Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Winter nights draw in early, and when the clock struck seven, rows of street lamps on both sides of the road lit up, casting a warm glow on the chilly evening.

The stretch from the subway station to Kingswell University had a bustling market where vendors sold anything.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Crossing the bridge, Roseanne heard the distant shout of a vendor selling hot dogs. She blinked away the sting from the cold wind and turned to Owen, "Wait here for me, will you?" Owen stood still, and she was back in two minutes, cradling two hot dogs in her hands. "Here."

The hot dogs were a comforting warmth, though biting into them was almost too hot. Roseanne gently blew on hers, took a careful bite, and smiled brightly.

Turning to Owen, she asked, "Is yours good?"

He nodded, admitting it was the best hot dog he'd ever had.

Roseanne couldn't hide her pride. "See, I always pick the good ones."

Owen's smile, infectious from hers, played at the corners of his mouth, a soft laughter lighting up his eyes.

They reached home by seven.

After they stepped inside, the underfloor heating wrapped them in warmth. Roseanne took the books and pens she brought back to the study.

Several books were on the desk. Roseanne organized them, put them on the shelf, and noticed one that Owen lent her last week for her studies. After knocking on his door, she handed Owen the book. "This is the Genish original you lent me last week. I forgot to return it."

The faint scent of mint filled the air between them, causing an unexpected flutter in Roseanne's heart.

Owen took the book, spotting the notes and a quirky doodle she had used as a bookmark.

His smile deepened at the sight.

Catching the amusement in his gaze, Roseanne quickly ripped off the bookmark. "Ah, just some doodles I do when I'm bored."

Changing the subject, she added,

"Do you have time soon? After exams 'd like to invite you to dinner to thank you for all your help these past months."

Upon seeing her sincerity, Owen didn't refuse but suggested, "Why not here? I prefer your cooking."

Roseanne laughed. "How about

ket

tomorrow? After my last exam, I'll go grocery shopping, and you cane come straight to dinner after your lab work."

Owen agreed, "Sounds good."

The next day, the rain held off, and a few rays of sunlight peeked through the large swathes of dark clouds.

Roseanne headed to the supermarket after her exam and then caught a ride home.

At six, there was a knock on the door.

Opening it Owen stepped in, slipping

into the men's slippers Met

I prepared for him, and

the kitchen, familiar with

Seeing him ready to help, Roseanne handed him the vegetables to wash. "Here, as usual, it's all yours."

Then she turned to start chopping.

Owen watched her for a moment, a subtle smile curling his lips. "Okay."

He suddenly realized that while this life might be new to him, it was enjoyable.