Takemoto, the main character and narrator, talks about his move to Tokyo.  At the boarding house Takemoto informs another resident, Mayama, that he has croquettes and that he (and others) are welcome to eat them.  Since they are all poor and usually hungry, they do.  The croquettes are from Morita, who is passed out in Takemoto's room.  All he wants in exchange for the food is to be awakened by 9:00AM so that he won't have to go to school one more year.  Takemoto and Mayama are introduced to a short blonde haired girl named Hanamoto Hagumi.  It's love at first sight for Takemoto.  Later, Morita back from class, sees Hagumi and immediately goes out, gets a large leaf and has he hold it while he takes pictures of her.