お互い(おたがい)に強く(つよく)惹かれ(ひかれ)合って(あって)いたが、周囲の(しゅういの)対立(たいりつ)のせいで話せなかった

The protagonist, Midori, had an elder sister who was a top courtesan in the pleasure quarters, and was destined to follow that path herself, but she was a high-spirited, tomboyish, and beloved beautiful girl. Meanwhile, Shinnyo, the son of the local temple, was a serious and introverted boy. The two were strongly attracted to each other, but due to conflicts between the local ruffian children, they could not speak to each other honestly.