After their hearty laugh, Aria reached for her bottle of water on the bed, her throat was parched from the relentless giggling. She took a refreshing sip, while Ryan sat beside her, his eyes never leaving her face. He admired the spark in her eyes, the flush on her cheeks, and the radiant smile still plastered on her face.
The silence between them was brief, filled only by the sound of Aria gulping down the water.
"So, shall we discuss how we would get soil?" Ryan asked, breaking the silent atmosphere.
Aria swallowed the water, looking back at Ryan. "Ah, Yes, let's do it," she sighed, setting the empty bottle on the nightstand.
Just then, the door to the bedroom clicked open and Samuel stepped inside, his presence sudden but not unexpected. He had taken a refreshing bath while Ryan and Aria were deep into their laughter.
Samuel stood at the opened door with his chiseled physique wrapped in only a towel that was hanging low around his waist.
Water droplets glistened on his sculpted skin, accumulating the definition of his broad shoulders and chest. His dark blonde hair was wet and tousled, framing his striking features.
"Close your mouth, we don't want something in there," Samuel teased, his gaze directed at Aria.
Aria's cheeks flushed, she realized she had been staring at Samuel wrapped in only a towel hanging low around his waist, she wasn't admiring, she was just momentarily settled that he had taken a bath.
Ryan chuckled softly as Samuel walked confidently to the dresser, flexing his physique like a trophy.
Aria rolled her eyes. "Oh please, don't make me puke," she said, finding her stick on the side of the bed.
Samuel chuckled softly with a small smile and a shake of his head opening the dresser door, Aria was one hell of a sarcastic person.
Aria's hand grasped her walking stick from the bedside and picked it up. She supported herself up from the bed, her movements graceful despite the walking aid.
"Let's give this prick some privacy while he changes," Aria suggested to Ryan, and they both stepped out into the living room, Samuel's voice carried towards them from the bedroom.
"Don't think you're escaping that easily. I'll be right there."
Aria and Ryan left the bedroom and Samuel began rummaging through the dresser, he picked out a brown colored shirt and a pair of faded colored jeans.
His dark blonde hair was still damp, as he began wearing on the picked clothes . The brown shirt stretched across his broad shoulders, accumulated his physique, and the jeans hugged his lower body.
Aria and Ryan waited in the living room, and after some minutes, Samuel emerged from the bedroom, his eyes locking onto the pair. He walked confidently with his boots on, his footsteps quiet on the carpet.
Aria was the only one not wearing a foot wear, the three individuals settled in om the couch at the living room with Aria leaning against the armrest, her walking stick propped beside her, while Ryan sat beside her and Samuel took the seat opposite them.
"So, what are we discussing?" Samuel asked, breaking the silence that had settled on the room.
Aria sat up straight, with a serious expression, she was tired of been a burden "Our plan on how to get our soil," Aria answered,her eyes never leaving Samuel's.
Samuel nodded thoughtfully. "I've also been thinking...we'll need a shovel and maybe a sack or something to hold the soil." His fingers drummed a rhythmic pattern against the armrest as he spoke his thoughts.
Ryan leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "I've got an idea on that," he said. "I saw some equipment stored in the end of the tunnel."
Aria's eyes narrowed, her brow arching in interest. "And you didn't say it since" she asked, looking at Ryan.
Ryan's gaze shifted to Aria and he shrugged "I forgot"
Ryan's gaze shifted to Aria with his expression sheepish and he shrugged his shoulders . "I forgot," he admitted, embarrassment creeping into his voice, his eyes darting momentarily to the floor.
Samuel opened his mouth to speak or protest, but Aria intervened, her voice calm and soothing.
"It's fine," she said, holding her good arm up for Samuel not to bring unnecessary arguments "We can't change it now. Let's focus on what we can control."
Samuel looked at Aria and his expression eased out. "You're right," he said, his shoulders relaxing.
Ryan cleared his throat with his serious expression returning back after admitting his wrong. "Let's begin with our plan," he said, crisp and sharp, Aria nodded, her eyes and head focusing on Ryan.
"Alright," Ryan began to explain, "Aria, you would be remain here, at the entrance, while Samuel and I go up to retrieve the soil."
Aria's didn't need any explanation on why she was left out, she already knows her injured leg won't let her move quickly and effectively.
"You would be the one opening and closing the iron door for us," Ryan continued, "Inorder for the place to be safe." Samuel leaned forward.
"We'll need precise timing," Samuel added. "Aria, You would need to be quick in the task so uninvited things won't be able to enter" Aria nodded, her fingers tracing the bandage on her injured wrist, she was ready to do anything that it takes to help them.
"Consider it done," she said and Ryan nodded.
"Once we're outside, Samuel will provide backup and would keep watch, while I'll handle the soil collection."
The three continued brainstorming, and after an hour of planning Ryan looked at Aria's resolute expression, then he moved to Samuel's confident face.
"Any questions?" Ryan asked and the silence that followed was oppressive.
The three shared a determined glance, the air was electric with anticipation, then in unison, they shook their heads, "No," Aria said, followed by "No," Samuel echoed.
Ryan nodded, a small smile playing on his lips, "Alright then. Let's hope for the best."