Stoddard leaned in, a mix of concern and disbelief in his voice, "Dude, did you even read the invite properly? It says 'Life Science Department Mixer', not some academic symposium!"
"I'm aware."
"And you're still going?"
"Problem?"
"Man, you're possessed or something..."
Hold on!
Stoddard's eyes widened as if he just put two and two together, staring at the invitation once more, "Life Science Department? Isn't that where Roseanne is?"
Owen Reynolds, who was fiddling with some gadgets, froze mid-action.
Stoddard moved closer, squinting at Owen, "Buddy, you've got bigger issues than being possessed. You're head over heels!"
"You've got a thing for Roseanne, haven't you?"
"Does she know?"
"Bro, you're way older than her. Think she's cool with that?"
Faced with Stoddard's rapid-fire questions, Owen was rendered speechless.
...
"…Professor? Professor!" Roseanne called out a few times.
Owen snapped back to reality, "…What did you say?"
"I asked if you're heading home or to the lab after this."
"Home."
Roseanne nodded, "Then maybe we could—" walk together.
But before she could finish, a tall figure stopped beside her.
Roseanne instinctively looked up, locking eyes with the newcomer.
Corley smirked, "Fancy seeing you here. Mind if I take a seat?"
Then, turning to Mamie, "Could you scooch over a bit, pretty please?"
Mamie, somewhat shyly, nodded, "Su-sure."
After moving aside, Corley thanked her and casually sat next to Roseanne.
Roseanne was surprised, "You're here too?"
Corley glanced at Owen, a slight smile on his lips, "Is it that strange? Mr. Reynolds is here, isn't he?"
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