The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity Episode 6 Review

One of my least favorite storytelling shortcuts is when characters simply refuse to talk to each other, holding back the truth only to push the plot toward needless drama. Episode 6 of The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity could have fallen right into that trap, but it gracefully sidesteps it.

The episode centers on Subaru’s quiet distress. Having asked Rintaro to keep his distance from her friend Kaoruko, she could have let that guilt fester. Instead, she behaves like a real person, deciding that Kaoruko matters far too much to let things quietly spiral.

So she comes clean. Subaru tells Kaoruko everything, that she confronted Rintaro, what she asked of him, and that he refused. It is a painful confession, especially since she already senses that Kaoruko has feelings for Rintaro.

In her own mind, Subaru feels like she is bracing to lose her best friend, certain on some level that it is bound to happen. Yet she chooses honesty anyway, because she knows it is the right thing to do after crossing a line.

It is a beautiful look at Subaru’s deep insecurity and self loathing, and at just how kind and steady a friend Kaoruko truly is. The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity is currently streaming on Netflix.

My take: I cannot overstate how much I appreciate a romance that lets its characters be honest and mature. Subaru choosing vulnerability over manufactured drama is exactly why this show has won me over.