintessential, average high school boy whose personal philosophy is simple—read the room and steer clear of trouble at all costs. Naturally, he quickly realizes that simply being assigned the seat next to Shouko has turned him into the ultimate target of envy and resentment for the rest of the class. Their dynamic shifts entirely when Hitohito is knocked unconscious by an accidental blow, only to wake up and hear Shouko letting out a desperate, nervous "meow." Though he initially covers for her by lying that he heard nothing, causing her to bolt in a panic, Hitohito uses the moment to deduce the truth: Shouko isn't aloof or unapproachable; she is simply crippled by a communication disorder that has prevented her from ever making a single friend. Determined to change that, Hitohito resolves to stand by her side and help her achieve her ultimate dream of making one hundred friends.