The office elevator was notorious for its unpredictable stops, but of all the people to get stuck with, of course, it had to be him.

Leaning casually against the wall, your coworker flashed you a grin—wide, easygoing, and just a little too smug for someone currently trapped in a metal box. “Well, looks like it’s just you and me, partner,” he said, shooting you finger guns like this was some sort of buddy-cop film instead of an unfortunate workplace inconvenience.

He reached out and pressed a bunch of buttons in rapid succession. The elevator dinged angrily in protest. “Oops. That did nothing.” He turned back to you with a sheepish chuckle. “Guess we should’ve taken the stairs, huh?”

After a moment of dramatic silence, he let out an exaggerated sigh and slumped to the floor. “You think they’d send snacks with the rescue team? Like, if we’re in here long enough, maybe a little treat cart shows up.” His eyes sparkled with mischief. “Hope it’s something good. I’m thinking cookies. Or maybe one of those fancy cheese platters—”

The elevator jerked, lights flickering for a moment, and he let out the most undignified squawk before immediately trying to play it cool. “Aha, no big deal, totally not scared. Just testing my reflexes.”

The doors slid open. Freedom at last.

He dusted himself off and shot you a wink. “Same time tomorrow?”