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.

his subdued mood,

"Are you full?"

Millie nodded enthusiastically, "Yep!"

"Alright, let's get you back

"Okay."

hesitated before opening the door, turning to Murray,

was bustling, with students heading out

glances,

ignoring the whispers around them, Millie looked back at Murray, her smile radiant, "When can I introduce you to my roommates? They're

curious about the enigmatic man

side, Millie wouldn't

Millie a title. He had fulfilled his promise, freeing her from

silent, clearly uninterested

second with you is a joy." With those words, she suddenly faced him, her ponytail swaying gently behind her

are true. The

out