Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Owen Reynolds had lectures today.

During the break, he overheard two students discussing that the fire department had slapped a notice on one of the Life Sciences department labs, mandating renovations.

He didn't pay much mind to it until he heard the name "Roseanne" pop up in their conversation.

Upon inquiring further, he discovered it was Roseanne's lab.

He immediately rushed over and arrived just in time to catch a conversation.

"Professor," Roseanne greeted him, "What brings you here? Please, come in."

Mamie and Scales also chimed in with their greetings.

Owen Reynolds said, "I've heard about the situation. If the fire department's renovations go as planned, it'll take at least two months. For now, move your equipment to my lab; there's plenty of space."

It sounded like a decent solution...

However, Mamie and Scales didn't immediately jump on board but instead looked to Roseanne for her decision.

Somehow, Roseanne had become the de facto leader of their little group.

Whenever there was a decision to be made or a crisis at hand, they instinctively sought her opinion.

Moreover...

They weren't brazen enough to assume Owen Reynolds's offer was solely because of them.

After a moment of contemplation, Roseanne politely declined.

...

As the weather turned colder and the days shorter, dusk began to fall earlier.

In a cozy diner-

"Why refuse?" Owen Reynolds asked, his question hanging in the air since they left the lab.

They had decided to walk home together after the lab incident.

Roseanne, having skipped lunch, was famished, especially after the day's events, and had no desire to cook.

So, they ended up at the most popular diner nearby.

Owen Reynolds offered, "Dinner's on me."

Without arguing, Roseanne accepted, "Then I won't hold back."

He smirked at her response.

Due to the diner's popularity, they waited about ten minutes for a table.

Once seated, he couldn't help but ask.

Roseanne wasn't surprised and

sighed softly, "You've helped me out plenty before, but there are some battles I must face alone. You can't I

be there for me forever, can you?" All content is © N0velDrama.Org.

Owen Reynolds almost blurted out, "Why not?" but held back, listening as she continued―

"The conflicts we have with the

administration and other faculty, running from them isn't a solution. f

we sidestep this issue now, what about next time? And the time after that? It's better to confront them now to avoid similar problems in the future."

"Some people are used to looking down on others, pushing them around. Without a stern lesson, they'll never learn."

Owen Reynolds noted, "Sounds like you've got a plan?"

"I do, somewhat, but it still needs refining," she admitted.

After all, it was no minor issue...

Owen Reynolds nodded, "If you've got it figured out, then I won't insist. But if you need me, just say the word."

"Will do."

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Roseanne left unsaid that every research group, more or less, harbored some exclusivity, especially ones as tight-knit and long-standing as Owen Reynolds's group with Jen, Sammy, and Liz.

It had taken her months to barely integrate with them initially, and with Mamie and Scales in the mix, the dynamics and inconveniences only multiplied.

Moreover, relying on someone else's lab was never a long-term solution.

In the end, independence was key.

---

After dinner, they walked home, the night breeze brisk and chilly.

Roseanne's hair got tousled by the wind, and she tried to smooth it back, only for it to get disheveled again as soon as she let go.

Owen Reynolds stepped ahead to shield her from the wind.

"Thanks," she murmured, trying to manage her hair when suddenly, a wave of warmth enveloped her shoulders, his jacket draped over her, carrying his scent.

"It's chilly, wear this. Don't catch a cold," he said before stepping back, creating a respectful distance between them.

Restrained, yet caring.