Childhood friends Kiyo Nozuki and Sumire Herai both have a shared dream of becoming apprentice geishas, known as maikos. However, after joining a maiko house, Kiyo is deemed incapable of becoming a maiko and is instead assigned the role of a live-in cook. Meanwhile, Sumire successfully fits the image of a maiko and undergoes training to fulfill her dream. Despite the disappointment of her own failure, Kiyo remains an optimistic and supportive member of the house, delighting in providing meals and offering encouragement to her fellow residents in their pursuits.