Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Murray, you're back?" Millie's eyes lit up with surprise as she stood up, her bright, starry eyes focusing on him.

Murray asked with a straight face, "What are you doing here?"

"I was waiting for you. I called you earlier today, but you said you were too busy, so I had to wait until you were off work to come over. I hope I didn't interrupt your work." Millie's voice carried a hint of apprehension, her gaze flitting uncertainly.

"No, you didn't." Murray slowly shook his head.

"That's a relief!" Her smile returned, only to fade as she hesitated, "Murray, I'm hungry."

Millie looked down with her cheeks puffed out in a pout.

Murray began, "Come on, let's go grab something to eat."

"Really? Awesome!"

They ended up at a cozy restaurant, where Murray barely touched his food while Millie delighted in the array of traditional delicacies.

subdued mood, she spoke less than

"Are you full?"

Millie nodded enthusiastically, "Yep!"

"Alright, let's get you

"Okay."

Institute. After the car pulled up, Millie hesitated before

bustling,

many curious glances, especially since she was arm-in-arm with an

her smile radiant, "When can I introduce you

Institute was curious about the enigmatic man

side, Millie wouldn't

He had fulfilled his promise,

clearly uninterested in

to his disinterest, her excitement undimmed. "It's wonderful, Murray. Every second with you is a joy." With those words, she suddenly faced him, her ponytail swaying gently behind her as she leaped up, planting a soft kiss on

the rumors are true. The campus

like something out of a TV