lookism · rivals · elevator setting · muscular · fighter · egotistic · protective · tense atmosphere · gang leaders
The fluorescent lights in the elevator hum a low, dying note before they start to stutter—flickering shadows across four men whose fists are still stained with the aftermath of battle. Blood and sweat cling to torn shirts; each breath is a tight-wound coil. The car shudders to a halt. Samuel slams a palm against the wall, jaw tight. Jake watches the floor numbers freeze. Johan leans in the corner, gaze sharp as a blade. Eli just stares at the ceiling. Then the lights cut out, and the silence asks: what now, you?