The premiere episode of "The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity" unfolds with a scene where a cluster of boys is jostled by two bullies, who deliberately collide with them. These aggressors demand to know the whereabouts of a fellow named Rintarou, hinting at some prior grievances against him. As fate would have it, Rintarou appears at that very moment, inquiring about the commotion. Upon beholding the towering, blonde delinquent, the bullies hastily retreat, leaving Rintarou and his companions to ponder the situation as they make their way to school.
Rintarou racks his brain to decipher the incident, eventually recalling an instance where he attempted to assist a fallen stranger. However, given the late-night hour and his intimidating demeanor, he suspects he might have frightened the man instead.
Upon reaching their school gates, Shouhei, one of Rintarou's cronies, notices a handkerchief dropped by a girl and kindly retrieves it. To his astonishment, she scorns his gesture, refusing to accept the item back with evident disgust. She declares emphatically that she could never use it again after his touch.
The scenario shifts to Kikyou, an exclusive all-girls academy where students embody elegance and academic excellence. In stark contrast stands Chidori, Rintarou's school, a place teeming with mischievous and troublesome youths. Despite their proximity, the institutions couldn't be more disparate. Consequently, the girls harbor an intense disdain for the boys, going so far as to keep their windows and curtains tightly shut, ensuring the Chidori students remain invisible to them.
Post-school, Rintarou dashes home to lend a hand in his family's cake shop. Business is slack, but the need for vigilance remains paramount. When Rintarou glances around, he's amazed to witness a tiny girl devouring enough cake for three people. Realizing she's being observed, she turns crimson with embarrassment and flees the scene.
The following day, Rintarou's thoughts were still haunted by the incident where he had frightened Waguri. His friends attempted to inquire if everything was alright, but he dismissed it as mere trivia. Shouhei observed a noticeable divide between Rintarou and the rest, sensing an unseen barrier.
Upon arriving home, Rintarou was astonished to find Waguri awaiting him at the shop. She purchased a slice of cake, offering it to him as an apology for her abrupt departure. Her eyes lingered longingly on the cake, revealing a hunger far greater than his, prompting him to graciously allow her to indulge.
After their heartfelt apologies, they exchanged introductions. Waguri introduced herself as Kaoruko, while he revealed his name as Tsumugi Rintarou. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she finally learned his name, which she had been curious about after witnessing him work there several times. This revelation stunned Rintarou, as he had never encountered someone who took such a genuine interest in him. People had always been intimidated by him since childhood.
Kaoruko reassured him that she found him far from scary, alleviating his concerns. In gratitude, he offered to escort her to the nearest train station. Although she politely declined his offer, she didn't forget to pick up another cake before leaving.
Later, Rintarou's mother warned him that she had seen the discarded cake box near their entrance, with no sign of Waguri. Concerned, he rushed out to search for her in the neighborhood. Within minutes, he stumbled upon the same two bullies who had previously harassed his friends, now targeting Waguri. They spewed vile rumors about Rintarou, trying to tarnish his reputation.
However, Waguri remained steadfast in her belief, refusing to believe their lies. She dared them to confront Rintarou before passing judgment, emphasizing that he was an incredibly kind person. Her defiance only fueled their anger, prompting one of the thugs to attempt to strike her.
Instinctively, Rintarou stepped in to shield her, absorbing the blow meant for her. When he turned around, blood streaming down his forehead, the bullies were gone, paralyzed by fear.
Rintarou then accompanied Waguri to the train station, ensuring her safety. Before parting ways, she promised with a broad smile that she would visit the shop again soon. However, Rintarou couldn't fathom just how soon their paths would cross once more.
The following day, as he perches himself atop his school desk, Rintarou catches a glimpse of the curtains in Kikyou's classroom fluttering gently. Intrigued, he watches as a girl, unseen until now, pushes open the window for the very first time, revealing her to be Waguri. Stunned by this unexpected revelation, Rintarou hastily draws the curtain across his own window, shielding himself from the sight. The proximity between Waguri and Kaoruko is closer than he had ever anticipated, yet another obstacle looms on the horizon, threatening to drive a wedge between them.
