Ride Your Wave

Hinako Mukaimizu, a 19-year-old, moves to an oceanside town to attend college and pursue surfing. A fireworks display triggers a devastating blaze in her apartment building, from which she is rescued by Minato Hinageshi, a capable young firefighter. The event becomes the catalyst for their bond and Hinako's new direction.

After the rescue, Minato helps Hinako learn to surf and they begin spending time together. Their contrasting personalities, with Hinako's carefree spirit and Minato's strong sense of justice, draw them closer. The beach becomes their shared space as they grow closer.

Hinako tells him that waves are best after Christmas because wishes may come true. The next day, Minato goes to the beach alone and dies while trying to save a jetskiier. His death leaves Hinako distraught and sets the stage for the strange afterlife connection.

Grief over Minato's death pushes Hinako to relocate away from the beach and his memory. She settles into a new apartment far from the waves, trying to rebuild her life. The distance mirrors her struggle to let go.

Hinako discovers that Minato appears in the water whenever she sings their shared song, Brand New Story. They begin spending time together again, sometimes in public, though only Hinako can see him. The renewed connection gives her a fragile sense of companionship.

Minato grapples with his mortality, realizing he cannot physically touch Hinako. Wasabi, Minato's coworker, confesses to Hinako, adding pressure to their fragile dynamic. Minato urges Hinako to move on, but she resists.

Hinako decides to stop Minato from going to heaven, highlighting how dependent she has become on his presence. Minato's continued presence complicates her path forward as she tries to reclaim her own life.

During a visit to Minato's house, his sister Yoko explains what inspired him to become a firefighter. Hinako learns that she herself saved Minato from drowning when they were young, reframing her sense of responsibility toward him. The revelation deepens the emotional stakes for both of them.

When Hinako unlocks a draft message on the phone, she reads an instruction to ride her own wave. The moment prompts her to enroll in lifeguard training to become more independent and move forward with her life. She commits to a path that honors her own growth.

Yoko confesses to Wasabi, reminding him that his influence helped her return to school when she was bullied. The confession strengthens the ties among the trio as they navigate their intertwined futures.

Hinako and Yoko tail the group planning to trigger fireworks at the abandoned building housing a large Christmas tree to gather evidence. They risk exposure as they monitor the plan and prepare to intervene.

The fireworks ignite the building and trap Hinako and Yoko inside. Hinako summons Minato, who sends a wave of water to extinguish the fire, and they ride the wave down on a backboard before saying final farewells. Minato's spirit ascends to heaven as the smoke clears.

The following Christmas, Hinako, Yoko and Wasabi visit the Chiba Port Tower to celebrate Hinako earning lifeguard certification. Yoko and Wasabi are now dating. Hinako sings to a fountain, but Minato does not appear, and the tower reveals a message he wrote the previous year, causing her to break down.

Hinako continues her lifeguard duties and surfing, carrying Minato's memory as she grows more self-reliant. She uses what she learned to serve others and honor Minato's legacy.