Scarlet Bloom – Chapter 12: Her Bloom, Her Burden
Riku stared at the ceiling of the infirmary, the white tiles blurring into the sunlight. His ribs ached. His arms felt like lead. But what weighed heavier than all of it… were Airi's words.
> "I'm here to protect you."
He turned to her, lying on the bed across the room. She was awake, legs crossed, flipping casually through a magazine—as if she hadn't just shattered everything he thought he knew about her.
"Airi," he said quietly.
"Hmm?"
"You knew about the Bloom this whole time?"
She set the magazine aside. "Knew about it? Riku, I have it."
Before he could speak, a single pink petal bloomed from her wrist like a tattoo, glowing faintly.
"Mine's not like yours," she said. "It doesn't fight. It seals."
Riku sat up, wincing. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because you weren't ready. And because…" She hesitated. "I was afraid you'd be chosen."
"Chosen?"
Airi stood and closed the curtains. The room dimmed, and her voice lowered.
"Every generation has one—a potential Bloom King. Someone whose power isn't born from one Bloom... but all of them. You're not a normal user, Riku. You're the only one with a Royal Core."
He blinked. "Royal…?"
She nodded. "Your brother had it. That pendant? It wasn't just a keepsake. It was a seal, holding his core dormant. And now it's awakened… in you."
Riku clenched the sheets. His brother... had been one of them?
"I don't want this," he said. "I just want a normal life."
Airi sat beside him, softer now. "I know. But fate doesn't care what we want. It just… blooms."
—
The next day, Riku was discharged. Kaito, Nagi, and Yuu threw him a "You-Didn't-Die" party on the rooftop.
Balloons, soda, snacks—and a banner with way too many spelling mistakes.
"TO RIKU: STAY BLOOMIN'," Yuu grinned, showing it off.
Despite everything, Riku laughed.
Nagi offered a sketch of Riku mid-fight. "I made this from the security footage. You looked so cool. Like some tragic anime protagonist."
Riku raised an eyebrow. "Tragic?"
"Yeah, man. You just have the vibe."
For a few hours, it felt normal again—friends, teasing, laughter.
But when Riku looked at Airi, standing slightly apart with a quiet smile and eyes full of sadness, he knew…
It wouldn't last.
—
That night, Riku sat alone at the shrine again.
He stared at the pendant, now slightly cracked.
And then, a voice behind him.
"You've awakened it, haven't you?"
Riku turned sharply.
A boy stood there—his age, but with silver hair and calm eyes. He wore a student uniform, but not from their school.
"And you are?"
The boy bowed politely. "My name is Rei. I'm here to help you… and warn you."
"Warn me?"
Rei stepped closer.
> "The Bloom Hunters want your power. But someone worse wants your throne. And if you're not ready... your friends will die before you do."