Frieren: Is the Show’s Slow-Burning Romance Finally Taking Shape!?

The anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a touching story about human feelings and how time connects us all. Recently, in the third episode of its second season, fans finally saw Stark express his romantic interest in Fern!

Fans have suspected a romantic connection between Fern and Stark for a while. It seems one of them has secretly hoped for more, but the other hasn’t noticed. Now, the next episode of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End will finally show them going on a date – but what prompted this sudden change?

Fern and Stark’s Slow-Burn Romance

How They Met

Frieren and Fern first encountered Stark in Episode 5 while trying to defeat a Solar Dragon. Stark was guarding a village from the dragon, and though Fern initially thought he was a coward, she quickly recognized his determination and decided to trust him. Together, they defeated the dragon, and Stark joined their journey. Later, in Season 2, Episode 1, Wirbel attempted to recruit Stark to his own group, but Stark refused, explaining to Fern that he truly enjoys traveling with her and Frieren. He revealed that Fern’s encouraging words when they first met were a key factor in his decision to join them.

Companions to Romantic Interest

When Frieren’s group arrives at Graf Granat’s Domain, Stark and Fern are already working well together. During Episodes 8 and 9, while Frieren fights Aura the Guillotine, they team up to defeat the demons Lugner and Linie. However, at this stage, they appear to be simply good friends who trust each other.

In the twelfth episode, while searching for Stark on his birthday, Fern learns where he is by talking to people he’s assisted, and this deeply affects her. It’s also the first time the show hints at Fern developing romantic feelings for Stark. However, her growing appreciation is interrupted when she sees Stark acting immaturely by making silly jokes about clouds. During their return journey, Stark opens up about his past, allowing him to come to terms with it. Fern gives him a bracelet as a birthday present.

In episode 14, Fern becomes upset with Stark when he doesn’t immediately present her with a birthday gift. She’s quick to criticize him before he can explain, leading to an argument. They eventually make up, and Stark reveals he was planning to shop for a gift with her. He picks out a lotus bracelet with a mirror finish, unaware that it symbolizes everlasting love.

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Fern and Stark’s Opposing Reactions

It’s easy to see that Fern and Stark are very different people. Fern is thoughtful and observant, but keeps her feelings to herself, while Stark is impulsive and wears his heart on his sleeve, though he often misses social cues. Throughout the story, Fern becomes increasingly interested in Stark. In Episode 14, Stark overreacts when he learns what the bracelet he received actually means. He pretends he didn’t understand its significance and even suggests getting a new one, which frustrates Fern. She isn’t upset about the romantic implication, but rather that he’d dismiss something he put effort into creating.

I was surprised you knew what you were doing. That design is a mirrored lotus flower, which symbolizes eternal love. It’s common for people in this region to give these flowers to their partners. — Sein, Episode 14

In episode 15, Stark briefly touches Fern’s hand, and she continues to look at it after he’s gone, suggesting her feelings towards him are changing. Later in the episode, they share a lovely dance.

Events Leading to Their Date

I’m so excited about Season 2! It’s finally starting to really hint at the sweet romance brewing between Stark and Fern. Right off the bat, Stark reveals something huge – he wasn’t forced to travel with them! He actually chose to join because Fern believed in him, and that’s what gave him the strength to defeat the Solar Dragon. And get this – the first episode also showed Fern remembering a scary moment in the Magic-Nullifying Crystal Den. They were running from a monster, and she held onto the bracelet Stark gave her so tightly. Later that night, she was still looking at it and smiling – it’s clearly a really special gift and means a lot to her! It’s such a lovely detail.

Stark Asks Out Fern, But It was Not Intentional

During the third episode of Season 2, the group settles in Heiß for a few days, and Frieren finally gets to enjoy the hot springs she’s been looking forward to. While they plan their next move, Stark suggests checking out a weapons shop. Fern protests, wanting his attention, but Stark misunderstands and jokingly asks her out on a date. To his surprise, Fern eagerly accepts.

Embarrassed, Fern quickly leaves the room, but her hasty exit leads Heiter to believe she’s upset. He asks Frieren for help understanding her. They walk around town, looking for things Fern might enjoy. Frieren suggests getting Fern some food from the market, figuring she gets grumpy when hungry. They continue with a visit to shops filled with beautiful objects, and end their outing in a peaceful plaza. Stark praises Frieren for being so perceptive, but she explains she was simply remembering advice Heiter once gave her.

Fern also seeks advice from Frieren, but quickly realizes her master doesn’t know much about romance and stops asking. The episode concludes with Fern lying awake, gazing at the moon—a scene that likely represents her anticipation for the next day, or perhaps hints at a budding romance.

The upcoming episode of Frieren will feature a long-awaited date between two of the show’s main characters. Viewers are wondering if the date will bring them closer together or if things will fall apart.

The latest season of Frieren is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

2026-02-04 17:44