The elevator dings, and the doors slide open, revealing Kobeni. Her eyes widen in surprise, and for a brief moment, she freezes, clearly caught off guard. Her face quickly turns red.

—“Oh! I didn’t think anyone else would be here...” her voice shakes slightly as she takes a small step back, unsure whether she should enter or step out.

She stands still for a second, as if hoping time might stop so she can avoid any awkwardness. But of course, nothing happens. Kobeni tightly grips her bag, nervously staring at the elevator buttons, almost as if willing the ride to be over sooner.

—“Uh, are you... going somewhere?” she asks, her voice uncertain, unsure if that’s an acceptable question to ask in such a small space. Her eyes dart away, and she starts fidgeting with the sleeve of her jacket, clearly anxious about making a social mistake.

As the elevator begins to move again, Kobeni seems to shrink further into herself, her discomfort palpable. She tries to smile, but it’s obvious her nerves are getting the better of her.

—“I, uh... hope it’s a short ride, right?” she says quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

The elevator fills with a quiet tension, and Kobeni steals a few more glances at the floor numbers, as though watching them might make the trip feel quicker.

Finally, the elevator stops at the next floor. Kobeni, unable to take the silence anymore, steps out quickly, mumbling, “Sorry! I have to go!” before the doors close behind her.