Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.
Episode 9 “Blonde Hair and Pierced Ears” Details
- Public Release Date (Netflix): October 26, 2025
- Check out our page for this series, featuring more recaps, reviews, and articles.
Episode 9 “Blonde Hair and Pierced Ears” Storylines/ Recap
While Rintaro and his friends have reconciled, getting back to a place where they don’t just see each other at school, or about school, is the next step in their relationship healing. So, Usami pitches going to Rintaro’s house since, surprisingly, no one has been there. Initially, he is hesitant, but then agrees to it, and for Kyoko, his mom, it is a surprise but also very healing.
Mind you, Rintaro is the one who, up until high school, didn’t have friends, but Kyoko was there for every tear, every rejection, and the reason why she is blonde and has a piercing is because Rintaro saw a chef and thought it was cool, so Kyoko modified her black hair, piercing-less look to normalize it in their household. She never told Rintaro that, but his dad, Keiichiro, knew.
But, what makes this all the more special is that Kaoruko just so happened to be stopping by, with Subaru. Kyoko invites them over, and together, all of Rintaro’s friends eat and play video games. He later thanks his mom, in a subtle way, for cooking and letting everyone come over, leaving her a bit of a crying mess, but not able to fully have a moment since she still has work to do in the bakery.
New Cast and Characters
Keiichiro (Okiayu Ryoutarou)
- Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
- Character Summary: Not much is known about Rintaro’s father, Keiichiro, beyond him being the one who pierced Kyoko’s ear and sharing a second son with her.
Question(s) Left Unanswered & Predictions
- Where Is Rintaro’s Father and Older Brother?
Review and Commentary
Highlights
- Kyoko’s Reaction To Her Son Having Friends [87/100]
- Rintaro’s Journey From Lonely To An Abundance Of Friends [84/100]
Overall
Our Overall Rating [85/100]
Frankly, I cried. From Kyoko dyeing her hair and getting a piercing to normalize it so Rintaro could still have the courage to make the transformation, to seeing Rintaro almost sound suicidal because of how lonely he felt, to having five people over, one of whom is his crush, just got to me. Add in Usami complimenting that he would have been friends with Rintaro in elementary school if he knew him, and it made for a rather sweet series of moments.
With all that said, the sudden introduction of Rintaro’s father and brother, who have barely, if ever, been mentioned, raises an eyebrow. They were around in junior high, so less than a few years ago, so where are they now? It’s something that could get developed as Rintaro opens up more, but it does feel odd that they have been utterly absent until now, even when you recognize Rintaro isn’t necessarily that open of a person.
What To Check Out Next
Visit our main page TV Shows we’ve covered.
-
The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity: Season 1 Episode 8 – Recap and Review
With removing the obstacles of their friends having beef, Rintaro and Kaoruko can move ahead with pursuing a relationship.
-
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity: Season 1 Episode 7 – Recap and Review
With things settled between him and Subaru, Rintaro refocuses on his male friendships as he wants to be able to share the joy he has found.
-
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity: Season 1 Episode 6 – Recap and Review
Subaru has a difficult conversation with Kaoruko about Rintaro and their relationship, but it leads to some overdue healing.
TV Shows We’re Covering This Season
Images used for editorial and commentary purposes. All rights remain with their respective copyright holders.
