25 Blooming Flower

After a few hours went by, there was a knock on the door.

"Eh?" Mikael quickly sat up.

"It's open!" He called out.

The door creaked open revealing Norio.

"What did I tell you," Norio began.

"Make sure you know who it is at the door before you invite them in." He huffed.

"And what have I told you in response...?" Mikael questioned.

"That you're easily prepared for those types of situations, blah blah blah."

"Oh c'mon Nori, lighten up a bit!" Mikael laughed.

"Anyway," Norio began, studying the room.

"Where's Iris Azalea?" He questioned.

"In her room." Mikael pointed.

"Yeah, I know where her room is." Norio sighed, walking to her room.

"Do I ever get a 'thank you so much for raising us Mikael, thank you for not being the one to betray us for your own selfish gain Mikael!'" Mikael cried.

Norio whipped his head around.

"Hah?"

"Nothing!" Mikael huffed, letting out a sigh.

Norio sighed, as he knocked on Iris Azalea's door.

The door slowly creaked open.

"Yes?"

"Hey, Rick sent me to pick you up."

"Eh?" She tilted her head.

"He said you wanted to hang out tonight...?"

Iris Azalea looked down blushing.

"I never said that..." She whispered.

"Oh?" Norio turned to look at Mikael.

"So it was his idea, huh?"

"Mm..." She mumbled.

"Well, if that's the case-"

"You are going." A voice called out from behind Norio.

Norio jumped.

"When the hell did you get there...!?"

"I.A.," he began.

"I take full responsibility for your inability to grow and socialize with others, especially with your circumstances." He closed his eyes, letting out a sigh.

"And I can't apologize enough for what Larkin and I have put you through, how we stunted your chance to bloom..." He narrowed his eyes.

"However, I'm not going to deprive you of what you need to blossom any longer," he looked up, giving her a sad smile.

"So please, for your sake go have fun tonight, 'kay?" He beamed.

Iris Azalea looked down.

"Mikael..." She whispered.

"I'll be in my car," Norio smiled as he left.

"They won't judge you I promise," Mikael said, patting her shoulder.

There was a moment of silence.

"I'll go..." She mumbled.

"That's the spirit!" Mikael cheered.

"Try to have fun okay?" He smiled softly, caressing her cheek.

"'Kay..." She whispered.

"Mikael," she began.

"Hm?"

"I need to get changed, get out."

"Eh!?" Mikael cried as the door shut.