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...

she's in Prof. Payne's class," he paused, then added, "She's

even had the guts to publicly call Prof. Edna

wasn't interested. After a brief glance,

take you to the local supermarket

"No

toothbrush that's lost all its bristles, or the face towel with

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

New ones cost money.

bit of his younger self

small town, though Carlson had left earlier to attend Kingswell University for his undergrad. Arkle's undergrad was at a regular college,

the entrance exams twice, he finally

were

hometown and knew each

inclined to look out for him a

kids like them from the countryside, finding care and warmth in this

couldn't help but want to offer an umbrella to someone else. "I'll

thanks." Arkle quickly refused, "I've got money. My parents gave me quite a bit before

excitement brought

led the