10 First Attempt

As the group wrapped up their creative endeavors at the first destination, a sense of accomplishment mingled with exhaustion. They made their way back to the RV, each member seeking solace and relaxation in their own way. Henry retreated to his bed, engrossed in a book, seemingly lost in his own world.

The atmosphere inside the RV was filled with a sense of anticipation as Alice, driven by a mix of curiosity and playfulness, gathered her courage to approach Henry. The air crackled with nervous energy, and the subtle hum of conversation from the other members of the group provided a backdrop to their interaction.

Surrounded by the cozy confines of the RV, its interior bathed in warm, golden light, Alice's heart fluttered with a blend of anticipation and nervousness. Her gaze fixed on Henry, her eyes dancing with mischief, a mischievous glint reflecting her intentions. The surroundings seemed to fade into the background as her focus centered on the man before her.

Henry sat on his bed, engrossed in his book. The sound of pages turning and his steady breathing filled the air. He seemed deeply absorbed in his reading, unaware of Alice's attempts to get his attention.

" I want to see you shirtless", Alice said.

He wanted to maintain his focus and ignored her at first. But Alice was determined and moved closer to Henry, her anticipation growing. She wanted to uncover the mystery behind his captivating presence, to see his physical attractiveness. Her heart raced with a mix of curiosity and playfulness, as she wanted to test Dhalia's theory. The atmosphere between them became charged with curiosity and underlying tension.

Alice sat on the bed next to him. Her hand reached out, ready to unbutton Henry's shirt and reveal what was hidden beneath. However, the silence was interrupted by Henry's sudden action. He firmly grabbed her hand, showing his impatience. With a clear and firm voice,

Henry said, "No."

Alice's hopes were shattered, and she felt a mix of embarrassment and rejection. The surroundings, with comfortable furnishings and personal belongings, seemed to hold their breath, observing this vulnerable moment between Alice and Henry.

In that instant, the walls of the RV seemed to close in, and the space lost its comforting atmosphere. Alice felt her heart sink as she withdrew from Henry, disappointment visible on her face. The once inviting interior now felt suffocating, intensifying the weight of rejection that hung in the air.

Alice walked into the kitchen where Dhalia was taking a drink of water. When Dhalia noticed Alice, she saw tears in her friend's eyes and immediately became concerned.

"What happened, Alice?" Dhalia asked gently.

Alice: voice trembling, tears streaming down her face "Dhalia, I don't understand... I approached Henry, thinking it would be playful, but he rejected me... It was so embarrassing and hurtful."

Dhalia: concern evident in her eyes, puts down her glass of water "What happened, Alice?

Alice: pauses, looking at Dhalia with a mix of sadness and vulnerability "I... I wanted to help you, Dhalia. I thought I could uncover Henry's secret.

Dhalia: taken aback, disbelief coloring her voice "Wait, what? You approached Henry to see if he has the mark of stabbing? Alice, that's not what I meant when I shared my suspicions with you. I never intended for you to do something like that."

Alice: crying even more, her voice filled with frustration and hurt "I thought I was helping, Dhalia. And now you're scolding me for it."

Dhalia: realizing the impact of her words, she softens and places a comforting hand on Alice's shoulder "Alice, I'm sorry if my reaction seemed like scolding. That wasn't my intention. I'm concerned because I care about your well-being. We should have communicated better and worked together."

Dhalia reached out to comfort Alice, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, offering solace in the midst of her tears. Yet, underlying her efforts, a hint of unease began to stir within Dhalia. She couldn't help but feel a slight disapproval towards Alice's approach in trying to uncover the truth about Henry.

As Dhalia listened to Alice's emotional account, a determination sparked within her. The intensity of the situation compelled her to take matters into her own hands. She realized that she had to find out the truth about Henry's identity.

Mixed emotions churned inside Dhalia's heart. On one hand, she felt a surge of curiosity and a relentless desire to uncover the truth. The mystery surrounding Henry had captivated her, and the need to confirm her suspicions consumed her thoughts. On the other hand, she experienced a subtle hesitation, a tinge of anxiety about what she might discover.

Dhalia recognized the risks involved in her quest. She understood that delving deeper into Henry's secret could unravel a world of complexity and danger. Yet, her determination and loyalty to her own convictions pushed her forward. She believed that by taking matters into her own hands, she could protect both herself and Alice from potential heartache or harm.

The weight of responsibility settled upon Dhalia's shoulders as she made her decision. She would gather the courage to confront Henry and seek the truth directly from him. This course of action carried with it a mix of excitement and trepidation. Dhalia prepared herself mentally, steeling her nerves for the encounter that lay ahead.