Episode 2 of "The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity" kicks off with Shouhei venting his frustrations to Rintarou about the icy stares from the girls of Kikyo, which have left him particularly agitated on this particular day. As his other friends join them, they notice that Rintarou has shut the window, an unusual act for him. Their jesting remarks, suggesting he did so because Kikyo was too repulsive to behold, push him over the edge. He tries to articulate his side without revealing the truth, but his words lack conviction.
During class, Rintarou's thoughts drift to Waguri, fearing that she may never speak to him again or accompany him to the cake shop. Contrary to his expectations, after school, Waguri awaits him by Chidori's gate, causing quite a stir that prevents any private conversation.
Before Rintarou can react, Shouhei bursts in front of Waguri, barking questions at her about her presence. Rintarou grabs him by the collar, urging him to calm down, but Shouhei breaks into tears. Jealous that she is waiting for someone at the gate, he yearns for the same attention. Little does he suspect that she intends to speak with his friend.
Suddenly, other Kikyo girls swoop in to Waguri's "rescue," their concern overstated. Shouhei attempts to engage them after they brush past Rintarou, but they snub him. Their parting gesture is the usual disdainful glare.
As Rintarou and his friends head to a karaoke joint, he realizes Waguri was probably waiting for him. He ponders that severing ties might be best, fearing that a friendship with a Chidori student could spell trouble for her. Nevertheless, the notion of her waiting for him fills him with inexplicable joy.
Saku notices Rintarou's unease and inquires if something is amiss, while his friends echo that he's been acting oddly lately. However, Rintarou holds his tongue, afraid that they will judge him for associating with people from Kikyo.
Returning home, Rintarou notices the store's light is on and decides to investigate. To his astonishment, Waguri is there. She seeks to apologize for the earlier commotion, and they delve into the matter over cake. As they converse, Rintarou finds himself confessing his delight at her waiting, visibly thrilling her as well.
However, the boy also confesses that he never contemplated she would desire to reunite after discovering his origins in Chidori. This revelation astounds Waguri, who promptly reveals her own joy. She then exits the store, her demeanor tinged with hurt. Rintarou perceives her distress but remains puzzled about his offense. When his mother arrives to inquire about his wellbeing, his anxiety is so profound that he appears gaunt. Upon narrating the sequence of events to her, she marvels at his lack of perception. She elucidates that he has inadvertently inflicted upon Waguri the very same treatment he has long endured from peers. Upon this dawning realization, Rintarouadministers a stern slap to his cheek, aiming to snap out of his confusion.
The subsequent day, Waguri arrives at school to find Rintarou eagerly awaiting her by the entrance gates. With the early hour affording them uninterrupted conversation, the boy extends his apologies and unburdens himself with the truth, mirroring her own past honesty towards him. As his classmates grumble about the Kikyo girls, he finds himself distressed, envisioning them leveling similar critiques against her. Consequently, his concern is inevitable. Nevertheless, he acknowledges his genuine happiness from the previous day, a sentiment he is now determined to uphold.
Waguri reintroduces herself, perplexing Rintarou. She asserts that they are individuals defined by their own selves, and their respective schools hold no sway over their connection. If they wish to draw closer, they need not let such trivialities deter them. Subsequently, they venture into their classrooms and open the windows, allowing their gazes to meet. Overcome with joy, Waguri cannot contain her excitement, literally bouncing up and down with delight.
