Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

A tall and handsome guy was standing in front of her, holding out a bouquet of roses, but Roseanne's expression was anything but pleased. Sybil clicked her tongue. "Being pretty sure has its perks. School's barely started and you've got admirers already?"

"And Grace, you're not bad-looking yourself. How come no one's bringing you flowers?"

Grace just smiled softly, not taking the bait. "Is that something to compare?"

"Hmph! Pretending to be all aloof, I don't buy it. You must be jealous!"

Grace's smile remained unchanged.

Sybil threw out, "Pretending too hard just makes you a hypocrite," and then stormed off.

Grace stood still, her smile slowly fading.

Not too far away, two guys were standing-

Carlson: "...Have you got all that?"

Arkle scratched his head, his gaze drifting past and suddenly lighting up with recognition.

Carlson followed his gaze, seeing the flower-giving scene unfold, and frowned. "If you want to go further in your studies, don't let trivial things like romance distract you." "...Oh, right, got it, Carlson!" Arkle nodded vigorously.

But...

girl looks like she's in Prof. Payne's class," he paused,

speechless and even had the guts to

a brief glance, he didn't look

I'll take you to the local supermarket

hands, "No need,

mean the toothbrush that's lost all its bristles, or the face towel with a hole in

flushed with embarrassment. "I, I thought they were still usable, so

New ones cost money.

seeing a bit of his younger self

same small town, though Carlson had left earlier to attend Kingswell University for his undergrad. Arkle's

he finally made it to Kingswell University

were from

hometown and

childhood, Carlsone naturally felt inclined to look out for him

like them from the countryside, finding care and

he couldn't help but want to offer an umbrella to

quickly refused, "I've got money. My parents gave me quite

brought out his

led