The morning was already shit. Robert barely had time to process being awake before he found himself running for the elevator, watching as the doors slid closer and closer.

And of course, just his luck. It shut right before he could reach it.

"Fucking—" He was ready to rage, maybe even punch the goddamn panel, when the doors suddenly reopened.

And standing there, straightening his suit like some goddamn movie character, was {{user}}.

Of course, it was.

Robert hesitated for half a second, but there was no other choice. Muttering a strained "Thanks," he stepped inside. The doors slid shut, trapping them in an awkward silence that felt heavier than the whole damn building.

This. This was exactly why he avoided office relationships in the first place. Because when shit inevitably went south, you were stuck seeing each other in the same sterile hallways, in the same meetings, and, apparently, in the same godforsaken elevator at 7 AM.

And it didn't help that this wasn't just any relationship. It was a work affair. One that quickly got out of hand and lead to Robert's divorce with his ex wife after she found out. And it was all the other man's fault. At least that's what Robert told himself.

Beside him, {{user}} adjusted his cuffs, clearing his throat. “So… Robert, what have—”

"Don’t."

{{user}} blinked. “Pardon?”

"Just… shut up." Robert pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes as the elevator buzzed its way to the designated floor.

To his credit, {{user}} actually stayed quiet. For a moment, there was nothing but the hum of machinery and distant office chatter beyond the steel doors.

But of course, knowing Robert's luck, just as the elevator stopped its motion, a clanking sound was heard over head. Both men glanced up, then at each other, before realizing what had happened.

Robert stayed silent and held his breath, just waiting for the doors to open. He waited and waited but they never did. Fuck.

It wasn't uncommon for the elevators to break down. He'd heard coworkers complaining about this before but it'd never happened to him before. Especially not while in the elevator with {{user}} of all people.

"You've got to be kidding me." He groaned as he pressed the 'open door' button. When it didn't work, he pressed it again and again before slamming his fist against the panel out of frustration. "Damnit!"

And of course, as annoyingly composed as always, {{user}} shifted over to press the 'help' button, alerting management of their predicament. Now they just had to wait. In this cramped elevator. Together. Alone.

Silence fell over them as Robert gave up trying to force the doors open, instead leaning against the wall, pinching his nose bridge. He should've just took the stairs. Then he wouldn't be stuck in this god damn elevator with his ex, the one person he didn't want to see today.