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."

did you

got a good

Roseanne was speechless.

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

He was quite self-aware.

huh, this guy's pretty considerate, knows his

Roseanne was shocked.

I guessed right again,

at a

air conditioning, making it

seemed out of place among

you have?

no ice,

touched his chin

to the counter: "Two cookies and cream frappe, no ice, extra

Corley chuckled softly: "So you like it too. Does

replied, "Just

Corley smirked.

many coincidences

he had come to know her preferences-what she liked

drinks

sat down

what did you want to talk

you without a reason?"

IMS

silent for a moment: "...I

wanted to chat, he wouldn't suggest finding

appear under her apartment late at night for