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...

Prof. Payne's class," he paused,

and even had the guts to

brief glance,

you to the local

"No need, no need, I've brought

lost all its bristles, or the face towel with a hole

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

New ones cost money.

sighed, seeing a bit of

town, though Carlson had left earlier to attend Kingswell University

he finally made

they were from

hometown and knew

since childhood, Carlsone naturally felt inclined to look out for him a

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

in the rain himself, he couldn't help but want to offer an

My parents gave me quite a bit before I

excitement brought out

led the way to the