Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

The door was shut tight, not a whisper of sound coming from inside.

It suddenly dawned on Roseanne that she hadn't seen Owen for quite a while.

They used to leave their apartments around the same time, often bumping into each other. Recently, however, their paths hadn't crossed at all.

Perhaps Owen was just too swamped with work, practically living in his lab by now.

Roseanne didn't dwell on it too much.

That evening, after spending some time at the library, she returned home around 8 PM.

Just as she entered the building, a figure rushed by her-

It was Owen, out for a night run.

She quickly called out, "Professor-"

But the man, as if he hadn't heard her, kept running.

Roseanne was puzzled. Maybe she had spoken too softly, or perhaps he was wearing earbuds?

Changing into her jogging gear, Roseanne decided to head out for a run herself.

she'd bump into Owen and ask him if

it came to purchasing equipment, Owen and Ms.

had been under the weather recently, frequently visiting the hospital. Roseanne didn't

lab equipment, something they were desperately trying to keep under wraps. Given Ms. Payne's fiery temper, she would probably storm out of the hospital to confront Edna and the department

the department clearly favoring

what? It would just be bad for

seemed

reason, after sending him two messages and making a call,

guessed he was just too busy

to talk to him was

to meet Corley for lunch the next day, but deep

why that

seemed more trustworthy than Corley, who was unpredictable and aggressive. Owen's help didn't come with the pressure of owing him, unlike

too clear, too

the usual route they both took for runs, Roseanne searched but found

lap with no luck and feeling

she left

setting them in the cooker a delicious porridge

having cleaned up the kitchen, Roseanne decided to knock directly, "Mr.,

No response came.

"Professor?"