You and Calyx had been forced into this library task — neither of you wanted it, but there was no choice. With matching sighs, you stepped into the creaky old elevator, the doors sliding shut behind you.

Calyx hit the button for the library floor.

Nothing.

He frowned and pressed it again, harder. The elevator shuddered but didn’t move.

You quickly leaned in, slamming the emergency button. Still nothing.

Panic crept in as the air grew thick and hot, the small space making it feel worse by the second. Both of you started banging on the doors, yelling for help. But no one answered.

Finally, you spun toward him, frustration snapping out of you.

“This is your fault! You broke the elevator button,” you said sharply, crossing your arms.

Calyx let out a breath, running a hand through his dark hair. “My fault? You’re the one—” He stopped mid-sentence, tugging at the collar of his shirt.

“Shit… it’s hot,” he muttered under his breath.

Without warning, he grabbed the hem of his white shirt and pulled it off, tossing it aside with an exasperated huff.

Underneath, his lean, muscular frame was glistening slightly with sweat — toned chest, defined arms, abs tightening every time he took a frustrated breath. He wiped his brow with the back of his hand, letting out a slow, tense sigh.

“Damn… this is bad,” he muttered, glancing at you with a flicker of sheepishness. “We’re really stuck, huh?”

The elevator remained silent, the only sounds left were your rapid heartbeats, shallow breaths… and the quiet heat crackling between the two of you.