?


    "Can''t find time to exercise during the day, so I guess I''ll have to make up for it with a nighttime jog."


    Roseanne stood still, waiting for him to catch up to her on the same step before they continued upward together. Roseanne sighed, "Today would''ve been a disaster without your help. We''d have been kicked out on our ears."


    He just waved off the gratitude, "No need for formalities between us. Five days, is that enough? If not, I can try to negotiate a bit more time with the administration..."


    "That''s more than enough."


    The fire safety issue was a serious one, involving the local fire department and with an official notice already issued, there was no bending the rules.


    Even if the principal intervened, it wouldn''t make a difference.


    They were going to have to move sooner orter, so why make things difficult for Owen Reynolds?


    He had already helped her out more times than she could count.


    Walking together, time always seemed to fly. They hardly exchanged a few words before they found themselves on the seventh floor. "Goodnight, Professor. See you tomorrow," Roseanne said as she opened her door.


    Owen Reynolds smiled, "See you tomorrow."


    After she closed her door, he did the same.


    Back in his study, he sat down in front of hisputer. As soon as the screen lit up, Stoddard''s messages started popping up relentlessly-


    【Where did you go? Howe you suddenly stopped replying?】


    【Don''t tell me you went out for another run?]


    [Seriously... You''ve been up and down several times tonight, what''s the deal?]


    [Owen? You possessed or something?]


    【Fine! Actually went for a jog, huh? Anyone would think there''s gold waiting for you out there.】


    【You''re acting weird tonight. Seen people go for a night run, but never someone who heads out several times in one evening.】


    【Just look at yourself. From 7 to now at 10, how many times have you wandered out?!)


    【Forget it... I''ll handle the data myself, can''t count on you tonight!】


    From growing frustration to eventual resignation, Stoddard silently went offline.


    Owen Reynolds remembered the sight of the girl standing alone in the corridor, the dim incandescent light above her making her look even more slender and fragile.


    All alone...


    Thankfully, on his fifth trip down, he finally ran into her.


    At least he could keep herpany for the rest of the way up the stairs, right?


    With that thought, a smile crept onto Owen Reynolds'' lips.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Roseanne got home, peeled off her coat, and felt the warmth of the heating envelop her.


    After drinking a ss of warm water, she went to take a shower.


    By the time she emerged, it was almost eleven.


    She sat on the sofa, tiredly rubbing her temples.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Just then, her phone rang.


    She picked it up, and her expression darkened instantly upon seeing the caller ID.


    "...Hello?"


    "Anne, just one day."


    "?"


    Murray sounded desperate, "I only need one day. I promise, I won''t ask for anything unreasonable, and we''ll stay outdoors. Once it gets dark, I''ll take you straight home, no tricks."


    Roseanne cautiously asked, "What are you nning?"


    He let out a bitterugh, "You''ve grown to dislike me so much, getting even a moment with you seems impossible. I just want to spend some quiet time with you, to talk, peacefully."


    But even that seemed too much to ask for.


    It felt like they were negotiating a business deal, bargaining for a chance to meet.


    Murray''s voice carried a self-mocking tone.


    Roseanne hesitated, then said, "...Okay."


    His spirits lifted instantly.


    "But," she quickly added, indicating there was more, "I have conditions."


    "What conditions?"


    Roseanne was firm, "Any request


    you make,


    if I don''t like it or if it.


    à me ufortable, /cel


    refuse outright."


    "Agreed."