Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

He adjusted his glasses and said, "Physics isn't something you can master overnight. It has its rhythm and path, and you can't stop it on a whim." A bit sheepish, the project leader responded, "I was just saying."

They parted ways on less-than-friendly terms. Owen turned around, only to see Roseanne smiling and waving at him. "Long time no see, neighbor."

Walking side by side on their way home, Roseanne deliberately steered the conversation away from the earlier incident, opting for lighter topics instead. "Thanks for your help the other day. I've been sailing through my assignments ever since."

Owen shrugged it off modestly. "It's all you. Your insight made the difference. Have you met with Ms. Payne lately?"

Hands clasped behind her back, Roseanne gazed at the ground as they strolled. "No, just a few phone calls. She's recovering nicely and should return to the university in a few days."

"That's good to hear," Owen nodded. "Ms. Payne takes her teaching duties very seriously. I bet she's itching to get back."

As the evening darkened, a cyclist wobbled past them.

Stepping on an uneven paving stone, Roseanne stumbled and nearly lost her balance, almost crashing into the bicycle.

In a flash, Owen reached out, grabbing her slender wrist firmly and pulling her close to avoid the oncoming bicycle.

"Are you okay?" His warm fingers tightly clasped her wrist through the thin fabric of her summer clothes, transferring a comforting heat.

Roseanne's ears flushed with warmth. "I'm fine, thank you."

They were so close that their breaths seemed to mingle. Realizing it, Roseanne took a step back. Owen, too, let go of her hand, and they continued home in silence.

Upon entering her home, Roseanne

replayed the moment in her mind,

the details magnifying

uncontrollably, the warmth of his et

hand,

d, the minty freshness of his

breath, and those deep eyes. She touched her wrist, feeling a phantom warmth.

Walking back from the lab after a debate left Owen sweaty and uncomfortable. Slipping into flip-flops, he took a shower and ordered some takeout.

While casually checking his phone,

he noticed an ad for a pair of teddy

bear slippers at $9.99. They

reminded him of the ones Roseanne wore the last time he visited her. Her toes, peeking out from the dark slippers, appeared dainty and fair against the contrast.

The memory of their close encounter raced through Owen's mind—his hand wrapping around her slender wrist, surprised at how smooth her skin felt.

...

Come Sunday, under a blazing sun

and clear blue sky, Millie chose a light green sundress adorned with little yellow flowers, its ruffled edges making her look artsy and fresh. She spent a whole hour perfecting her makeup.

Her roommate teased, "Who's this? The girl who never wakes up before noon on weekends is up early and dolled up. I'm jealous someone's got a date with our little fairy." Thanks to the forum buzz, the whole Grandstone Institute knew about Millie and Murray's intimate kiss at the school's entrance. Millie was officially off the market.

Another girl interrupted, "Who else but Mr. Sherwood? Millie, it's your birthday today. He must have planned a surprise, right?"

As she put on her sunflower-shaped earrings, Millie felt a surge of anticipation. But played it cool. "I'm not sure."

As her roommate prodded further, Millie glanced at the clock, grabbed her bag in a panic, and said, "I'll tell you all about it later. Gotta run!"