The thought was so loud and foreign it made his ears ring.

The first episode, "Awakening," introduces viewers to Taro Yamada, a 17-year-old high school student who is on the cusp of adulthood. It's the beginning of summer vacation, and while his friends are excited for the freedom that comes with it, Taro feels a sense of melancholy. He's always been a bit of a dreamer, with aspirations that seem to drift further away with each passing day.

She took his hand. Her palm was warm and slightly calloused—from what, he didn’t know. They swayed awkwardly on the stone platform. No steps. No rhythm. Just the thump of his heart and the distant echo of the festival drums.

The camera focuses on her slender fingers tracing a crack in the step. Then, for the first time, the sound drops out. No cicadas. No wind. Just the faint rustle of Yukino’s yukata sleeve. She turns to Kaito and smiles—a smile that is equal parts warmth and farewell.

This was the line.

The episode introduces us to Minato, a young man on the cusp of adulthood, struggling to find his place in the world. As he navigates the challenges of summer, he's forced to confront the harsh realities of growing up. His relationships with those around him - his friends, family, and even himself - are put to the test.