

Upon reaching adolescence Hotaru begins to struggle with their budding romance and their uncertain future together, while Gin wishes he could touch and hold the young woman that Hotaru has become.

As the years go by, Gin hardly ages while Hotaru physically matures and grows closer to his apparent age. Although at summer's end she must leave Gin to return to the city and her studies, Hotaru promises to return to visit him every summer holiday.

Hotaru returns to visit Gin in the forest over the next few days and they become friends despite the limitations on their interactions. She is found by a mask-wearing, human-like entity named Gin, who informs Hotaru that he will disappear forever if he is touched by a human.
