Chidori Public High School is adjacent to Kikyo Private Academy for girls. And their reputations couldn’t be more contrasting.
At Chidori, most of the students have discipline problems, and some are even considered juvenile delinquents.
Meanwhile, Kikyo Private Academy has the reputation of having model students from prestigious families.
Rintaro studies at Chidori, and because of his appearance, he’s often seen as a problem. Tall, with dyed blonde hair and a paralyzing stare, most people avoid him.
Still, Rintaro gets along well with other boys, but when they run into the girls at the academy, tensions often arise that he can’t understand.
One afternoon, his mother asks him to help her look after the patisserie she owns. She tells him that a customer is eating, and when Rintaro looks in, he sees a little girl named Kaoruko who seems to have eaten quite a bit.
Kaoruko is surprised to see Rintaro, thanks him for the food, and runs out of the place. Obviously, the boy thinks he scared her and is worried.
The next day, he is surprised when Kaoruko returns and asks to see Rintaro. She apologizes for being rude and asks him to spend time with her.
Rintaro doesn’t understand what’s happening, especially when she tells him she isn’t scared by his presence. Kaoruko buys something to go and leaves, only to be intercepted by a couple of boys who despise Rintaro.
Rintaro appears before they can hurt Kaoruko. The next morning, he wonders if she is alright, looks out his window and sees Kaoruko opening a window from Kikyo Private Academy.
(薫る花は凛と咲く)
