By: Dan Rivera
Rintaro has long accepted that he is seen as a delinquent. With his imposing height, blonde-dyed hair, and facial piercings, people often recoil at the sight of him. Attending Chidori Public High School, a school notorious for its unruly students, has only reinforced this reputation. Meanwhile, students from the prestigious Kikyo Private Academy have always looked down on Chidori’s students, branding them as troublemakers.
One fateful evening, Rintaro is asked to man his family’s cake shop. There, he unexpectedly comes face-to-face with Waguri Kaoruko, a Kikyo student and a regular customer of the shop. Kaoruko is so engrossed in the cakes she’s eating that she doesn’t immediately notice Rintaro. When their eyes finally meet, she nearly chokes from surprise. After a quick glass of water, she regains her composure but blushes and flees the shop. Rintaro assumes his intimidating appearance must have scared her and quietly apologizes.
The next day, Kaoruko returns to the shop, clearly looking for Rintaro. They sit down together, and Kaoruko apologizes for running away the day before. She even offers a cake as a peace offering, which she ends up eating after Rintaro insists. As they talk, Rintaro learns that Kaoruko wasn’t scared of him—she was simply flustered. Unlike others, she never saw him as frightening but rather as someone different and intriguing.
Shortly after Kaoruko leaves, Rintaro’s mother bursts in, holding a discarded takeaway box belonging to Kaoruko. Fearing the worst, Rintaro rushes out and finds Kaoruko cornered by a group of delinquents who are badmouthing him. To his surprise, Kaoruko boldly defends Rintaro against their accusations. Just as the delinquents prepare to strike, Rintaro intervenes, his forehead bleeding and his scowl fierce enough to scare them away.
Kaoruko worries genuinely about Rintaro’s injury, while Rintaro feels guilty for dragging her into danger and wants to apologize. But Kaoruko only sees his kindness beneath the tough exterior. The years of judgment and isolation Rintaro has endured begin to unravel, slowly breaking down the walls he built around himself. A ray of sunshine pierces the gloom he has struggled under for so long.
The following day, Rintaro arrives early at school, sitting at his desk deep in thought, wondering when he’ll see Kaoruko again. Suddenly, the curtains of a nearby classroom at Kikyo draw open, and to his surprise, Kaoruko meets his gaze. A budding friendship begins, and perhaps there is more. But can their bond survive the deep-rooted prejudice between their schools?
Tsumugi Rintaro
Rintaro is a student at Chidori Public High School. With his imposing figure, dyed blonde hair, and ear piercings, he has long been typecast as a delinquent. This image partly stems from childhood trauma that shaped his tough exterior. Despite this, Rintaro has a soft and caring side, showing kindness not only to those close to him but also to strangers, proving there is more beneath his rough appearance.
Waguri Kaoruko
Kaoruko is a student at Kikyo Private Academy and embodies the ideal elite student. She excels academically and is known for her warm, friendly nature. Unlike many, Kaoruko doesn’t judge others based on appearances or hearsay. Instead, she forms her opinions based on personal experience, always choosing to see the good in people, regardless of their background or social status.
Natsusawa Saku
Saku is one of Rintaro’s classmates and closest friends. He is introverted and tends to be gloomy, which sometimes alienates others. Because of his reserved nature, Saku can be blunt and harsh with his words, often pushing people away. Despite attending the notorious Chidori High, Saku is highly intelligent, a fact that creates internal conflict as he struggles to balance his abilities with his school’s reputation.
Hoshina Subaru
Subaru is one of Kaoruko’s oldest and closest friends. As a child, she was often bullied for her silver hair, but Kaoruko stood up for her and offered constant support. This experience caused Subaru to develop a strong distrust of boys but also deep admiration and loyalty towards Kaoruko. Because of their shared history, Subaru is fiercely protective of Kaoruko and values their friendship deeply.
Usami Shohei
Shohei is another of Rintaro’s classmates and is known for his energetic and somewhat aloof personality. He maintains a positive outlook and tends to brush off any negativity aimed at their group. While some friends are patient with Rintaro’s secretive nature, Shohei prefers a more direct approach, often encouraging openness and confrontation rather than avoidance.
Yorita Ayato
Ayato rounds out Rintaro’s close group of friends at school. Friendly and responsible, he has a calm demeanor that masks a fierce sense of determination. While he avoids starting fights, Ayato is more than capable of finishing them when necessary. Skilled in self-defense, his ambitions to become a police officer fuel his commitment to protecting those around him.
Manga
The manga that this anime is based on is written by Saka Mikami. It began publishing on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket website and app in October 2021. As of now, the series has been compiled into 19 volumes in tankobon format.
Kodansha USA started releasing the English version on June 4, 2024. Currently, 13 volumes are available in English, which can be purchased in either paperback or e-book formats through Kodansha USA’s official website.
So far, the anime has remained faithful to the manga, not only in its story but also in its art style, successfully capturing the original’s essence and appeal.
Media/Music
The opening theme song, Manazashi wa Hikari, is performed by Tatsuya Kitani. Active in the music scene since 2011, Kitani has collaborated on several anime projects, including Jujutsu Kaisen. His music brings a romantic atmosphere that perfectly sets the youthful mood for Kaoru Hana.
The ending theme, Hare no Hi Ni, is performed by Reira Ushio, who debuted in 2021 and has consistently released singles since. She previously performed Misoshiru to Bata for the anime Food for the Soul. With lyrics that speak of love and longing, paired with Ushio’s captivating voice, the song provides a fitting and emotional close to every episode.
Image Credits: Netflix Inc.
