Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Let's just sit down and chat, this is way too formal for me," Owen laughed, breaking the ice as they settled into the comfort of the living room. Roseanne couldn't help but chuckle as she took her seat.

Owen had a way of making gratitude seem so simple, yet profound. "Your cooking is something else, Roseanne. This meal? Best thanks I could've asked for." He raised his soup bowl, clinking it gently against hers in a toast before diving into the meal. He picked up a chicken wing next, marveling at its perfect crispiness, the slightly charred edges complementing the juicy interior in a burst of flavor. "Honestly, finding wings this good outside is pretty much a game of luck."

Roseanne laughed at his enthusiasm. "So, I take it you're volunteering to finish them off?"

Owen's eyebrows lifted in amusement, his smile widening. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

By the time they finished eating, it was already two in the afternoon.

They cleaned the kitchen together before heading out, Owen to his lab and Roseanne to the library.

Their paths split at the crossroads, Owen turning left and Roseanne, out of habit, started to follow him before realizing she didn't need to go to the lab anymore. Owen's laughter echoed as she blushed and hurried off into the library.

The next day, Roseanne made her way to the lab, not empty-handed but bearing homemade treats.

Her colleagues were amazed by the intricately designed cupcakes in the box - from Hello Kitty to Jerry the mouse, and even Bumblebee, each one was a miniature work of art.

these? They're too pretty to

for joining in, spotted a cupcake designed like StellaLou,

have this one for Liz?" he asked, already knowing

smiled,

quickly.

as Stoddard couldn't resist diving in, his usual disdain for sweets forgotten as he nodded in approval

her project. "I've finished my paper now, so I probably won't be coming

had seen it coming, but it was

clearly not ready to say goodbye to a talented student. "We're friends.

we'll get together

smiling

cupcake Sammy had saved for her and rolled her

evening, Owen hosted a

wanted to skimp on, choosing a Michelin-starred restaurant known

gastronomy.