In the world of budding romance, few obstacles are as formidable as a deeply ingrained rivalry, especially when it involves two high schools with clashing reputations. “The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity” (also known as Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku) dives headfirst into this very dilemma in its second episode, titled “Chidori and Kikyo,” which premiered on Netflix Japan on July 12, 2025. This pivotal installment sees the nascent connection between Rintaro Tsumugi and Kaoruko Waguri put to the test, forcing them to confront societal prejudices and their own burgeoning feelings.
Rintaro’s Internal Conflict: Chidori vs. Kikyo
Episode 2 picks up immediately after Rintaro discovers that the kind and gentle Kaoruko is a student at Kikyo Girls’ High, the prestigious rival school to his own, Chidori Public High School. Chidori is known for its students with “challenging academic records,” often perceived as delinquents, while Kikyo is attended by students from “wealthy and prestigious families”. This stark divide has fostered intense animosity, with students from both sides often looking down on each other.
Upon this revelation, Rintaro’s mind is plunged into turmoil. He, who despises being judged by his intimidating appearance, finds himself doing the same to Kaoruko, believing that their incompatible school backgrounds will inevitably lead her to avoid him. He initially thinks it would be “best if they didn’t get involved anymore,” fearing that a friendship with a Chidori student could negatively impact her. His friends, like Shouhei Usami, openly express their disdain for Kikyo girls, further fueling Rintaro’s internal struggle and making him unable to openly discuss his feelings for Kaoruko. He becomes visibly troubled and acts strangely whenever Kikyo is mentioned, prompting his friends to notice his unusual behavior.
A Public Encounter and a Mother’s Wisdom
The tension escalates when Kaoruko, defying Rintaro’s expectations, waits for him outside the Chidori school gate. This unusual sight creates a commotion, as no Kikyo student has ever openly waited at Chidori. Shouhei, Rintaro’s outspoken friend, confronts Kaoruko, shouting and questioning her presence. Rintaro intervenes, gently moving Shouhei aside and apologizing to Kaoruko. However, he still acts as a stranger towards her to avoid further trouble, leading to a momentary misunderstanding. Other Kikyo girls, Ayu and Shizuka, arrive to escort Kaoruko away, reiterating that she shouldn’t be near Chidori students, creating an awkward and disheartening scene for both Rintaro and Kaoruko. Rintaro observes Kaoruko’s visible sadness as she is pulled away, adding to his confusion and internal distress. Despite the public spectacle, Rintaro can’t help but feel a “grin in delight” at the possibility that Kaoruko was waiting for him.
Later, overwhelmed by his conflicting emotions, Rintaro confides in his mother. In a crucial moment of the episode, his mother offers a reality check, reminding him of his own hatred for being judged by his appearance, yet pointing out that he is now doing the same to Kaoruko because of her school. She questions whether Kaoruko’s attitude towards him ever changed after learning he was from Chidori, prompting Rintaro to reflect on his preconceived notions. This conversation serves as a catalyst for Rintaro’s realization, helping him understand that he was unfairly judging Kaoruko.
Overcoming Prejudice: A Turning Point
Armed with newfound clarity, the next morning sees a determined Rintaro waiting outside Kikyo Academy for Kaoruko. He apologizes to her, acknowledging his mistake in focusing on their schools’ rivalry rather than her as an individual. He expresses his regret for hurting her and confesses that he was equally happy to see her at the gate. Kaoruko, in turn, bravely admits that she was indeed hurt but also expresses her desire to get to know him better, stating that the school rivalry doesn’t matter to her. This honest communication marks a significant step in their relationship, setting aside the feud between their schools and embracing a future where they strive to understand each other.
The episode concludes with Rintaro and Kaoruko looking at each other through their respective classroom windows, a symbolic gesture of their growing connection across the divide of their schools. Kaoruko is shown to be overjoyed, literally jumping up and down, signifying the positive shift in their bond. Episode 2 effectively portrays the internal and external struggles faced by the protagonists, emphasizing the theme of moving beyond superficial judgments to build genuine connections. It showcases Kaoruko’s open interest in Rintaro, challenging his doubts and insecurities, and setting the stage for a romance that blossoms with dignity despite the surrounding animosity.
