Maybe

Chapter 37 Unlocked door

The next few days felt like a game of hide-and-seek. I kept bumping into Ethan-on the streets, in stores, even at the tiny café around the corner. Each encounter made me more suspicious. Was it just coincidence, or did he actually live in the same building?

One night, my suspicions hit a boiling point. As I approached my place, there he was again, standing just outside, deep in conversation with someone. I decided to test my theory.

Coolly, I walked past him, heading straight for the elevator. My fingers brushed the button, and the doors opened immediately. I didn't step in. Instead, I pressed the button for the top floor and stepped back, pretending to wait. The elevator hummed as it ascended, leaving me standing there, heart pounding in anticipation.

Moments later, Ethan walked in, silent but unmistakable. He stood beside me, and the air suddenly felt too thick. Great. Just great.

The elevator returned with a soft ding. We both stepped in. I hit my floor button, but he didn't press anything. My stomach twisted.

He's going to the same floor? Why?

We stood in awkward silence, the hum of the elevator the only sound. Finally, he broke it.

"Why are you avoiding me?" His voice was calm, but there was a hint of amusement in it.

I blinked, feigning confusion. "I'm not avoiding you."

He tilted his head slightly. "Really? You've been running the other way every time you see me."

I shrugged, keeping my expression neutral. "Just a coincidence."

"Right," he drawled, unconvinced. Then he added, "You don't have to worry about the shirt button."

That made me pause. The shirt button. Seriously? I felt a flicker of annoyance but kept my face blank. "I wasn't worried."

He smirked, leaning casually against the wall. "Good."

The silence stretched again. I stole a glance at him. Still no button press. We're really going to the same floor. This can't be happening.

As the elevator climbed, I felt trapped. Of all the people to share a building with, it had to be him.

I crossed my arms, side-eyeing him. "Do you... live here?"

Ethan turned his head slowly, giving me a look like I'd just asked if water was wet. His eyebrows lifted slightly, and his lips curved into the faintest smirk. "Yes," he said, dragging out the word as if it were obvious.

I stared at him for a second, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. "Right. Of course, you do."

"Why else would I be here?" he added, amusement lacing his voice.

I didn't have a good answer to that, so I just shrugged. "Could be stalking me. Who knows?"

He chuckled softly, the sound low and infuriatingly smooth. "Trust me, if I were stalking you, you wouldn't have to ask."

I bit my tongue, deciding it was best not to engage further. The last thing I needed was to feed his ego. Instead, I focused on the glowing numbers above the elevator door, silently willing them to move faster. This ride needs to end. Now.

The elevator doors slid open, and I wasted no time stepping out, eager to escape this awkward encounter. But as I reached my door and pulled out my keys, my gaze drifted across the hall.

Ethan was standing in front of the door opposite mine.

"What!" I whispered under my breath, staring at him like the universe had just played the cruelest joke on me. He caught my wide-eyed expression and raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying my shock.