the fragrant flower blooms with dignity

The series is a romantic comedy that explores themes of love, friendship, and overcoming societal prejudices.
Plot: The story centers on two neighboring high schools with vastly different reputations: the public Chidori High, known for delinquents, and the prestigious Kikyo Girls' Academy for elite students. Rintaro Tsumugi, a tall, intimidating-looking student from Chidori, works at his family's patisserie where he meets Kaoruko Waguri, a kind and open-minded girl from Kikyo. Despite the intense rivalry and mutual dislike between their schools, they develop a friendship and eventually fall in love, challenging the social barriers around them.
Characters: Rintaro is a gentle person with a "scary face" who loves baking, while Kaoruko is a small, kind student who loves his pastries and sees past his intimidating appearance. The supporting cast of friends from both schools also experiences significant character development as they interact and learn about each other's kindness.
Reception: Both the manga and the 2025 anime adaptation produced by CloverWorks have received widespread critical acclaim for their heartwarming story, genuine character interactions, and high-quality animation.