Freelance writer Hiroko Tagami, eager to succeed at work, becomes interested in "share-houses" for independent adults and, to write an article, attempts an undercover stay at a share-house where four strangers — two men and two women — live together. But their communal life has a true purpose beyond anything Hiroko imagined.

In a world where a "Communication Ability Promotion Act" has been enacted, "riajū trials" test young people's social skills. Plain college student Tomoko Yazawa, summoned to one such trial, has studied desperately while vowing a certain revenge. On the day of the trial, as her classmates' records of fulfilling social lives are laid out, Tomoko begins to make an argument of her own.

Kindergarten teacher Kojiro aims to build a kindergarten where children can thrive. He can't accept the school's policy of fearing parental complaints so much that it manufactures uniform moments for every child to stand out. So, wanting "to give the children many possibilities," Kojiro prepares a secret plan for the sports day.

Kaori, an ace writer at a web-news editorial office, takes pride in her work summarizing news into 13.5-character headlines that grab the public's attention. But the company hits a turning point, and she's crushed to hear web news dismissed as "just a way to kill time." On top of that, suspicions arise that her husband is cheating. Amid all this, Kaori is approached by her ex-boyfriend.

Actor Jun had many starring roles when he debuted, but as he entered his thirties he was relegated to supporting parts. To claw his way back to leading roles, Jun takes on an audition held by a major director. But when he arrives at the venue on the final selection day, he's bewildered to find a group of veteran supporting-role regulars of varying ages and genders assembled there.