Episode 12 of “The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity,” titled “Bewilderment at the Beachside,” delves into themes of friendship, vulnerability, and burgeoning romance during a group outing to the beach. The episode, animated by Studio CloverWorks, premiered on September 20, 2025, with direction by Yuichi Shimodaira and script by Rino Yamazaki. This installment is a pivotal moment for the characters, particularly focusing on Subaru’s personal struggles and the deepening connection between Rintarou Tsumugi and Kaoruko Waguri.
A Day at the Beach: Fun, Food, and Inner Turmoil
The episode opens with the group — Rintarou, Kaoruko, Usami, Yorita, Natsusawa, and Subaru — arriving at the beach to celebrate the end of classes. While Kaoruko and Usami are immediately preoccupied with choosing snacks like sandwiches, and Rintarou and Natsusawa go for drinks, Subaru appears reserved and troubled. Natsusawa observes Subaru’s quiet longing for donuts, though she initially refuses to buy any, feeling she’s already had enough to eat.
The group’s playful interactions soon lead to Usami and the other boys heading into the water, leaving Kaoruko alone with Subaru. Kaoruko, noticing Subaru’s unease, gently prompts her to open up. Subaru reveals her long-standing discomfort around men, a result of past experiences, and her fear of not truly belonging with the group. This moment of vulnerability is crucial as it highlights Subaru’s journey to overcome her inhibitions and learn to trust her new friends.
Overcoming Barriers: Subaru’s Breakthrough
Kaoruko supports Subaru, giving her the space to express her feelings to everyone. Subaru acknowledges her excitement for the day but confesses her discomfort, which Usami quickly apologizes for, though Subaru clarifies it’s not their fault. The warmth and acceptance from the group, particularly a blunt yet reassuring statement from Natsusawa, help Subaru realize her fears are unfounded. He implicitly assures her that her presence is valued and that they consider her a friend, reinforced by a later thoughtful gesture of buying her the donuts she secretly desired. This interaction marks a significant step forward for Subaru, symbolizing her emerging from her comfort zone and embracing true friendship.
Rintarou and Kaoruko: A Heartfelt Confession
As the day transitions to evening, the group enjoys fireworks. Eventually, Rintarou and Kaoruko find themselves alone on the beach, tending to their belongings and lighting sparklers. During this quiet moment, Kaoruko thanks Rintarou, crediting him with helping Subaru open up and for her own personal growth in trusting others. Rintarou reciprocates, expressing how much Kaoruko has positively impacted his life.
The conversation intensifies as Rintarou’s emotions bubble to the surface. He confesses that he doesn’t want the day to end because of how wonderful it has been. To his surprise and delight, Kaoruko responds with a smile, suggesting they can have many more enjoyable experiences during summer vacation. Emboldened, Rintarou explicitly confesses his feelings, telling Kaoruko that he likes her. This direct admission leaves both of them embarrassed but also signals a significant development in their relationship, moving beyond the subtle hints of romance seen in previous episodes. The intimate moment is momentarily interrupted by Usami, unknowingly diffusing the tension.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Relationships
Episode 12 effectively sets the stage for future developments, especially for Rintarou and Kaoruko. The beach outing not only solidified Subaru’s place within the friend group but also brought the main couple’s unspoken feelings into the open. The episode concludes with Rintarou and Kaoruko alone again, implying a significant conversation or event is imminent, likely leading to the resolution of their romantic tension in subsequent episodes. This installment beautifully captures themes of personal growth, the power of genuine friendship, and the courage to confess one’s true feelings.
