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薫る花は凛と咲く [Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku] #2
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity, Vol. 2
Rintaro Tsumugi e Kaoruko Waguri, studenti dei due licei rivali Chidori e Kikyo, si sono conosciuti. Taciturno e dallo sguardo truce, Rintaro intimidisce chiunque lo veda, eppure Kaoruko gli parla senza alcuna paura. Inizialmente lui è preso alla sprovvista, ma poco a poco inizia ad aprirle il suo cuore. Un giorno, all'improvviso, Rintaro viene fermato da Subaru Hoshina, l'amica di Kaoruko che sembra nutrire grande rancore verso gli studenti della Chidori...
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2022
140 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
December 27, 2022
totally one of the best shoujo i ever read. no stupid miscomunication, no stupid drama. just the characters vibing and have character developments.
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July 15, 2025
A Whiff of What's to Come
If you thought the first volume was a charming, low-stakes exploration of blossoming feelings, then Volume 2 is like… turning up the thermostat ever so slightly. They are still firmly in the "precious and pure" zone... but the air is getting a little thicker with unspoken confessions and the delightful anxieties of young love. It's less a dramatic thunderstorm and more a gentle summer rain — refreshing, a little unpredictable and leaving everything sparkling.
Kaoru: Still a Walking, Talking Blush
Our dear Kaoru continues to be a masterclass in the art of the involuntary blush. Seriously, if there were a competition for "Most Likely to Turn Into a Ripe Tomato at the Slightest Hint of Affection," he'd win a gold, a silver and a bronze. It's hilarious and it perfectly captures the sweet, almost painfully innocent vibe of this series. You just want to pat his head and tell him everything's going to be okay.
Rin: The Ice Queen Cometh (and Melteth)
Rin remains our seemingly unshakeable heroine. This volume peels back a few more layers of her cool exterior, revealing the surprisingly soft and sometimes flustered girl underneath. Her reactions to Kaoru's… well, Kaoru-ness… are pure gold. It's the delightful contrast between her reserved demeanor and her internal squiggles of emotion that makes her so captivating.
The Stakes Are... Adorably Low
The "tension" is less about impending doom and more about the delightful agony of two sweethearts trying to figure things out.
Art That Blooms
The characters are expressive without being over-the-top and the quiet moments—a shared glance, a hesitant touch, a blushing face—are rendered with tenderness. It's the kind of art that makes you go "aww" multiple times per chapter.
The Verdict: Bring on More Petals!
Be prepared for huge amounts of blushing, adorable awkwardness and the overwhelming desire to cheer these two on. Highly recommend if you're in the mood for a dose of pure, unadulterated sweetness.
❤️❤️❤️
If you thought the first volume was a charming, low-stakes exploration of blossoming feelings, then Volume 2 is like… turning up the thermostat ever so slightly. They are still firmly in the "precious and pure" zone... but the air is getting a little thicker with unspoken confessions and the delightful anxieties of young love. It's less a dramatic thunderstorm and more a gentle summer rain — refreshing, a little unpredictable and leaving everything sparkling.
Kaoru: Still a Walking, Talking Blush
Our dear Kaoru continues to be a masterclass in the art of the involuntary blush. Seriously, if there were a competition for "Most Likely to Turn Into a Ripe Tomato at the Slightest Hint of Affection," he'd win a gold, a silver and a bronze. It's hilarious and it perfectly captures the sweet, almost painfully innocent vibe of this series. You just want to pat his head and tell him everything's going to be okay.
Rin: The Ice Queen Cometh (and Melteth)
Rin remains our seemingly unshakeable heroine. This volume peels back a few more layers of her cool exterior, revealing the surprisingly soft and sometimes flustered girl underneath. Her reactions to Kaoru's… well, Kaoru-ness… are pure gold. It's the delightful contrast between her reserved demeanor and her internal squiggles of emotion that makes her so captivating.
The Stakes Are... Adorably Low
The "tension" is less about impending doom and more about the delightful agony of two sweethearts trying to figure things out.
Art That Blooms
The characters are expressive without being over-the-top and the quiet moments—a shared glance, a hesitant touch, a blushing face—are rendered with tenderness. It's the kind of art that makes you go "aww" multiple times per chapter.
The Verdict: Bring on More Petals!
Be prepared for huge amounts of blushing, adorable awkwardness and the overwhelming desire to cheer these two on. Highly recommend if you're in the mood for a dose of pure, unadulterated sweetness.
❤️❤️❤️
August 16, 2025
Kaoru and Rin are so disgustingly cute and sweet, i’m physically malfunctioning
September 1, 2024
Even better than the first time I read it and honestly considered if I should continue the series by buying the physicals!
Glad I gave it another chance (thank you KMANGA!) because while I didn't dislike it the first time, I also didn't get the hype for the series either. Very slice of life but also very touching!
Glad I gave it another chance (thank you KMANGA!) because while I didn't dislike it the first time, I also didn't get the hype for the series either. Very slice of life but also very touching!
September 12, 2025
Estos personajes son demasiado adorables!! ✨️💖 Me encanta que son comunicativos y que los conflictos se resuleven sin mayor problema. Definitivamente una historia preciosa.
June 29, 2025
this series honestly makes me so happy
March 8, 2024
طبق روال این چند وقت اخیر این مانگا رو هم ادامه نمیدم متاسفانه داستانش زیادی برای من لطیف و احساسیه و خب من اصلا حوصله اینجور داستانا ندارم.
October 22, 2025
I love it when characters can communicate effectively and get their feelings across. Don’t bother me guys, I’m in my shojo era ( ◡̀_◡́)ᕤ
January 14, 2026
3.5 la historia entre ellos dos avanza de forma muy linda, y también me gustó el vistazo al grupo de amigos de él, pero porque el cliché de la amiga celosa que parece estar enamorada de ella pero no es así, aunque me gustó como al final se disculpó
November 7, 2024
This continues to be quite wholesome and true to the teenage experience. Nothing really stands out to me but I will say the characters are delightful.
Rintaro also has such a nice relationship with his mom! Super sweet.
RECAP: Subaru asks him to stay away, he says no. His friends ask him what's going on and he says he doesn't want to tell them. Doesn't fail his exams. Thanks her. Mom makes dinner for them. The girls have a heart to heart. Ends with him and Subaru friendship development.
Rintaro also has such a nice relationship with his mom! Super sweet.
RECAP: Subaru asks him to stay away, he says no. His friends ask him what's going on and he says he doesn't want to tell them. Doesn't fail his exams. Thanks her. Mom makes dinner for them. The girls have a heart to heart. Ends with him and Subaru friendship development.
August 2, 2024
this manga brings me so much good vibes ! the two friend groups have such a dynamic relationship it's heartwarming to read how they trust and support each other. kaoruko is a sweetheart who deserves all the best things in the world 🥺
September 17, 2024
the friendships in this!!!! so beautifully done!! and so realistic to the all encompassing inner workings of a teenager's world!! my younger self's heart is singing in joy at this manga ;-;
September 6, 2025
Has to be one of my favorite Manga series currently.
its a very careful subtle story of a boy and girl from 'rival' schools who connect and slowly become ....
most of this volume is actually between Kaoruko's childhood friend Hodgins who voices her displeasure at her friends growing connection to Rintaro.
its a very careful subtle story of a boy and girl from 'rival' schools who connect and slowly become ....
most of this volume is actually between Kaoruko's childhood friend Hodgins who voices her displeasure at her friends growing connection to Rintaro.
September 15, 2025
pookies
October 23, 2025
I believe in love!
March 11, 2025
This is peak content (I want the blonde girl)
June 3, 2024
De vez en cuando, es necesario una historia con dos adolescentes enamorándose. Nada más.
Sencillo, corto, bonito: una caricia al alma.
Sencillo, corto, bonito: una caricia al alma.
October 23, 2025
4.75*
subaru is finally here and the friendships are also developing well. they are all such cuties 🥹
and that scene at the park between kaoruko and subaru is so sapphic and platonic at the same time HELP 😌
subaru is finally here and the friendships are also developing well. they are all such cuties 🥹
and that scene at the park between kaoruko and subaru is so sapphic and platonic at the same time HELP 😌
April 10, 2025
Estas personas son preciosas, socorro.
September 22, 2025
Mucho mejor que el primero.
La verdad, es super recomendable para estudiantes de japonés, siento que me ha ayudado bastante a afianzar vocabulario y expresiones.
La verdad, es super recomendable para estudiantes de japonés, siento que me ha ayudado bastante a afianzar vocabulario y expresiones.
January 12, 2025
The friend groups >>🥹
Read
November 28, 2025Il secondo volume si è fatto un po' più interessante, Rintaro è sempre dolcissimo e Kaoruko ha iniziato a delinearsi. Credevo che Subaru non mi sarebbe piaciuta come personaggio, e invece ho apprezzato tutta la backstory su di lei, anche se forse era un po' presto per inserirla.
August 14, 2024
Rintaro gets an ultimatum from Kaoruko’s best friend, Hoshina, that doesn’t sit well with him. But Hoshina might be projecting a lot of things out instead of looking in. Plus, Rintaro and his friends get less friendly, in case he didn’t have enough to worry about.
Boy, this is a great little story. As the characters are developing, I love that Kaoruko is turning out to be more of a tomboy and Rintaro is such a sweetheart. They’re delightfully bashful with one another.
If I had an issue with this volume it would definitely be not enough of our leads being all shy. Whenever they get the slightest whiff of interest from one another it shows in the most adorable expressions.
Instead, much of this is given over to our supporting players and especially Hoshina, who looks distractingly like a version of Shikimori from the latter’s titular manga that hates her own guts.
We quickly see that Hoshina is desperate to protect Kaoruko, but that’s also stemming from a selfish desire to hold on to her friend who might be pulled away by this, gasp, male. There’s a lot of all Hoshina’s things she likes about herself being externalized in Kaoruko and nowhere else.
Despite many entreaties to ‘stay by your side’ sprinkled about, this thankfully turns out to be a friendly sort of love and not a whole yuri side thing. It would feel absolutely out of place here, frankly, and Hoshina has enough issues without struggling with her sexuality.
Hoshina’s internal conflict with self loathing really pits her against herself more than anything or anybody else and she can’t even act out without hating herself for it. There’s a little visual representation of this that I found quite effective too.
Plus, Hoshina exemplifies the sort of shame spiral that this sort of situation can easily lead to. Even when Kaoruko is pointing out how much she appreciates Hoshina’s intentions, the latter instantly twists it into something negative. The realism of that self-loathing, I assure you, very believable.
There’s a lot to like about a story that is this charming but also has depth. It’s also dragging out its conflict from some real interesting spaces - Rintaro ends up at odds with a friend, but not because he’s dared to like a girl from the other school.
No, it’s because she means so much to him and he doesn’t trust them enough to talk about her openly and that stings them hard in the way of all petty arguments between friends that blow up big for no good reason.
It’s not the funniest volume, definitely focusing more on being as cute as can be (also Rintaro’s mom is the best), but I wanted to single out one fantastically meta gag where the boys pass their exams and confetti goes flying. Then the teacher makes them clean it up in the next scene. It’s very silly, but very funny.
There’s precious little to dislike here - I want more of the relationship stuff, but there’s nothing bad replacing it, quite the opposite. This is so enjoyable that seeing it grow out a bit is welcome and it did the smart thing and got the leads established enough to make their absence notable but not a deal-breaker (it is certainly sprinkled throughout).
4 stars - this series started really good, remains really good, and I don’t see that changing. It’s a real treat.
Boy, this is a great little story. As the characters are developing, I love that Kaoruko is turning out to be more of a tomboy and Rintaro is such a sweetheart. They’re delightfully bashful with one another.
If I had an issue with this volume it would definitely be not enough of our leads being all shy. Whenever they get the slightest whiff of interest from one another it shows in the most adorable expressions.
Instead, much of this is given over to our supporting players and especially Hoshina, who looks distractingly like a version of Shikimori from the latter’s titular manga that hates her own guts.
We quickly see that Hoshina is desperate to protect Kaoruko, but that’s also stemming from a selfish desire to hold on to her friend who might be pulled away by this, gasp, male. There’s a lot of all Hoshina’s things she likes about herself being externalized in Kaoruko and nowhere else.
Despite many entreaties to ‘stay by your side’ sprinkled about, this thankfully turns out to be a friendly sort of love and not a whole yuri side thing. It would feel absolutely out of place here, frankly, and Hoshina has enough issues without struggling with her sexuality.
Hoshina’s internal conflict with self loathing really pits her against herself more than anything or anybody else and she can’t even act out without hating herself for it. There’s a little visual representation of this that I found quite effective too.
Plus, Hoshina exemplifies the sort of shame spiral that this sort of situation can easily lead to. Even when Kaoruko is pointing out how much she appreciates Hoshina’s intentions, the latter instantly twists it into something negative. The realism of that self-loathing, I assure you, very believable.
There’s a lot to like about a story that is this charming but also has depth. It’s also dragging out its conflict from some real interesting spaces - Rintaro ends up at odds with a friend, but not because he’s dared to like a girl from the other school.
No, it’s because she means so much to him and he doesn’t trust them enough to talk about her openly and that stings them hard in the way of all petty arguments between friends that blow up big for no good reason.
It’s not the funniest volume, definitely focusing more on being as cute as can be (also Rintaro’s mom is the best), but I wanted to single out one fantastically meta gag where the boys pass their exams and confetti goes flying. Then the teacher makes them clean it up in the next scene. It’s very silly, but very funny.
There’s precious little to dislike here - I want more of the relationship stuff, but there’s nothing bad replacing it, quite the opposite. This is so enjoyable that seeing it grow out a bit is welcome and it did the smart thing and got the leads established enough to make their absence notable but not a deal-breaker (it is certainly sprinkled throughout).
4 stars - this series started really good, remains really good, and I don’t see that changing. It’s a real treat.
June 4, 2024
This volume was so full of cute and also angsty moments. From the development of Rintaro and Kaorus relationship to subaru trying to come in between them to Rintaro and his friends getting into a fight. There was so much😭.
I love the pace that Rintaro and Kaorus relationship is going at. They just want to know more about each other and like each other🤭.
I kinda hated subaru at first for coming in between them but now I see she only had good intentions. Also Rintaro refusing to not see Kaoru again….LOVE🤭.
The fight between Rintaro and his friends was so sad, I mean I get he doesn’t trust them because of their hate toward kikyo girls but still. I love how he asked permission though to tell his friends about his relationship with kaoru😭 Cutie
I just love how kind the both of them are. They are maybe too kind sometimes.
There were also so many funny moments in this volume too. Rintaro hiding behind a see through cake display, Rintaro being scared to use Subarus handkerchief, Rintaro and usami barely passing and everyone crying over it and Rintaros mom not believing he passed🤣
That ending has me a bit scared though because who tf is that?
I love the pace that Rintaro and Kaorus relationship is going at. They just want to know more about each other and like each other🤭.
I kinda hated subaru at first for coming in between them but now I see she only had good intentions. Also Rintaro refusing to not see Kaoru again….LOVE🤭.
The fight between Rintaro and his friends was so sad, I mean I get he doesn’t trust them because of their hate toward kikyo girls but still. I love how he asked permission though to tell his friends about his relationship with kaoru😭 Cutie
I just love how kind the both of them are. They are maybe too kind sometimes.
There were also so many funny moments in this volume too. Rintaro hiding behind a see through cake display, Rintaro being scared to use Subarus handkerchief, Rintaro and usami barely passing and everyone crying over it and Rintaros mom not believing he passed🤣
That ending has me a bit scared though because who tf is that?
September 2, 2023
Tbh the storyline is not changing which is kinda boring they keep apologizing for EVERTHING which gives me a headache
But overall really cute story and it’s a 3.5/5
But overall really cute story and it’s a 3.5/5
October 13, 2025
“Please Subaru don’t deny your kindness don’t deny the Subaru I love.”
“I want to be able to hold my high my head high… as I walk by your side.”
“What do I do to not make you worry? Because ignoring the people who truly treasure Waguri-san is something I can’t do.”
This second volume continues to build on what I think is shaping up to be a surprisingly wholesome and emotionally intelligent manga series. While some readers seem to dislike Subaru, I find myself feeling quite the opposite. Her sharpness — like the line “all men are the same and horrible” — reads more like a trauma response than a blanket judgment. We know she’s been hurt and excluded before, likely not just by boys but maybe even at home, where love and understanding might’ve been scarce. That kind of background makes it hard for me to condemn her, especially when I can sense that her protective instincts for her friend Waguri are rooted in care, not malice.
One thing I really appreciated in this volume was the emphasis on communication. Subaru clearly wasn’t comfortable around Rintaro at first, but despite her own discomfort, she tried to speak up for Waguri — even if it wasn’t handled perfectly. And what makes the dynamic more satisfying is how both Rintaro and Waguri, separately, encourage her to give him a chance. It’s this small, sincere exchange of perspectives that really stood out to me — the fact that everyone is trying, and no one is villainized for their emotional honesty. These kinds of moments feel rare in school romance manga, where miscommunication is usually the main driver of plot tension.
Also… Rintaro’s mom being proud that he passed his exams??? That hit me right in the chest. He’s trying so hard, not giving up, and still being kind in the process. 😭🫶🏾
Overall, the volume loses one star only because it still feels like it’s early days plot-wise. But the characters are layered, the vibes are cozy, and I’m honestly rooting for all of them. I’m looking forward to seeing how these relationships evolve in the next volumes!
“I want to be able to hold my high my head high… as I walk by your side.”
“What do I do to not make you worry? Because ignoring the people who truly treasure Waguri-san is something I can’t do.”
This second volume continues to build on what I think is shaping up to be a surprisingly wholesome and emotionally intelligent manga series. While some readers seem to dislike Subaru, I find myself feeling quite the opposite. Her sharpness — like the line “all men are the same and horrible” — reads more like a trauma response than a blanket judgment. We know she’s been hurt and excluded before, likely not just by boys but maybe even at home, where love and understanding might’ve been scarce. That kind of background makes it hard for me to condemn her, especially when I can sense that her protective instincts for her friend Waguri are rooted in care, not malice.
One thing I really appreciated in this volume was the emphasis on communication. Subaru clearly wasn’t comfortable around Rintaro at first, but despite her own discomfort, she tried to speak up for Waguri — even if it wasn’t handled perfectly. And what makes the dynamic more satisfying is how both Rintaro and Waguri, separately, encourage her to give him a chance. It’s this small, sincere exchange of perspectives that really stood out to me — the fact that everyone is trying, and no one is villainized for their emotional honesty. These kinds of moments feel rare in school romance manga, where miscommunication is usually the main driver of plot tension.
Also… Rintaro’s mom being proud that he passed his exams??? That hit me right in the chest. He’s trying so hard, not giving up, and still being kind in the process. 😭🫶🏾
Overall, the volume loses one star only because it still feels like it’s early days plot-wise. But the characters are layered, the vibes are cozy, and I’m honestly rooting for all of them. I’m looking forward to seeing how these relationships evolve in the next volumes!
August 16, 2025
[4.5] This volume absolutely ate. It gave me all the sweetness I signed up for but also threw in those “oh no they didn’t” moments that had me grinning like an idiot. Rintaro’s friends aaaaaa literal ride-or-dies. They weren’t just hanging out for vibes, they were there for him, no questions asked and I love them for it.
BUT Ayato… oh my god. I knew he was sunshine but I didn’t know he could flip the switch like that. One moment he’s all smiles, the next he’s sending thugs straight to the pavement after finding out they hurt Rintaro. Then he just beams and says, “let’s go home” like he didn’t just commit a one-man beatdown. He might actually be my man now.
I also really love how Subaru didn’t tiptoe, she didn’t play dumb, she straight-up told Kaoruko she confronted Rintaro and even spilled his response.
This volume just hit all the right notes for me loyal friends, surprising character turns and a romance that keeps getting richer.
BUT Ayato… oh my god. I knew he was sunshine but I didn’t know he could flip the switch like that. One moment he’s all smiles, the next he’s sending thugs straight to the pavement after finding out they hurt Rintaro. Then he just beams and says, “let’s go home” like he didn’t just commit a one-man beatdown. He might actually be my man now.
I also really love how Subaru didn’t tiptoe, she didn’t play dumb, she straight-up told Kaoruko she confronted Rintaro and even spilled his response.
This volume just hit all the right notes for me loyal friends, surprising character turns and a romance that keeps getting richer.
July 23, 2025
“Waguri-san es una buena persona, trabajadora, es fuerte, una chica admirable y aún con todo eso me faltan palabras para poder describirla” AHHHHHH espero que me escuchen gritar porque lo hice mucho, amo cuando son así de verdad.
También fue muy bonito cuando habla de sus amigos, de verdad rintaro que te entiendo y me alegra muchísimo que ya no te rindas y tengas unos buenos amigos “por primera vez siento que tengo un lugar al cual volver” 😭
2. Y POR FAVOR fue muy HOTTTT cuando llegaron los amigos a defender a las chicas y apoyar a rintaro 🔥🙂↕️ (apoyo que hayan más peleas, lo siento muy hot) es bonito que aunque hayan tenido prejuicios sobre las escuelas puedan ser amigos ahora.
3. Tremendos outfits y peinados que se tira la waguri
4. “ Antes de dormir… Al despertar, luego de comer… caminar, siempre estoy pensando en ella” ASÍ DE OBSESIONADOS ME GUSTAN A MI
También fue muy bonito cuando habla de sus amigos, de verdad rintaro que te entiendo y me alegra muchísimo que ya no te rindas y tengas unos buenos amigos “por primera vez siento que tengo un lugar al cual volver” 😭
2. Y POR FAVOR fue muy HOTTTT cuando llegaron los amigos a defender a las chicas y apoyar a rintaro 🔥🙂↕️ (apoyo que hayan más peleas, lo siento muy hot) es bonito que aunque hayan tenido prejuicios sobre las escuelas puedan ser amigos ahora.
3. Tremendos outfits y peinados que se tira la waguri
4. “ Antes de dormir… Al despertar, luego de comer… caminar, siempre estoy pensando en ella” ASÍ DE OBSESIONADOS ME GUSTAN A MI
August 20, 2024
this was such a cute volume. the friendships & characters are so incredibly sweet and well written. i like how we see everyone’s struggles and joys, it makes it very real. the relationship progress was very cute, i really like our main pairings chemistry and interactions. also, rintaro’s mom is such a nice character. i loved her talk with him in the last chapter a lot, it was wonderful to see how much she cares so much about him and his happiness. the main focus on subaru and her backstory with kaoruko was also very interesting to read. i never expected that side of her personality, but it really made me happy that she has kaoruko by her side.
November 10, 2025
Hoshina Subaru me da entre pena y ternura. No me gustó como trató a los amigos de Rintaro y me incomoda un poco lo sobreprotectora que es con Kaoruko, pero empatizo con ella y su falta de autoestima. También espero que su motivo por el que odia a los chicos sea algo más grande que solo las burlas infantiles de unos niños durante su infancia, sé que es sólo una adolescente pero sinceramente me parece una pavada y hasta exagerado seguir enojada por eso.
En cuánto a los amigos de Rintaro, Shohei Usami, Ayato Yorita y Saku Natsusawa, ellos realmente se preocupan por su amigo aunque éste no los deja entrar. Incluso no saben que la familia de Tsumugi tiene una pastelería y que él ocasionalmente trabaja allí. Rintaro también tiene algunos problemas de confianza en los que trabajar.
En cuánto a los amigos de Rintaro, Shohei Usami, Ayato Yorita y Saku Natsusawa, ellos realmente se preocupan por su amigo aunque éste no los deja entrar. Incluso no saben que la familia de Tsumugi tiene una pastelería y que él ocasionalmente trabaja allí. Rintaro también tiene algunos problemas de confianza en los que trabajar.
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