She looked up. Shocking herself. Gaping her mouth. He stood there looking surprised too. She could hear her heartbeat. 

"You wanna ride or what, babe?! Just jump in!" she's shocked. That lady's voice made the heart jump. She didn't realize when she walked, but now she ends up being in that elevator standing side by side with that guy. The elevator began to get cramped. More people walked in. And, they slowly began to stand closer, and closer. 

" Dress up for the gathering, huh?" he tried to make a conversation. Awkward. She nod. This situation, for her, is still unimaginable. The elevator opened the door. More people jump in. Now, she stood so close that she could hear him breathing calmly. But, my eyes haven't met yet. 

"What about you?"

" Well, I asked the tailor to be plain simple. End up wearing this crap," he chuckled, pointing at his well-tailored suits. She smiled without realizing. His heart was gasping for air. Those smiles were killing him! He cleared his throat.

" Are you alright, man?" asked the black guy next to him. 

" We're still alive," he smiled, politely.

" Watch you lady carefully! Better grab her tightly before somebody brushes her,"

" I'm not..."

" Thanks, man.." he spun her off. Now, her back is facing the elevator's wall. He pushed her softly. She's in a daze. This is way too much exposure for her! 

" Gosh! Why is this elevator so packed?!" she murmured. He just smiles and grabs the waist slowly. He never imagined that he could do this. But, now he's doing it. 

" There's a group from the local salsa club who had an event in a ballroom on the 15th floor. Unfortunately, the other elevator is on maintenance. So people keep on pouring in. We had to ride until the 15th floor," the other woman responded.

" Where's the gathering's venue?"

" It's on the 10th floor,"

" Push the button.."

" I can't, it's too far," she sighed. He can't do anything. She begins to sob. He knew that she felt uncomfortable. 

" It's okay. Just bear it. Just three-floor counting..." he began to whisper in her ears. She closed her eyes. 

TING!

In an instant, a rush of air swept through the elevator, creating a palpable sensation. One by one, people exited, and gradually, the elevator began to feel spacious and airy. The black gentleman and the kind lady bid their farewells, leaving him, still close to her, their connection unbroken. The elevator's doors closed, sealing them inside.

"Dave, I suppose it's over now, isn't it?" she inquired, a hint of sadness in her voice.

"Yep. I'm sorry," he replied, attempting to put some distance between them. Yet, fate had other plans, and they found themselves standing side by side. An unspoken tension hung in the air, stifling their words. Silence enveloped them, exacerbating the awkwardness within the confined space.

The elevator descended slowly as she pressed the button for the 10th floor. They could feel the subtle movement as the elevator descended further. Suddenly, a jolt shook the cabin. The lights flickered and extinguished, leaving them in darkness as the elevator came to an abrupt halt.

"What do we do now?!" they both exclaimed in unison, their voices echoing with a mix of fear and uncertainty.