When the novel opens, we are introduced to a young man who is engaged to a woman. He is called "Takkun" and we are told that he is from a wealthy family. We learn that his parents have known him since he was a young boy, and that his sister is getting married soon. When the young man asks his father why he has come to introduce him to his new wife, his father tells him that he cannot because his sister's wedding has already taken place. The young man tells his father that he has always thought it would be fun if he and his sister got together, and his father is happy that he can see how serious he is about his engagement. He asks if they will have their wedding in time for a bullet train, and when they will be back, and he is told that their wedding will be in three months