Chapter 12

Ryan grew increasingly impatient as Sherry cried nonstop following their fall into the crevice. To him, tears seemed pointless, merely squandering precious bodily fluids such as water and salt. "Stop lying to me. We've scoured every possible exit, which all lead to dead ends. Where else could there be one?" she sniffled. "Besides, I'm not crying because I'm afraid of dying." "Then, why?" he asked curiously. As those words reached her ears, her cheeks instantly turned red. She felt shy and uncertain as she stumbled over her words while debating whether or not to respond. "We're practically in this life-or-death situation together. So what's there to be embarrassed about? Come on, why were you crying anyway?" "Aw, it's just that I feel like it's such a shame, you know? I mean, look at me. I'm beautiful, got a decent figure and all. Still, I've never been in a relationship or been with a man, so it feels like a bummer." Ryan was left utterly shocked by Sherry's words. "Seriously? You're still a virgin?" She blinked at him shyly and nodded her head in affirmation. He couldn't believe his eyes. With his chin resting on his hand, he examined her from head to toe, lost in deep thought. He found it hard to believe that there was someone who hadn't had a relationship before during these times. Besides, Sherry didn't look that young either. She had to be at least a college graduate. Then, he remarked, "Well, that's unexpected. You're quite attractive. How come no one's ever approached you before?" His words made her blush under his gaze. She responded sharply, "Are you still doubting me? It's just that I haven't found the right person!" "Okay, okay, I trust you." He quickly changed the subject. "It's getting late now. Let's call it a night and focus on finding a way out tomorrow." Ryan grumpily turned over and returned to sleep. As he drifted off, he felt a delicate arm with a faint fragrance snuggle up beside him. He was too tired to resist, and the closeness brought a sense of comfort and warmth that he welcomed. Eventually, he drifted off to sleep. When Ryan woke up the following day, he sensed something was off. He immediately focused on an arm draped over his neck and a slender thigh around his leg. The thigh, fair and lengthy, stretched out beside him, and he couldn't help but notice the delicate pink toes. What startled him even more were the two remarkably soft mounds nestled against his back, gently rising and falling with each breath. With a sudden jolt, Ryan sat upright and glanced behind him. His eyes landed on Sherry, who was sleeping soundly. The morning light gently illuminated her, giving her skin a flawless appearance. He instinctively reached out and gently touched her face. To his surprise, she leaned in closer and licked his finger before returning to her slumber. This unexpected action sent a surge of unnamed desire coursing through his body. After licking his finger, she smacked her lips and returned to sleep. Sherry grumbled, "Hmm... this drumstick is way too salty. It doesn't taste good at all." Ryan retorted, "You're dissing me like a piece of chicken and then complaining about it?" After he finished speaking, she immediately hugged him. Her cheeks flushed like they were ablaze, making her look adorable. He took a deep breath to quell the rush of emotions and stared at her for a while. Then, he asked, "You're pretending to be asleep, right?" Upon hearing this, Sherry's breath hitched, and she held onto Ryan tighter. He was exasperated, pushed her aside, and stood up. "Stop pretending. Your eyelids were fluttering the whole time. You were faking it." He added, "Why on earth are you trying to seduce me this early in the morning?" Sherry slowly opened her eyes and glanced at Ryan resentfully before crying softly. It wasn't fear or regret that stirred her this time, but rather frustration at his cluelessness. "Damn it! Why are you crying? I haven't done anything to you!" he said warily, retreating until his back was against the wall. Her voice choked with tears as she replied, "I do wish you'd just come and ravish me. It would be best if you came and ravaged me hard. "Seriously, you're such a blockhead. Remember what I said last night? Dying a virgin like this is just a shame. "We've been stuck here all night, and no one's shown up. Even the branches are all burned up. Chances are, we won't make it through tonight. "Since we're both gonna die, we might as well make the most of it. Let's sleep together and experience some pleasure before we die, okay?" Ryan was utterly baffled by Sherry's convoluted thought process. He stood there, stunned and at a loss for words. To his surprise, she stepped forward and embraced him. "I'm being upfront here, don't you get it? "I just want to feel something real before we die. I want to experience being a woman, just once, before it's all over. Can't you give me that?" Ryan couldn't deny the impact of Sherry's words on him; however, he swiftly reined in his emotions. As the daylight streamed in, there was a glimmer of hope. Perhaps their others would come to their rescue. With this possibility in mind, conserving energy became paramount. It would be unjust to squander an opportunity for escape due to indulging in momentary pleasure. He slipped out of her embrace while cautioning, "Let's not be hasty. We still have a chance for survival." "Regardless of whether we make it out alive, I just need to feel like a real woman, to be touched and desired. Can you give me that?" With those words, Sherry pulled down her pants, leaving only her white lace thong. She glanced at Ryan provocatively and even licked her lips. Upon seeing his lack of reaction, she asked suspiciously, "Are you incapable?" He looked at her and smirked. "Incapable? Didn't you feel it earlier?" Her face flushed crimson with the memory. She covered her face and exclaimed, "Ah! You creep!" He shot back, "I haven't called you a creep yet, but here you are, fondling me early in the morning." Sherry's blush deepened. She momentarily covered her face before lowering her hands and staring straight at Ryan. "What are you trying to do? You're not planning on forcing yourself on me, are you?" he asked, looking bewildered as he took a few steps back. Suddenly, Ryan slipped and fell onto the ground with his hand submerged in the water. If Sherry hadn't hurried over and pulled him up just in time, he would have fallen into the pond. Despite its shallow depth, falling in would have been no laughing matter. She hurried over and pulled him up with a discontented grumble. "Am I that unattractive? Or is my appearance that unappealing? "Even if you don't want to sleep with me, it's not worth trying to avoid me by committing suicide." "Hold on! Sherry, look!"