Episode 10 of *The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity* kicks off with the looming presence of exam season. Rintarou, Kaoruko, and their group of friends convene at a restaurant, sharing a meal before buckling down to study.
Kaoruko, ever eager to lend a hand, offers to assist Rintarou with his studies. However, Rintarou, determined to prove his mettle, insists on tackling the exercises solo first. His dedication is evident as he has been poring over his books during every school break, refusing to lean on others for every little thing. Witnessing his resolve, Kaoruko and their friends can't help but feel a surge of pride.
The idyllic study session is momentarily disrupted by Usami, who can't help but notice the sheer size of Kikyo's textbooks. They're at least triple the size of the ones used at Chidori. Subaru remains silent, not wanting to draw attention to the disparity, but even Kaoruko is taken aback, having used the same books during her middle school days.
As they delve deeper into their studies, Rintarou finds himself lost in contemplation, his gaze fixed on Kaoruko's concentrated expression. So engrossed is he that when he finally breaks the silence to ask for her help with a question, he's so distracted that she has to repeat her explanation.
Subaru, observing the exchange from the sidelines, yearns for assistance himself but hesitates to interrupt. Fortunately, Usami, attuned to Subaru's unspoken need, steps in voluntarily. Yet, he quickly finds himself out of his depth, as Kikyo's questions sound like arcane incantations to his untrained ears.
Enter Saku, who effortlessly unravels the complex problem. The entire group is left in awe, marveling at his intellectual prowess. However, there's a catch – Saku struggles to articulate his thought process, leaving everyone scratching their heads in confusion. What follows is a heartwarming attempt by the group to reassure Saku, ensuring he doesn't feel disheartened by his inability to explain.
When the long-awaited grades were finally released, Rintarou and Usami erupted into a chorus of joyous exclamations upon discovering they had both steered clear of failure. It marked the dawn of an extraordinary summer, made even sweeter by their teacher's unexpected benevolence—no homework assigned, just a heartfelt encouragement to revel in every moment. Eager to seize the day, the entire class decided to hit the bowling alley.
As the boys strolled towards the venue, their eyes caught sight of a group of girls from Kikyo High, among whom Subaru and Kaoruko stood out. Usami, brimming with enthusiasm, was about to call out to them when Saku and Yorita swiftly intervened, preventing any awkward encounter from unfolding.
Observing Rintarou, who seemed lost in a world of his own, gazing at the girls, Usami, with the innocence of a child, inquired if he and Kaoruko were romantically involved. Despite Rintarou's vehement denials, Usami persisted, pressing him on whether he harbored feelings for her. The embarrassment on Rintarou's face was palpable, as he was convinced their other friends had already pieced together his secret admiration. Sensing the impending disaster, Saku and Yorita made a hasty retreat, leaving Rintarou on the verge of melting into a puddle of shame.
Ironically, Rintarou's preoccupation proved to be a boon for Usami and his team during bowling. Lost in thoughts of Kaoruko, his smile lingering in his mind, and the complexities of relationships, Rintarou became uncharacteristically clumsy, his focus completely derailed.
However, Yorita emerged as a beacon of support, initiating a heartfelt conversation with Rintarou about his feelings. When Rintarou, with a hint of vulnerability, asked what dating truly entailed, he was comforted to find Yorita admitting his own ignorance on the matter.
"It's alright not to know," Yorita reassured him with a gentle smile. "Maybe most people don't fully grasp why they embark on romantic journeys."
Then, Yorita opened up about his own feelings, confessing that he was more taken aback by Rintarou seeking his advice than by the nature of their discussion. He noted how Rintarou's openness and trust in his friends were becoming increasingly evident, a change that brought him immense joy.
Rintarou, with a nod of agreement, expressed his unwavering trust in Yorita. Yorita chuckled, offering words of comfort: "Don't fret over Kaoruko. Whatever comes your way, remember, I'll always stand by you."
With that concern now banished from his mind, Rintarou feels a surge of renewed energy, eager to dive back into the game with full vigor. Yorita, too, is ablaze with enthusiasm, their fiery spirits fueling each other's determination to claim victory. And claim it they do, emerging as the valiant heroes of their team, basking in the glow of their triumph.
As night falls and Rintarou chats with his friends, reminiscing about the day's adventures, he receives an unexpected message that jolts him from his reverie. Subaru, with a knowing glint in his eye, explains that Kaoruko, being her usual reserved self, wouldn't dream of revealing her birthday to Rintarou. So, it's her friend who steps in, taking on the role of messenger. The anniversary looms just around the corner, set to arrive at the month's end, casting a warm and anticipatory glow over their conversations.
