Scarlet Bloom – Chapter 13: Bloom of Resolve
The wind rustled through the shrine trees, carrying Rei's words like a curse.
> "If you're not ready... your friends will die before you do."
Riku stood frozen. "Why should I believe you?"
Rei's eyes didn't waver. "Because I once stood where you stand now. Chosen. Terrified. Too late."
Riku clenched his fists. The ring on his finger pulsed, reacting to his emotions.
"I didn't ask for this. I'm not some Bloom King. I can't even control it."
"You will," Rei said simply, stepping forward. "But you need training. Real training. Away from here."
Riku shook his head. "I can't leave. My friends—"
"Will be safer if you're not near them."
The silence stretched long. The petals fell like snow.
Finally, Riku looked up. "Give me one day."
Rei nodded. "One day. Then come find me. I'll be waiting at the old greenhouse past the city wall."
Then he vanished into the shadows.
—
The next morning, Riku was different.
Not broken—focused.
He walked into class to see Kaito throwing paper balls at Nagi, who retaliated by drawing a mustache on him mid-snooze. Yuu was attempting to balance a book on her head. Airi was watching quietly, but her eyes flicked to Riku the moment he entered.
"You good?" she asked, walking up.
He smiled. "Better than ever."
The group had lunch on the rooftop again. Riku made jokes. Kaito nearly choked on soda. Nagi took a ridiculous group selfie. Yuu climbed the fence for "aesthetic vibes" and was immediately pulled down by Airi.
They were stupid. Loud. Chaotic.
Perfect.
And in that moment, Riku burned every face into his heart.
"I'm glad I met you guys," he said suddenly.
They all stared at him.
"…Are you dying?" Kaito asked, half-joking.
Riku laughed. "Nah. Just grateful."
They didn't ask questions. Just smiled back.
That night, Riku stood at the shrine again. This time, he didn't hesitate.
He walked past the boundary line and followed the overgrown path toward the greenhouse Rei had mentioned.
It was hidden behind vines and fog, like something out of a dream.
Rei was there, seated calmly in lotus position. Behind him stood a massive glass structure, cracked with time and glowing faintly in the moonlight.
"You came," Rei said.
"I want to protect them," Riku replied. "And if that means I have to become something else… then teach me."
Rei stood and placed a hand over Riku's pendant. "Then let this be the day your Bloom truly awakens."
And the glass behind them shattered.
Petals of all colors burst forth—white, gold, blue, black—surrounding Riku like a storm.
Inside his chest, the Bloom stirred.
And this time, it wasn't just petals.
It was wings.
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