Husband With Benefits

"Are you sex-deprived?"

Cai nearly choked on his hot chocolate, eyes wide as he stared at Lily in disbelief. Okay, He knew he’d been the one to start the topic after making a cheeky comment about taking her to his bed, since this was their third date and all but he certainly hadn’t expected that to be her response. She had asked the question with complete seriousness, her expression somewhere between concern and contemplation. Was she genuinely worried that he was going to die of blue balls or... worse, pounce on her to save himself?

He felt his nose itch as he struggled to catch his breath, turning to make sure she wasn’t teasing him. But no, she was dead serious, her eyes fixed on him, genuinely searching for an answer.

His first instinct was to reassure her, to laugh it off and pacify any concerns she might have. But his second, much stronger instinct, was to see how far she’d take this. After all, how could he resist playing along with that?

Adopting the most pitiful expression he could muster, Cai sighed dramatically and murmured, "You understand, don’t you? It’s been so long in this cold place... all alone. You know the best part for winters is human touch."

Her eyes widened, and he almost lost it at the brief flash of panic that flickered across her face. She gulped audibly, and Cai had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. The sheer innocence in her reaction made the whole situation ten times funnier.

When he expected her to awkwardly excuse herself or retreat somewhere but she surprised him. Lily squared her shoulders, bracing herself, and asked, "Well... can’t you take care of it yourself?"

Cai had to fight every impulse in his body not to burst out laughing. If he’d had anything in his mouth at that moment, he would’ve been done for—choking on his own amusement. But he managed to keep his composure, just barely.

Trying his best to look sheepish, he put on the most innocent face he could and said, "Take care of it? How do I do that? I’ve only ever had other girls do it for me..."

He raised his hand, covering his face in mock embarrassment, his shoulders shaking ever so slightly. The look on her face was priceless—pure confusion mixed with nervousness and... curiosity? He could practically see the gears turning in her head as she processed his words.

The temptation to take it further was overwhelming. He needed to know how she’d respond if he asked her if she could help him out. But before he could push his luck, Lily’s sharp eyes caught the slight tremor in his shoulders. Her expression shifted from confusion to realization in an instant.

With an indignant growl, she smacked his arm. "You’re pranking me!"