Stuck in the Elevator Again | ONC 2022

Loop 1.1

A tiny part of me that I constantly tried to keep a tight rein on breaks free and frolics in my mind, twirling and swaggering as she swoons over the gorgeous man.

My cheeks turn shades deeper. His intense gaze makes me feel exposed under his survey.

However, from his piercing eyes, I already know my thoughts are known to him. His eyes, those electrifying eyes, they convey that message which every gentleman gives off — I'm not interested in you.

Understanding his underlying message, I feel my stun and excitement fade, replaced by shame and embarrassment. The urge to cry pushes through my boundaries, making me vulnerable. However, my pride impels me to return an estranged but apologetic smile.

In return, he nods at me with lips in a firm line before looking back down at the paperwork in his hold.

Subsequently, I turn my back to him, pressing the button of my destination: 72nd floor.

I force myself to focus on the reflective wall beside me as self-questioning consumes my thoughts. Looking into the mirror, my fingers graze my reflection unconsciously.

The seemingly composed woman in the mirror is so hypocritical, so pathetic. She has that bossy look plastered onto her features; exactly the look a broken woman wants the world to see. To notify them that she is strong enough to fight her wars.

On the other hand, she cries herself to sleep in the darkest of the nights, when no one can leer under the thick sheets to know what exactly is going on, when she feels safe enough to let go of her cloak which she has worn for too long. Long enough for her to remember who she is.

She is the sham that everyone despises because of her disrespectful facade, which she has learned to master perfectly. She is the kind who loves attention, and even though some are stupid enough to entertain her, the others who are smart enough simply dismiss her with a disdainful shake of their head.

Like him.

I hate seeing myself like this. It is painful to amplify a nature that does not always remain comfortable for me. All I want is to hide in a warm and safe embrace and bawl my eyes out, hiding from the cruel world of humanity for as long as I can.

However, I have to stay strong.

The elevator jolts to a stop and breaks my train of thoughts. I stumble, gripping the railing to steady myself. I exhale through my mouth to calm myself and look up at the screen.

70th floor.

I stare at the little white screen that is situated on top of all the floor buttons to confirm whether the jolt was the elevator malfunctioning or simply a routine that the maintenance crew has failed to fix.

After ten long seconds, the screen still read 70 with that little black upward arrow on top winking at me teasingly.

Great. Just great.

I sigh, gaining the attention of the god-like man behind me.

He obviously is not the most observant pal in the neighborhood.

He glances at me before looking up at the screen, his gaze pausing for a few seconds before a quiet sigh leaves his soft kissable lips.

He walks towards me and reaches for the infamous yellow button, which I bet all children are tempted to press. Some buzzing sounds sizzle through the air before a monotone speaks up.

"What's the problem, Mr. Warski?"

"The elevator's stuck on the 70th floor," Mr. Warski replies. His low voice is soothing, and somehow sends ripples through my body. His voice is definitely welfare for voiceholics like me.

"We'll get it resolved right away, Mr. Warski. Moreover, we are truly sorry for the inconvenience, miss."

"It's fine," I respond with a wave of my hand while disappointment flows through me.

I am officially late for my interview. Yay.

"Thank you, Mr. Warski. Thank you, miss."

And just like that, the monotone leaves.

I am about to let out another sigh, but the fine smell of cologne wafting towards me catches my attention.

I can't help inhaling the mouth-watering scent. My reasoned mind understands, deep inside, it's the hopeless romantic girl inside me who causes such reactions.

Mr. Warski lets go of the button and stands next to me, his head slightly lowered. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience caused. But I can assure you, it's not every day an elevator in my company malfunctions."

The girl who is fantasying about all the positive outcomes of approaching Mr. Uburg withers instantly. I lift my head slowly, my shocked eyes meeting his amused ones.

Mr. Warski tilts his head. "Oh, I guess I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Jaxtyn Uburg."