Aoibheann, or Aoi for short, is a quiet middle schooler in Ireland. Withdrawn and not much for conversation, he’s surprisingly amazing with a guitar, but he only plays when he’s alone due to having strict parents. Starting with his friend Eithne, he learns that his musical abilities can help him reach those around him without a need for words.

Aoi is very polite and means well around others, trying hard to be on one's good side. He always plans conversations in advance so he's careful with his words and tends to say answers that'll appease others to avoid trouble. He's still nice even when comfortable with someone too. Naturally, he can be very creative, but it's not something that matters to his parents and teachers who would prefer he excels in things like math or technical skills. He occasionally gets reprimanded for drawing in class or spacing out thinking. His social anxiety is a big setback for him, causing him to appear as a cowardly pushover or someone who always looks worried. Since he got used to listening to others, he figures they are all right, but he should listen more to his own ideas than others'.

During his elementary school years, Aoibheann was already a boy who kept to himself, that unfortunately contributing to unwanted attention from children who picked on him. He was reprimanded for his interests both in school and at home, becoming a secretive and closed off person who felt afraid of social interactions. Being perceived, looked at, it scared him enough to feel his heart race and a knot appear in his stomach. Those around him at the time made him feel as if he wasn't doing things right, teachers included when they tried to "correct" his dominant hand from left to right handed. It instead made him ambidexterous, preferring to write with his left when he was alone at least. Maybe complaints over a lack of focus, tiredness, made his parents give up on him early on that they no longer scolded him. Unlike his intelligent sister, his parents figured Aoi would not amount to much over the years, too cowardly and simple. He wasn't pushed into sports or summer camps if the other children didn't like such a shy person around, but he at least tried to go on walks by himself so he wouldn't need to hear the harsh voices of his parents back at home. Did most people simply not get along, or was he just born into the wrong place? Even his sister, Ferelith, gave the impression that he should just avoid troublesome people. She avoided him too, engrossed in her studies to leave the household as soon as she could. He wanted to be able to get along with others that reciprocated it, at one point taken aside by a music teacher that saw potential in him; this ambidexterous child had a knack for playing instruments. His coordination was incredible, his teacher encouraging him to dabble in all kinds of instruments. Aoi did so, finding in the end that the guitar was the best fit for him.

The beauty of the guitar was the ability to be portable, to take with him to a remote cliff when he wanted to practice. For a kid his age, he was drawn to songs from the media he consumed; games and animes he liked to watch. Being able to replay those tunes himself gave him a personal sense of accomplishment, a cozy secret that he didn't want to share. Even so, he was found playing one summer by an unfamiliar girl his age, Eithne. Very much like him, she was looking for a place to keep away from family, lured in by the sound of Aoi's guitar. He wasn't going to admit the songs were from Clannad, evidently giving short answers and looking uncomfortable during their first meeting. Eithne didn't mind the silences if it's also something she needed because of her hectic household, talking to Aoi about her recent move. The two ran into each other most of the summer, at least it took Aoi a while to consider going back to the same spot if someone else took it, but Eithne was smart enough to figure he might avoid her at first. Still, talking more and more meant finding similarities in their lives, hang outs to look forward to in the summer. By the end of summer, it dawned on them that they'd go to the same middle school. It initially scared the daylights out of Aoi if he were alone, but to see Eithne, he was excited. He wouldn't admit it, but he felt a crush towards her. Of course, he conflates that happy feeling of friendship with that of romance, but he'll figure it out sooner or later.

When Middle school begins, Aoi finds that his childhood bullies still avoid him, mature enough to understand their equally difficult childhoods meant taking their anger out on him over the years, yet being avoidant might be a culmination of guilt and awkwardness. Maybe Eithne noticed the outcast treatment he got, but she didn't pry unless it was something he'd one day tell her about. She was perceptive and good at reading others, having done so with Aoi since the beginning, but it's nice to know he's becoming more and more talkative around her. There isn't as much of a need to read his body language and guess thoughts, Aoi is glad about it too. He's shared his aspirations with her, his doubts, most things by now when they're alone. He's shared his wishes to continue as her friend in the future, grateful that Eithne would like to hold his hand into the future. It's as if he doesn't yet feel like the best version of himself, but having the correct company gives him the space to become that one day. In the future, he'd like to grow the confidence to reach out to his older sister more. Although their household was the same, they grew up as if they weren't siblings, a very important bond that Eithne encourages from experience. He's certain their unpleasant childhoods could very well be laughed over in the years that'll come.

"It looks easy for you...getting on the train. Me? It's my first time on one. I'm glad I could go on one with you...or I'd get lost, I mean." Eithne is Aoi's best friend, not having known her for many years, but one is enough for them to get along well enough when they tend to hang out outside of school. Maybe because he isn't used to having meaningful connections with others, he conflates his happiness of having a friend with thinking he has a crush on Eithne. She can sort of see it but won't say anything. Aoi even learns it's fine staying as is, like their dynamic hovers between the two types of relationships without a need for titles or labels.

"My older sister, yeah...I don't talk to her much. Well, we both try not to be home, I think. I wonder too...are we that different?" Ferelith is Aoi's big sister, but not as prevalent in his life due to being serious and busy with schooling. His family already doesn't force communication between the two, no photos as kids, no significant memories. Aoi doesn't dislike her though, feeling mixed things like pity or admiration. Since she isn't shy like him, he thinks she's the strongest kind of person, even if she doesn't choose to talk much. It's amazing that some people don't bend backwards or people please of their will.

"You're here today. Then, my sister is home too? I see..." Michon is Ferelith's friend who'd come over occasionally to study, a talkative type who makes the home lively when he's around. Aoi is both intimidated by his charisma but also in awe, Michon well aware he'd have that impact on him. He's at least courteous to treat Aoi well given that him and Ferelith grew up in an unloving home with much to lack. Maybe he's spoken to Aoi more than Ferelith has...