Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

The car stopped at the end of the alley, and Roseanne stepped out.

Scales and Mamie had already made their way ahead.

Roseanne walked towards the apartment building.

The moonlight was soft, and the stars were sparse, scattered thinly across the night sky.

The breeze carried the heat of high summer, offering no cool relief.

Suddenly, she paused in her tracks.

A man was leaning against a tree at the foot of the building, hands in his pockets. When he saw her, he subconsciously straightened up. Then, he flashed a smile.

"Surprised to see me?" Corley Sullivan stepped forward.

Roseanne was taken aback for a moment: "...A bit."

"Getting used to the new term?"

"Yeah."

"Classes filling up?"

That hit right on the mark for Roseanne. It wasn't just full; it was overwhelmingly so!

Corley shrugged: "Your expression says it all."

"...Is it that obvious?" she touched her face.

"Not really."

how did

got a

Roseanne was speechless.

too hot outside, and I know you won't invite me up. So, how

He was quite self-aware.

this guy's

Roseanne was shocked.

I guessed right again,

up at a café

had air conditioning, making

suit, seemed out of place among the café's casual

you

frappe, no ice, extra sugar."

touched his chin as she

brief silence, Roseanne went to the counter:

softly: "So you like it too. Does that mean we're... kindred

replied, "Just

Corley smirked.

many coincidences

not be aware, but over the years, he had come to know her preferences-what she liked

drinks

down to

"So, what did you want to talk

I see you without a

IMS

silent for a moment: "...I don't think you

wanted to chat, he wouldn't

her apartment late