Unable to sleep at night, Ganta Nakami is cranky in class and unpopular with his classmates. He discovers that the school observatory, once used by the now-defunct astronomy club, may be the perfect place for a nap—but he's not alone. Fellow insomniac Isaki Magari is willing to share the observatory with Nakami, and a friendship between the two begins as they bond over the most unlikely things.

It’s the last year of school. College entrance exams are just around the corner, and the pressure is on. Ganta, Isaki, and their friends head off to Osaka to check out universities and are excited and surprised by all the big city has to offer. Then Ganta and Isaki throw themselves into studying for the test that will decide their futures. What awaits beyond all their tears?