The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity: Do Rintaro and Kaoruko start dating?

Kaoruko as seen in The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity anime
Kaoruko as seen in The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity anime (Image credit: Studio CloverWorks)

The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity, also known as Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku, is one of the most popular anime of the year, captivating fans with its relatable coming-of-age story and wholesome romance. The series’ highlight is its main characters, Rintaro Tsumugi and Kaoruko Waguri, who share a heartwarming relationship that resonates with every viewer.

Due to this, several anime-only fans may be curious about the fate of the couple in the manga and whether they end up getting together. Yes, Rintaro and Kaoruko start dating in The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity, and it happens early on in the series.

Their confession scene happens in chapters 38 and 39 of the manga, after which they officially become a couple. Unlike most romance stories that end with the main characters getting together with each other, The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity only gets started from that point.

Rintaro and Kaoruko in The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity manga (Image credit: Kodansha)
Rintaro and Kaoruko in The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity manga (Image credit: Kodansha)

Rintaro and Kaoruko’s confession in The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity

Rintaro and Kaoruko start revealing their feelings for each other in chapter 38 of The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity, and accept each other’s confessions in chapter 39. The moment was highly anticipated by the fandom, as both characters had grown to love each other immensely but were repressing their emotions.

However, Rintaro gave the first signs of being unable to hold on any longer during a trip to the beach along with his friends during the Summer. When the two were left alone for a brief moment, Rintaro, who had been influenced beyond measure by Kaoruko, started feeling lonely at the thought of their time together eventually ending.

Then, he unintentionally told her that he liked her, but before either of them could fully process what had just happened, they were interrupted by the rest of the group. Wishing to continue their conversation, they visited the Summer Festival together. Initially anxious when they met, the pair calmed down and enjoyed the festivities around them.

At the end of the day, however, they realized it was time to be honest with each other. Rintaro made the first move, picking up the courage and telling Kaoruko that he liked her with conviction. He admitted that he knew his confession was selfish, given the animosity between their schools and their existing relationship.

Rintaro, however, admitted he wished them to be always together. He also asked her out once again. After hearing him out, Kaoruko, in her usual gentle and compassionate demeanor, told Rintaro that he was not being selfish at all.

She recollected a time in the past when Rintaro had comforted her during a moment of stress at his bakery, though he himself was unaware that he had done so. Therefore, Rintaro wasn’t the only one who was saved by Kaoruko’s kindness — it was a two-way street.

Kaoruko as seen in The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity manga (Image credit: Kodansha)
Kaoruko as seen in The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity manga (Image credit: Kodansha)

She also helped Rintaro relax by saying she wouldn’t be troubled, since they had met where the rules of their respective schools didn’t matter. For the courage and joy he gave her, Kaoruko finally confessed her own feelings, telling Rintaro that she loved him.

From then on, the two officially began going out together. However, as mentioned, The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity does not conclude with the confession scene, but merely begins from that point. Just like Rintaro and Kaoruko were a positive influence on each other before they started dating, they become even more supportive as a couple.

As they head toward an uncertain future and face the pressures of career and adulthood, the young pair act as an emotional crutch for each other, falling deeper in love and gradually taking their relationship to the next stage.

Edited by Vinayak Chakravorty