Recently orphaned high school student Tohru Honda has been living in a tent in a forest for several months when she stumbles upon a mysterious house. There she meets Yuki Sohma, a fellow classmate, and Shigure Sohma, his eccentric cousin. The two Sohmas are surprised to learn that Tohru's been living alone in the woods in a tent. Since the entire area is Sohma property, she is, strictly speaking, not allowed to be there. However, Shigure decides to allow her to stay in a spare room in exchange for housework.
Very soon after, Tohru accidentally hugs Yuki and discovers the terrible secret behind the Sohma family-cursed with the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac (13, including the cat who was left out of the calendar) they transform into their respective animal whenever they are hugged by the opposite sex or whenever their bodies become very weak. She promises to keep their secret, and she is allowed not only to stay, but to keep her memories (other non-members of the Sohma family who discovered the curse had their memories hypnotically removed in the past).
As the story progresses, Tohru begins to care deeply for each member of the zodiac, especially Kyo, the cat. She decides to help break the zodiac curse, despite what Akito Sohma, head of the Sohma household, wishes.
