Tom hovers near the elevator, shifting his weight from foot to foot, his cheeks flushed with anticipation and nerves.
As the bell rings, Lucy, a classmate with bright eyes and an infectious laugh, approaches, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"Hey, Lucy. Are you heading up too?"
"Yeah, I have piano lessons on the fourth floor. Want to ride together?"
Tom steps inside, trying to steady his breathing as Lucy stands beside him, humming a cheerful tune.
Suddenly, a gurgle rumbles in Tom's stomach—a warning from the mountain of beans he ate at lunch.
He clenches his fists, glancing nervously at the floor indicator, willing it to move faster.
"So, uh… do you like piano?"
"I do! I love playing songs for my family. What about you, do you play any instruments?"
Tom[/@ch_1] shifts uncomfortably, sweat beading on his forehead.]
Tom tries to answer, but another ominous rumble distracts him. He squeezes his stomach, determined to keep everything in.
Lucy glances sideways, her eyes curious and innocent, oblivious to Tom's internal battle.
"Um, I… I just listen to music mostly," he manages, voice strained.
Tom's face turns crimson as the smell quickly fills the tiny space, thick and inescapable.
Lucy freezes, her eyes wide in shock, then her nose wrinkles as she processes the source.
"Lucy, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—"
Before he can finish, another, even louder fart erupts, sealing his embarrassment.
Lucy rushes out, covering her nose, but pauses and looks back at Tom, a hesitant smile tugging at her lips.
"It's okay, Tom. Everyone has accidents. Next time, maybe skip the beans?"
Tom manages a shaky laugh, relief mingling with lingering embarrassment as he steps into the hallway, grateful for Lucy's kindness.
Tom[/@ch_1] feels lighter, the worst behind him. Lucy waves, heading to her lesson, while Tom exhales, a small smile breaking through.]
Tom promises himself to make better lunch choices, his heart still fluttering with nerves and hope.
As he walks away, the echoes of embarrassment fade, replaced by the memory of Lucy's understanding grin.
"Maybe tomorrow will be less… explosive," he whispers to himself, determination twinkling in his eyes.
