Kaoruko Waguri
Appearance
Kaoruko is a small and elegant young girl whose beauty carries a delicate, lovable charm. She has long, wavy dark hair that falls to her hips, usually tied with a simple black headband. Her dark eyes give her a gentle expression that complements her overall delicate look. At school, she typically wears the uniform of Kikyo Private Academy, but outside of school, she favors stylish, feminine outfits—especially when spending time with friends or on dates. Her graceful style enhances her sweet and approachable character.
Personality
Kaoruko is a sweet-natured “princess” with a soft spot for food, which often brings out her most joyful and unguarded expressions. She judges people by their actions and intentions rather than appearances—a trait Rintaro notices when they first meet. Despite her gentle nature, Kaoruko struggles to express emotions openly, giving her a calm and sometimes cold appearance shaped by her past. Even in stressful or embarrassing situations, she remains polite and composed, rarely revealing her inner feelings. Her brother Kosuke recognizes this and asks Rintaro to help her open up and express herself more freely.
Oblivious to the rivalry between Kikyo and Chidori academies, Kaoruko surprises her friends and Rintaro’s group by choosing companions based on personality rather than affiliation. Over time, her relationship with Rintaro softens her guarded demeanor, and she begins to show vulnerability—often becoming flustered or nervous around him, clear signs of her growing trust. Food is another source of unrestrained joy for her, making her visibly excited without hesitation. Around friends, Kaoruko is somewhat more relaxed, though never as much as she is with Rintaro and Subaru, highlighting her deeper trust in them.
Her kindness extends to protecting and supporting those she cares about. She defends Rintaro when others misunderstand him and once stood up for Subaru when he was bullied over his hair color. These moments reveal her loyalty and compassion. Kaoruko consistently gives others chances, listens to their feelings, and helps where she can—even while keeping much of her own pain hidden.
History
Kaoruko’s childhood was shaped by hardship. Her mother’s fragile health kept her in the hospital for long stretches, forcing Kaoruko to take on heavy responsibilities from an early age. She managed household duties, cared for her younger brother, and worked hard to maintain top grades at Kikyo Private Academy to keep her scholarship. These pressures matured her quickly, leading to the calm and composed demeanor she displays today.
During these years, Kaoruko learned to hide her struggles, often keeping her emotions to herself. She only allowed her feelings to surface when she was alone—or later, with Rintaro. Their first meeting occurred when Kaoruko visited his cake shop after a hospital visit with her mother. Drawn by the sweets and the warmth of the shop, she encountered Rintaro and was struck by his kindness. This meeting left a lasting impression and sparked her first feelings of love. Rintaro later learns that her visit came at a vulnerable time, when her mother’s health had worsened.
These experiences shaped Kaoruko into a responsible, compassionate young woman. Though she still finds it difficult to be fully vulnerable, she approaches life with empathy, resilience, and quiet strength—qualities that earn her admiration from those around her.
Reference List
Collected citations across manga chapters and anime episodes.
| # | Source Type | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manga | The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity — Chapter 30 |
| 2 | Manga | The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity — Chapter 141 |
| 3 | Anime | The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity — TV Anime Episodes 1–5 |
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