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Kimihiro Watanuki is a high school student who grapples with an unusual and troubling problem: he is haunted by ayakashi spirits. These supernatural entities are invisible to everyone else but him, making his life particularly difficult. Watanuki's encounters with these spirits cause him distress and lead him to seek a way to rid himself of this constant unwanted attention.

The story begins with Watanuki stumbling into a mysterious shop quite by accident. This shop is not ordinary; it is run by Yūko Ichihara, a witch shrouded in secrecy and wielding esoteric knowledge. Yūko is known by many names and has a reputation that transcends simple understanding. Her shop, which appears and disappears at her will, is a place where wishes can be granted, but always at a cost.

Watanuki's encounter with Yūko marks a turning point in his life. Desperate to eliminate the spirits that plague him, he asks Yūko to help him. The witch offers to grant his wish, but she emphasizes that gaining what one desires comes with a price. According to her, the price must be equal to the value of the wish. Watanuki agrees to this bargain, unaware of the full extent of what it will entail.

The payment demanded by Yūko is unconventional: Watanuki must become her temporary, part-time cook and housekeeper. This arrangement introduces a new world of supernatural and everyday challenges, as Watanuki balances his high school life with his responsibilities at Yūko’s shop. Despite the unusual nature of his task, this new role provides Watanuki with a unique insight into the world of spirits and magic.

Throughout the series, Watanuki's relationship with Yūko deepens, revealing more about her mysterious past and the nature of the spirits she deals with. The narrative explores themes of wish fulfillment, sacrifice, and the complex interactions between the human and supernatural worlds. As Watanuki navigates his new life, he learns valuable lessons about himself and the true meaning of wishes and their costs.