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 Withdrawn and not much for conversation, he’s surprisingly amazing with a guitar, but he only plays when he’s alone due to having strict parents.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'.

Aoibheann's earlier childhood is one he tries not to remember or dwell on, having filtered out many memories since a lot of bad days felt repetitive. His parents never really paid much attention to him when he started school with a couple issues. Teachers scolded him for writing with his left hand, but trying to learn with his right only made him ambidextrous. He was always very quiet, something his classmates used to their advantage. Some days he would only be called names, some days he would be pushed around or have his belongings tampered with if he didn't react. He still kept to himself, but the other kids likewise had difficult childhoods, so as they all grew up the perpetrators acted as if nothing ever happened. Even after that, Aoi was treated as an outcast and ignored by the other kids, yet, with all that time to himself, he was able to find comfort in playing the guitar.

Before going to middle school, Aoi had a music teacher who noticed his wonderful coordination and ability to pick up songs quickly. They let him dabble in a couple different instruments, but the guitar seemed to be the best option, so it was gifted to Aoi. Perhaps to take his mind off of starting middle school, Aoi spent the entirely of his summer break learning to play guitar in a field far from home. It was his secret spot, but soon enough it'd be shared. That summer, he met Eithne who had recently moved to the town. She wasn't looking forward to starting middle school like everyone else, but she also had the burden of being entirely new and not having anyone to lean on. Praising Aoi's guitar playing, having no prior impression of him to treat him any different, Eithne was eager to become his friend if they'd be classmates. With all their similarities in households that dragged them along certain paths, the two had their own hobbies they did by themselves. For Eithne it was dance, and for Aoi it was being a musician.

Surely enough, middle school occupies everyone's minds individually so Aoi keeps to himself as always, but this time he's got Eithne with him. The two are really just going about each day together encouraging the other's passions, sometimes discussing plans to collaborate with him playing and her dancing. Those are words they spout but haven't gotten around to just yet, but it's something they look forward to without any rush. As far as his home life, it's the same as always, stagnant with his parents who are focusing more on their work abroad. His sister Ferelith is already in law school in the same town, but she's no longer in the same house. He never knew much about her, and she was always unaware of his guitar playing since she busied herself in schoolwork and sports. Still, he thinks it'd be nice to get closer to her one day or perhaps learn a song she may like. He's always seen her as similar to their parents, yet so different in that she seemed to want to leave the house as well, finding her normalcy elsewhere like him.

"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...