We fans love Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End because it does not rush anything. It takes time with feelings. It shows grief, memory, and quiet growth in a way that touches your heart. Romance is not the main focus in the story for the most part, but that does not mean it does not exist. The way characters talk, care, and change over time, or kiss scenes (flying kiss to be exact) are some things which is present in the anime. So questions like “Does Frieren Have Romance?” seem logical enough. And fans are not criminals for asking this.
The anime finished its first season on March 22, 2024, with 28 episodes. We saw Frieren travel with Fern and Stark while still remembering her old party, especially Himmel. That funeral scene, the ring moment, Fern’s teasing smile, Stark’s gift—all of it made one thing clear. Romance is present. But we need to look closely for the hints.
Does Frieren Show Romantic Feelings for Anyone in the Anime?

Let’s make it clear first, Frieren does not show clear romantic interest in anyone. That is the truth. You will not find any love confession or obvious crush throughout the series. She is an elf who has lived for over a thousand years. For her, humans grow old and vanish before she can understand what they mean to her. That makes her emotionally distant, not by choice, but by nature.
Still, the way she talks about Himmel in small moments gives a hint. Sometimes, she says things like “this is something Himmel would have done” or pauses near places tied to their memories. Some scenes show she thinks about him, maybe she herself doesn’t know why.
So no, Frieren does not act romantically in a usual way. But her journey to understand emotions and her regret over not noticing Himmel’s feelings sooner show that romance is a part of her life.
Was There Romance Between Frieren and Himmel?
Yes, at the start of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Himmel clearly loved Frieren. The way he looked at her, the way he gave that mirrored-lotus ring on one knee—it all looked like a proposal. But he never confessed. Maybe because he knew she would outlive him by centuries. Maybe because he did not want to make her feel guilty for not understanding love the way humans do.
Frieren did not feel the same way during their journey. She saw Himmel as a comrade, a friend. But after his death, things changed. She broke down during the funeral. She started visiting places he once mentioned. And she began to regret not noticing what he tried to show her.
It was not a love story that got its happy ending. But it was full of real feelings. Himmel gave everything without asking for anything back. Frieren, too late, realized she cared more than she ever knew. That silent, one-sided love remains one of the most emotional parts of the anime.
Are Fern and Stark in a Relationship?

Yes, Fern and Stark are slowly falling for each other. And this time, it is not silent. Their romance feels soft, awkward, and natural, like two teenagers trying to understand what love means.
You will notice it in small ways. Fern scolds Stark when he pushes himself too hard. Stark spends hours trying to find the perfect gift for her. When they walk through towns, they get shy. When Sein tells them to just talk honestly, you can see both of them try.
There is no official couple label yet. But anyone who watches them knows what is happening. Even Frieren notices it, though she says nothing. They argue, laugh, blush, and stay close. That is more than enough for now.
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Has the Manga Confirmed Any Romantic Pairing?
No, the manga has not confirmed any romantic couple. Frieren and Himmel’s bond remains open to interpretation. Frieren never says she loved him. She only regrets not understanding his feelings. Their story stays soft, silent, and unfinished.
As for Fern and Stark, even though they act like a couple sometimes, the manga never confirms it with a confession or a kiss. They share moments. They give gifts. They care deeply. But they are still young. Their story is growing at its own pace.
The author never forces romance. There are no love triangles, no dramatic proposals. Just real people living their lives, sometimes slowly stepping into something more.
Romance vs Friendship in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
In this anime, friendship means everything. You will see bonds stronger than words. Frieren’s past party—Himmel, Eisen, Heiter—showed what it means to journey together and trust each other fully. Her new party—Fern, Stark, Sein—reminds her of that warmth.
Frieren and Eisen share mutual respect. After Himmel’s death, Eisen becomes her support. He encourages her to understand emotions better. That is what sends her on this long journey.
With Fern, it begins as a teacher-student bond. But slowly, Frieren starts seeing Fern as something more—like family. She starts caring about her birthday, her safety, and her smile.
Stark is different. Frieren treats him kindly, but there is no romantic tone. She cheers him on and teases him about Fern. It is friendship mixed with light mischief, not love.
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Final Thoughts
Frieren became a fan-favorite not because she cries or shouts or falls in love. She became loved because she remembers. She learns. She regrets. She grows. Every small step she takes toward understanding human emotions makes us care even more.
And yes, romance is there in the anime, just not in the usual way. It is hidden in gifts, smiles, regrets, and silence. It shows through Fern and Stark’s sweet journey, and through the weight Frieren carries for Himmel.
If you felt the same while watching, do share your thoughts in the comments. Did you think Frieren loved Himmel? Are Fern and Stark your favorite anime couple? We would love to hear what you felt.
