Cheater Exposed

As I pressed the button to close the elevator doors, Fletcher squeezed in at the last second, bringing a few others with him. He caught my frosty gaze and seemed a bit uncomfortable.

"Come on, what's with the attitude? I had to organize everything down to the last detail," he said with an awkward chuckle.

I kept my eyes on the elevator buttons, ignoring him. Our colleagues, those chosen for this 'mission,' looked excited and eager.

The elevator ascended slowly, the silence almost tangible.

Trying to break the tension, Fletcher fiddled with his nose and pulled something out of his pocket. "Carly, maybe you should tie your hair back."

I glanced over, curious. In his palm was a floral hair tie.

Seeing my interest, Fletcher animatedly explained, "You know, we might get into some scrapes up there. Long hair can be an easy target. I've seen videos where it becomes a problem."

That actually made some sense. I took the hair tie and secured my hair into a bun.

Suddenly, it dawned on me. "Hold on, how did my hair tie end up in your pocket?"

Caught off guard, Fletcher stammered, a suspicious blush creeping onto his cheeks.

"I, uh, well, you see..."

Our colleagues, sensing a whiff of gossip, turned their curious eyes toward Fletcher.

"Ding—"

The elevator doors opened right then.

We had arrived at the 32nd floor.

Fletcher seized the moment, gesturing grandly, his voice filled with a sense of purpose: "Alright, everyone, enough with the distractions. For Carly's sake, let's move!"