Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Roseanne pushed the door open, ready to step out of the car.

Then, a voice stopped her in her tracks -noveldrama

"I've got another question."

She turned around, "What's up?"

Corley waved an invitation in his hand, "Is Murray coming?"

Roseanne sighed, "...Can we not talk about him?"

"Well, I figured as much. Just wanted to make sure. How about Owen Reynolds?"

Roseanne nodded, "Of course, the professor got an invite."

"What did he contribute to the lab setup?"

"He didn't get his hands dirty with the construction, but he did hook us up with a temporary lab space. Kept our research on schedule."

Corley was silent for a moment.

Roseanne added, "If that's all, I'll be heading out."

"Alright, see you tomorrow."

He watched her climb the stairs to her apartment, waiting until the light in her room flicked on before driving away.

...

After a shower and slipping into her cozy fleece pajamas, Roseanne knocked on Owen Reynolds' door.

"Professor? Are you home?"

No answer.

She had already tried once when she got back.

Forty minutes later, still no sign of him...

Just as Roseanne was about to head back, footsteps echoed from downstairs, growing clearer until -

"Professor, you're back?!"

Owen Reynolds, rounding the corner, froze at the sight.

Under the dim hallway light, Roseanne stood at the top of the stairs, smiling at him.

For a moment, he thought his eyes were playing tricks.

It wasn't until she sweetly called out "Professor?" that it felt real.

"Roseanne? What are you doing out here?"

"I came to knock on your door, seemed like you weren't around. Was about to head back."

Owen climbed the last step to stand before her, "Did you need something?"

"I was going to -" Suddenly, she paused, sniffing the air, "Professor, have you been drinking?!"

Owen flushed with embarrassment, "Sorry... Is it that noticeable?"

He stepped back, increasing the distance between them.

"Not at

smell,

Despite the alcohol

famoseanne could still Sandalwood. Content

pleasant scent of

vel?

"An old colleague from the States was in Lumina City, haven't seen each other in years. We got together

for dinner, and I might've had a few too many in the excitement.

"Are you okay, though?" What she really wanted to know was if he was drunk.

Owen nodded, "I'm fine, really, didn't overdo it."

"Alright then, just wait here!" She turned and dashed home, returning shortly with an envelope in hand.

"Here's

free,

Genting ceremony. If y

d be great to have vot

Owen took it, "Sure, I'll be there."

swno

there."

"Well... I should head back then." Roseanne gestured towards her door.

"Okay." He smiled.

Then, suddenly unsteady, Owen stumbled backward.

Quickly, Roseanne reached out to steady him.

As she drew closer, a sweet fragrance seemed to wrap around him, making his cheeks burn hotter.

Just a moment ago, he was adamant he wasn't drunk.

Now, he wasn't so sure.

"...Professor? Professor?!"

"...Hmm? What?" Owen snapped back to reality.

"Are you really okay? You're not drunk? But then again, who admits they're drunk, right?"

With a resigned sigh, Roseanne said, "Never mind, don't say anything. It wouldn't be believable anyway."

Owen was silent.

She supported him with one hand while the other fished around his coat pocket, quickly finding the keys.