Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

He had just finished class, hurrying over from the lecture hall, textbooks still in hand.

Jen said, "So, Sammy and Roseanne were having a math-off earlier. They bet that the loser would treat everyone to dinner. And well, someone lost, and now we're all buzzing about what to munch on tonight." Owen glanced around, catching Roseanne's eyes twinkling with laughter, the group's spirits high.

It was like all the awkwardness just melted away, and she really became part of the group.

A smile naturally spread across Owen's face. "Alright, let's knock off early today then, wait for Sammy's treat."

"Eh?" Jen looked puzzled. "Professor, I didn't even say who lost, how did you know it's Sammy's treat?"

Owen replied, "Isn't it obvious Sammy lost?"

Jen said, "... Yes."

Sammy was totally speechless!

"Hey Liz, you coming?" Jen casually asked.

Liz replied, "Nope."

ended up being

the most vocal about treating, when it came down to choosing the spot, she thoughtfully considered Sammy's situation. Sammy's family was modest, with

home every month, so his budget was

last

Owen drove with ease, Roseanne sitting beside him in the passenger

of his head would let him catch glimpses of her eyes, sparkling with excitement. Owen chuckled,

happy. When Jen said 'see you tomorrow' as she left, and Mr. Stoddard, he just gave away his prized math notes... I'm really over the moon

it, but she was acutely aware of

their actions, but the subtle

that gap

turned to see her gleaming eyes, as

were contained within

A

reaching out to touch her head.

saw, you did

devoid of any presumption, his voice as

Roseanne looked up suddenly,

looked away touching her flushed ear as if trying to hide