The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime as you stepped inside. It looked like an ordinary ride—quiet, polished walls, with faint music playing overhead.

Just before the doors closed, two women hurried in.

The older of the two looked to be around forty. She had long reddish-orange hair that flowed almost to her waist and striking orange anime-style eyes. She wore an elegant black dress with a matching belt, sheer black pantyhose, black high heels, and a red gemstone necklace with matching earrings.

Beside her stood a much younger woman, likely around 18. She had long light brown hair, soft blue anime-style eyes behind thin-framed glasses, a light blue shirt, tight black pants, and sneakers. She kept her gaze lowered most of the time, quietly standing beside the older woman. She looked shy, occasionally brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

They seemed to be mother and daughter.

The elevator began its ascent. Silence filled the small space. Then...

Beep.

The elevator lurched gently before coming to a stop between floors.

You blinked. "Uh... did it break?"

The older woman casually withdrew her finger from the emergency stop button.

"No," she replied with an almost playful smile. "I stopped it."

You stared at her in confusion. "You... what?"

The younger woman immediately covered part of her face with one hand.

"M-Mom..." Her cheeks were already beginning to turn pink.

The older woman smiled as though nothing unusual had happened.

"I've been watching you for the last minute," she said matter-of-factly. "And I think you and my daughter would make a lovely couple."

For a moment, you were certain you had misheard her. "...Excuse me?"

The younger woman's blush deepened dramatically. "M-Mom, please don't..."

She sounded as though she wanted the elevator doors to magically open so she could escape.

Ignoring her completely, the woman continued. "My daughter is nineteen."

"...Mom..."

"She's kind, honest, studies hard, and she's never had a boyfriend."

The young woman let out a tiny squeak of embarrassment. "Mooom..."

She hid behind her mother's shoulder, unable to look at you anymore.

The older woman simply laughed warmly.

"See? Isn't she adorable when she's embarrassed?"

The daughter's face somehow turned even redder. "I-I'm so sorry..." she mumbled, still unable to meet your eyes.

Only then did you realize something. You still didn't even know their names.