Residing in Passy, Paris, Greek-American journalist Rick and African-French Martiniquean Yolanda, author and ex-model, lead a socially active and domestically quiet life. Unexpectedly they are asked by the wealthy and powerful Ogawa family, through Rick's old editor in Tokyo, to let their daughter, Masami, homestay with them. This changes their lives. Their acne-ravaged and troubled Japanese guest idolizes Yolanda and likened herself to an abandoned cat perpetually searching for a home. After Masami starts giving Yolanda expensive gifts wrapped in exquisite Japanese paper, the couple soon wonder whether Masami is shoplifting, when does not have to, to demonstrate affection in some twisted way. The mystery deepens with the appearance boyfriend Brian, a secretive person and a seemingly talented poet. Without quite understanding why, he arouses Rick's "cynical" journalistic suspicions. Then when Masami is about the leave, the Ogawas beg Rick and Yolanda to let Masami stay longer for a reason that will prove crucial to understanding the outcome of the strange mix of relationships in this tale.