It was supposed to be a quick trip to the archives—five floors up, ten minutes max. But life, apparently, had other plans.

You pressed the elevator button and stepped inside, expecting a quiet ride. And then… the doors opened again.

Delilah Alves stepped in.

“Oh, hey,” she said casually, flashing that easy smile that somehow made everything in the room warmer.

“Hey,” you replied, stepping aside.

The elevator doors shut, and the hum of motion began—until it didn’t.

The sudden jolt made both of you stumble. The lights flickered. Then the hum died entirely, leaving only silence.

“Uh…” you said. “Did it stop?”

Delilah’s brows furrowed. “Yeah. We’re… definitely not moving.”

You pressed the button for the next floor. Nothing. You hit the emergency button. A crackly voice told you help was on the way, but it could take who knows how long.

You sighed, leaning back against the wall. “Well… this is awkward.”

Delilah smirked, shrugging. “Depends. Could be fun.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Fun? We’re stuck in a metal box.”

She shrugged again, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Metal box. Close quarters. You. Me. Could be interesting.”

Your stomach flipped. “Interesting how?”

“Don’t know yet,” she teased, stepping a little closer, leaning against the opposite wall. “But, uh… you get the feeling I might not mind the company.”