The climax of "The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity" left Saku clutching a note from Kaoruko, discovered tucked away in Rintarou's notebook. The air thrummed with tension as Tsumugi grappled with words, unsure how to address the revelation. Matters worsened when Ayato and Shouhei, too, recognized Kaoruko as the girl they had glimpsed in the library. Saku, undeterred, pressed for an explanation, refusing to settle for Rintarou's usual dismissive "it's nothing." Summoning his courage, Rintarou merely announced his reluctance to elaborate, just as tempers flared. Fortunately, their teacher stepped in, defusing the budding confrontation by tasking Rintarou with organizing the classroom desks.
Back at home, Rintarou's spirits were dampened, yet he recalled his duty to inform Kaoruko of his exam success. Her response was one of pure joy, her excitement contagious as she offered congratulations. Meanwhile, Rintarou's mind swirled with overthinking, while Kaoruko joyfully speculated about his potential participation in the upcoming festival's sports events.
The following day, the rift between Saku and Rintarou remained as wide as ever. Shouhei attempted to mend fences, his efforts falling flat. Fortunately, Ayato, more adept at navigating such complexities, stepped in.
As Saku trudged home, Ayato and Shouhei intercepted him, seeking to comprehend the source of his anger. Saku confessed that his ire wasn't directed at the enigmatic Kikyo, but rather at Rintarou's lack of trust. This revelation startled his friends, prompting Ayato to recall Tsumugi's honest admission of not wanting to discuss the matter, rather than brushing it off as insignificant. For the first time, their friend wasn't cloaking his troubles in secrecy.
With this newfound understanding, Saku's demeanor softened slightly. He vowed that when Rintarou was ready to open up, they would be there, ears open and hearts willing. The trio then shifted gears, turning their attention to the more lighthearted task of deciding where to dine.
Meanwhile, Kaoruko arrives at Rintarou's quaint cake shop, where he initially takes refuge behind the balcony's shadow. However, his mother, perceptive of his hiding, gently hauls him into view. Sensing something amiss, she tasks him with taking Kaoruko's order. The girl places her request with a cheerful demeanor, and then, in a gesture of encouragement, high-fives him, celebrating his recent examination triumphs. Yet, when the conversation steers towards the upcoming sports festival, Rintarou's demeanor darkens visibly. In response, Kaoruko launches into an impromptu monologue about food's unparalleled ability to lift spirits, which evokes a genuine burst of laughter from him. Witnessing his broad grin, her own face lights up with delight.
After her departure, Rintarou finds himself pondering over how much he likes her—but it transcends mere liking. She possesses a heart of gold, and there's an inexplicable something about her that he finds inexpressibly endearing.
At dinner, his mother, eager to celebrate his academic success, prepares an abundance of culinary delights, far surpassing their usual meal. Though slightly astonished by his remarkable score, she teases him affectionately about it. However, to her, the most crucial aspect is that he persevered and gave his utmost until success was achieved. Recalling his younger years, when he frequently abandoned his endeavors, she is overjoyed to witness his personal growth. Knowing this resilience, she is confident that he will navigate whatever challenge currently confronts him.
Elsewhere, Kaoruko encounters Subaru at a lively playground. The silver-haired girl then confides that she had a conversation with Tsumugi just a few days prior.
