Subaru calls out her best friend and hero to deliver the news that she did something behind her back..
Video Review
What Stands Out About This Episode?
Selling Yourself Short..
This is the kind of episode where girls can make something so simple, become extra dramatically complicated. Unless, you are the supreme munchkin waifu that brightens up the day with the power of friendship!
We have a perfect yin and yang combo of an uplifting Kaoruko and crybaby Subaru that brings out the best qualities out of each other. Subaru is someone that has been struggling with self-esteem ever since she was a toddler that got bullied by some meanie boys because of her hair color. This emotional trauma created a lack of self-worth that only Kaoruko was able to save her from, as the mini munchkin played hero to ward off the brats. Up until this episode, she’s always held it in her heart that their relationship was a one way street, where she was a hindrance to Kaoruko. However, she didn’t understand that what Kaoruko provided for her as a true friend, she was actually doing the same for her, especially at Kikyo—where she’s only attending because of a scholarship opportunity.
It is this lack of self-awareness and self-confidence that Subaru has all entangled in her heart that Kaoruko exudes so easily. If opposites attract in romances, then it sure does apply to friendships as well. Subaru’s carefulness and mindfulness for Kaoruko is exactly what she needs, where we know that getting involved with a Chidori boy would ultimately put Kaoruko in danger socially and with the school itself. Kaoruko’s upbeat and kind nature that uplifts the spirits of all those she interacts with is like a superpower that aids those that lack it like Rintaro and Subaru. It’s her radiant personality that gets people to see the bright side of what they truly have to offer—even when they don’t see it themselves.
Due to Subaru’s lack of self-confidence and belief, she projects onto the person that gives her all the semblance of hope & confidence she doesn’t see in herself. That is what makes the friendship between Kaoruko and Subaru so perfect because Kaoruko is the exact person that can show her all the qualities that SHOULD make her believe in herself more. This conversation between them to get to the core of their friendship and say outright the qualities they love about each other, is the perfect new beginning for Subaru. With that smidge of hope and belief within herself like a budding plant that just needs a wee bit of water from those like Kaoruko, along with another chance encounter with the little boy from a couple episodes ago who said Rintaro and she seemed like good friends— these are the signs from an outside source that can build your new reality that “you are worth something.” This all culminates in Subaru gaining the confidence she needs to just ask Rintaro, “if they can be friends?”
It’s these kinds of deep bonds and relationships between people that go beyond their status that becomes the bridge for what The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity’s bigger themes try to convey. Based on prejudice and the supposed social currency that Chidori lacks and Kikyo is presumed to represent of the highest value—real relationships always go beyond the veil of high status and appearances.
Miscellaneous
- This episode covers manga chapters 10 through 12
OTAKU SINH 