During her childhood, Tooru Honda was enthralled by her mother's captivating tales about the Chinese Zodiac. However, tragedy strikes and Tooru finds herself alone, seeking refuge in a tent on the private property owned by the Souma family. There, she befriends Shigure, her older cousin, and Yuki, the popular "prince" of her school. Trusting them enough to confide in them proves to be a pivotal moment as the Soumas quickly realize that Tooru is homeless. Out of kindness, they offer her a place to stay. As fortune smiles on Tooru, her good luck is interrupted by the rivalry between Yuki and his hotheaded cousin, Kyou. Despite her attempts to intervene, Tooru unintentionally discovers their family's hidden secret: when embraced by someone of the opposite sex, members of the Souma family transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Tooru's eyes are opened to a new world of adventure, love, and laughter as she experiences life alongside the Soumas.