Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne always had a soft spot for the cozy diner on the second floor during her college days. The person serving the comfort food with a smile was a round-faced lady who always carried an air of happiness. Whenever Roseanne showed up, the lady would chatter away cheerfully, then generously scoop an extra helping of meat onto her plate.

From a distance, she could spot the familiar serving window. Nothing had changed. It had been three years since graduation, and Roseanne wasn't sure if the lady would still remember her.

As Roseanne joined the line, the lady was busy serving, not uttering anything. But when she felt the heft of the serving spoon, her face broke into a smile. "Thank you."

Owen paid for the food, and they found a spot to sit down.

Roseanne smiled. "It's been a while, but it tastes like before."

The chef's skills hadn't faded over the three years. If anything, they had improved.

Roseanne reminisced, "Back in college, I'd often lose track of time in the lab and forget to grab lunch. When I'd head out, it was almost 1:30 PM, and there wasn't much left. But that lady always saved a chicken leg for me."

Owen had been right behind her in line, recalling how the lady's impatience turned into a warm smile when she saw Roseanne.

Poking at the food in her bowl, Roseanne suddenly wanted to open up. "I didn't get along well with my roommate. Aside from Leda and Ms. Payne, the diner lady was probably the kindest person to me. And now, there's you."

Owen paused.

Roseanne continued, "School's great, right? It's quiet and pure, the perfect place to focus. Honestly, reapplying for grad school might have been the best choice I've made."

...

After their meal, they didn't rush

back, opting instead for a stroll around campus. A gentle breeze kissed them when they walked along the gravet paths and passed under trellises draped with vines. Soon, they found themselves by Kingswell University's most picturesque spot, Mirrorlight Lake. The lotuses were out of season, but the lake was still dotted with their round leaves, presenting a scene of understated elegance.

Feeling tired, Roseanne found a stone bench to sit on, with Owen quietly sitting beside her.

"The breeze here is refreshing." She leaned back on her hands, watching the lotus leaves drift lazily on the water's surface, her mind settling into a peaceful calm.

Owen remarked, "Kingswell

University has been pushing for environmental conservation these past two years, and it's been effective. That's why the lake is so clean. It is nice to sit here and enjoy the breeze."

After a moment's silence, Roseanne suddenly spoke, "About earlier..."

"He's your ex-boyfriend, right?" Owen said.

Roseanne turned to him.

The man adjusted his glasses, meeting her gaze without flinching. "Sorry, I overheard your conversation before I entered the study."

Roseanne gave a faint smile. "Yeah, we just broke up. It was messy. My apologies for that scene."

A sense of understanding flashed in Owen's eyes behind his glasses as he remembered the argument and the mention of six years. He had his suspicions but preferred not to pry into others' affairs. It dawned on him then that the man he had seen that day wasn't her boyfriend Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

As the sun set, they didn't stay much longer and decided to head home.

Owen helped Roseanne carry her books to her doorstep. As they parted, he handed her a tube of ointment. "I bought this on the way back. It'll help heal faster."

Roseanne paused, guessing he must have bought it while she was asleep. Accepting it, she pressed her lips together and murmured, "Thank you."