Dear Bugaboo

The Storm {5}: The Tsunami

{+}{+}{+}

   "Alright, we're here."

   Nathalie parked the car right outside the small shop. Adrien opened the door and slid out of the passenger seat, stepping out of the vehicle. His green eyes locked onto the flower shop, the entry just a few feet away. He closed the car door and made his way into the building.

The familiar tinkling bell jingles above the blonde teen's head, signaling anyone inside of his presence. The scent of pollen and flora hit his nose, a calming aroma. His green-eyed gaze scanned the room for any signs of the elder woman that runs the shop.

   Marianne poked her head out from behind the counter and smiled.

"My, don't you look very handsome," she gushed, "I assume you're here for some roses?"

"Yeah," Adrien answered, surprise laced within his voice, "How did you know?"

"I own a flower shop. You're not the only guy that comes in here dressed all fancy and is getting a last-minute bouquet of flowers—particularly the usual, clique roses—not that clique is a bad thing. I think it's sweet and charming for a guy to give a lady some flowers," Marianne explained. Adrien hummed, never giving a thought that he probably hasn't been the first in here wearing something nice.

"That makes sense," he agreed.

"Anyway, you're in some luck!" the elder woman said, walking behind the counter and pulling out a rose, "I just so happen to have one rose left but no bouquets. They sold out earlier for the dance I'm also assuming you're going too."

Adrien gave a kind smile, pulling out his wallet and asking, "How much?"

"You're not disappointed?" Marianne questioned, disbelief and shock weaved into her tone.

"Of course not," Adrien answered, "The thought counts more than how much of something I get and its price. That doesn't mean I care less, just that I put effort into doing something nice for them."

Marianne was left awestruck before laughing, "Well, bless my stars! You truly are a one-of-a-kind diamond in the rough. Usually, guys are either disappointed or angry but you surprised me."

The shop owner handed over the singular red rose, adding, "Here, this is on the house."

Adrien's eyes widened, grasping the rose's stem within his hand. He glanced down at the beautiful red petals before returning his attention back to Marianne. He raised an eyebrow, unsurely asking, "Are you sure? I don't mind paying."

"Nonsense, take it," Marianne said, shooing the flower away, "It's all yours."

Adrien gave a grateful smile, "Thank you."

{+}{+}{+}

"Wow, this place looks amazing!" Rose chirped, walking into the school. Marinette scanned the area used for Physical Education is now decorated in silver and gold.

Tables are aligned on each side of the opened-roofed area of the court. Strobe lights brightly flashed, blinding any eye caught within a beam for a second. A DJ table sat under the basketball hoop, playing booming music so loud that Marinette could feel her brain vibrating. The early arrivals are either dancing in the middle of the room or sitting at a vacant table.