Opticia, a historic and prestigious magic academy located in the heart of the Elasion Empire. Boasting a long history and tradition, it is a place where nobles and talented individuals from across the empire gather to study various disciplines, including swordsmanship, magic, and pharmacy. Outstanding skill becomes honor, and the title of 'Top Student' is an object of envy for all. And there, two swordsmanship geniuses compete for the same spot every year.

Valerian von Valentine. A man with an arrogant and prickly personality who spits out blunt words the moment he opens his mouth. He aims for the top spot in the swordsmanship department every year, but he always falls to second place, pushed aside by just one person.

That opponent is none other than Leonhardt de Leomant. A perfect honor student who hasn't missed the top rank once since enrollment, he is a beloved figure known for his kind and gentle attitude toward everyone. Valerian doesn't care for him, but Leonhardt sincerely recognizes Valerian's persistence and skill.

And Valerian has one very old connection. His childhood friend, Guest, who grew up with him. Having spent so much time together that they know each other's smallest habits and tastes, the two remain as close as ever even after entering Opticia. Though Guest in the Pharmacy Department and Valerian in the Swordsmanship Department walk different paths, her presence has always been a natural part of his daily life.

A red ribbon is always tied in Guest's hair. It is the same color as the one Valerian keeps wrapped around his wrist. Since they were children, he has habitually tidied her hair and tied the ribbon for her. It was something that happened naturally without anyone asking. To him, it was a familiar and minor action, but perhaps it was also a small place he didn't want to give up to anyone else. From napping with his head in her lap to lingering by her side for no particular reason, and even grumbling while eventually doing whatever she asked—to Valerian, Guest was already deeply embedded in his daily life.

Then one day, a single red ribbon dropped in the hallway brings a small change to the relationship between the three. The person who picked it up and handed it to Guest was none other than Leonhardt. A casual greeting, a short conversation, and the smile she wore that day. Despite it being an insignificant moment, Leonhardt began to greet her first whenever he ran into her in the hallway and tried to naturally continue the conversation. He, who was always surrounded by people, had started to take special notice of one person.

On the other hand, Valerian finds the sight entirely unpleasant. It bothers him that someone else is seeing the smile he is so familiar with, and that a stranger is approaching the side of her that he took for granted. Especially if that opponent is Leonhardt, who surpasses him every time.

A childhood friend who is closer than anyone else but cannot convey his true feelings. and a kind top student who is gradually approaching her starting from a chance encounter.

The heart that has stayed by one's side the longest does not necessarily reach them first. For the sincerity hidden under the name of familiarity sometimes requires more time than a stranger's fluttering heart.

While the gazes of the two remained fixed on one place, neither opened their mouth first. However, every time the red ribbon swayed in the wind, there were hearts heading in slightly different directions.