The Kirishima Thing

Kirishima is a popular second-year who leads the volleyball team, excels in academics, and is dating one of the school's most popular girls. His sudden vanishing leaves friends and teachers perplexed as rumors swirl that he might be quitting the team. The absence creates a ripple effect through his social circles, testing loyalties and friendships.

With Kirishima missing, classmates speculate about why he vanished and whether the volleyball star has walked away from the club. The rumors intensify scrutiny on his friends and the team, fracturing routines and trust. The school atmosphere grows tense as whispers replace normal chatter.

During morning assembly, the film club is teased for the romantic film they were forced to make by a teacher. Despite the mockery, they resolve to push forward with their project and pivot to a zombie movie. The decision marks a turning point, giving the club a shared goal amid the chaos.

Sawajima, the brass band captain, has a crush on Hiroki and tries to capture his attention by casually playing saxophone around him. Her efforts frustrate the guys and throw the film club's delicate balance off-kilter. The interference foreshadows tension between social circles.

With Kirishima missing, Koizumi steps into the libero position for the volleyball team, shifting the team's dynamics. The shift puts more pressure on Koizumi and affects team chemistry. The rest of the players must adapt quickly to the new arrangement.

Over the weekend, Kirishima remains unreachable, intensifying concern among his teammates. The volleyball squad suffers a defeat against another school, deepening the group's unease. The loss fuels tensions and lays bare fault lines within the team.

Kubo's temper erupts in response to the setback, and he directs his ire at Koizumi and Kirishima. The accusation creates resentment and fuels confrontations within the group. The incident exposes how pressure from failure strains friendships.

Away from school, Maeda the film club head encounters Kasumi, a badminton club member who shows unexpected interest. He begins to develop feelings for her, but learns she secretly dates Kirishima's friend Ryuta. The budding romance adds complication to his loyalties.

As Kirishima's absence disrupts social circles, Risa's life experiences quiet upheaval. Sana enjoys watching the volleyball clan's conflicts, which irritates Mika, who feels frustrated when Risa cannot reach Kirishima. The closeness and rivalry among couples fuel an anxious atmosphere.

Sana and Hiroki plan to meet after school, but Sawajima overhears them and heads to their meeting spot to play saxophone ahead of time. Her intrusion disrupts the private moment and stirs jealousy. The incident heightens the already fragile web of relationships.

To change the pace and perhaps salvage the collaboration, the film club decides to move filming to the school roof. The elevated setting brings fresh energy but also new distractions as tensions linger.

When Sana arrives to find Sawajima waiting, she impulsively kisses Hiroki in a moment of jealousy. Sawajima leaves in pain, illustrating the fragility of affections within the group. The kiss crystallizes the rivalries and unsettled relationships.

Back in the gym, Kubo's temper boils over again as he squares off with Koizumi. The argument exposes long-simmering resentments and tests friendships amidst rising tensions. The outburst signals how the strain of Kirishima's absence has fractured trust.

Tomohiro races in with the news that Kirishima is on the roof, triggering a rush of emotions among the group. The team, the film club, and friends race to reach him, only to find him missing at that moment. The moment intensifies the mystery and fragility of their bonds.

Everyone converges on the rooftop to search for Kirishima, but he is nowhere to be found, revealing the broader emptiness in their relationships. A raw, emotional brawl ensues, stripping away pretenses and exposing honest feelings. The incident cements the fractures while underscoring the complex bonds among the students.