Kaoruko’s Teary-Eyed Smile Is Simply Too Beautiful… Cover Art for Latest Vol. 23 of The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity from "Rintaro’s Perspective" Leaves Fans Saying, "This Alone Makes Me Cry"

On the official X account for The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity, the cover art for the latest manga volume, Volume 23, scheduled for release on Tuesday, June 9, has been unveiled and is sparking a huge buzz.

The posted cover art for Volume 23 depicts Kaoruko Waguri with a radiant smile while her eyes are glistening with tears. Her hands gently grasp the hands of someone opposite her, and the composition strongly suggests that this piece is drawn from the perspective of the protagonist, Rintaro Tsumugi. Furthermore, a necklace—presumably a gift from Rintaro—shines around Kaoruko’s neck, creating a beautiful visual that vividly conveys the warm and deep bond between the two.

The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity is a highly popular youth romance manga series written and illustrated by Saka Mikami, currently serialized in Magazine Pocket. It depicts the story of Rintaro Tsumugi, a fierce-looking yet awkward boy attending Chidori High School, a low-tier all-boys school, and Kaoruko Waguri, a bright and straightforward girl attending the neighboring prestigious all-girls school, Kikyo Academy. The series follows them as they overcome school barriers and surrounding prejudices to grow closer. It continues to touch the hearts of many readers, not only through their pure romance but also through its heartfelt human drama with their friends.

In response to this illustration, the comment section on X was flooded with fans connecting it to the story's developments, leaving comments such as "Rintarō’s perspective from the Chapter 176 title page!! This is way too precious!", "This alone makes me cry...", and "The necklace Rintarō gifted her... my soul is cleansed." Furthermore, voices praising Saka Mikami’s expressive power were also seen, with comments like "Just looking at the cover, I can tell this is a god-tier manga" and "The artwork is just too beautiful every single time..."

(C)三香見サカ・講談社／「薫る花は凛と咲く」製作委員会