Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

The next day, Roseanne laced up her sneakers and hit the pavement for a morning run.

Ever since she found herself with a bit more free time, jogging had become her go-to routine. Breaking a sweat before the break of dawn was her secret to staying energized throughout the day. After a quick run, she'd head back, jump into the shower, and then she was ready to tackle whatever the day threw at her.

"Morning, Professor."

"Morning."

Owen had already wrapped up his run and was about to head back when he spotted her and decided to join in. "Let's run a bit together."

"You sure? Won't you be late for the lab?"

"The new project is under Stoddard's watch, so I'm pretty free these days."

"Guess Mr. Stoddard's gonna have a bone to pick with you," Roseanne joked.

"He can pick all he wants, work's still gotta be done."

His deadpan response could have sent Mr. Stoddard into a frenzy had he been there to hear it.

They circled the park twice, with Roseanne gradually feeling the burn.

Owen noticed and advised, "Adjust your breathing, keep the pace, follow me... in, out, in, out..."

Following his guidance, Roseanne found her rhythm. "That's better!"

"Enough for today?"

"Yeah, that's plenty."

companionship, they decided to grab breakfast together before heading their

on your

shook her

process for international journals is a lot more complex than back home. Especially the prestigious

to her research work. "Thanks for letting me use the lab. I know you wouldn't accept rent-it'd be too tacky. But I feel like I need to repay you somehow." "So, how about I treat you to

readily accepting the offer. "Sure, I never

in the mood for? I could... book a

good, especially if it's your

was taken aback. When did

already set

Well, then...

her kitchen activities, if

today? Are

"I am."

strolled back, they reached

paused too, "What's

her gaze, he saw Murray standing outside the apartment building,

shadows casting a dappled pattern across him. Light and shade fragmented

his eyes

of sweat highlighted her forehead, making her eyes seem

water.