The smell of the station doesn't bother me anymore, but it continues to hit me like a bus every time I descend down the pavement staircase. I swipe my MetroCard and place my earbuds in, clicking my favorite playlist and walking to the beat of the song. While I wait, a familiar figure stands out of the crowd piling around me. I'm unable to see his face, but something about his outfit makes my heart flutter.

My eyes flicker towards the tunnel as the screeching of the subway pierces my ears, signaling its arrival. I lose my thought and board the train. My legs basically give out as I quickly grab a seat on one of the open benches. To avoid the people around me, I usually just browse my social media. But today is different. I recognize the blacked-out outfit once again and my eyes beg to see his face. He takes a seat, his hood over his face. It can't be him, can it? His eyes are visible now, even with the shadow from his sweatshirt. I know those eyes. I build up the courage to call out his name, even if it is one of the most awkward things I've done to this date.

"Elliot," I quietly shout.

No response; not even a flinch.

"Hey Elliot," I repeat a little louder. I see him glance at me for a moment but he continues to keep his head tilted towards the ground. As the subway hits its next stop, the people around us start to scurry off, giving me a large opportunity. I take a deep breath before making my way over to him and sitting on the bench across the way. We lock eyes for a moment before he looks away.

"I'm so glad to see you. I have a huge decision to make at work today and I've been anxious about it all morning," I ramble. He darts his eyes between me and the floor. Did I do something wrong? "I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye this morning, if that's what you're mad about?" A few moments pass while I stare at him eagerly.

"I think you have the wrong guy, lady," he mumbles, not even taking the chance to look at my face. I laugh softly at his response.

"Oh c'mon, Elliot. Don't be like that-,"

"How do you know my name?" He sits up straight, finally returning the stare with those large green eyes. My heart sinks to my stomach.

"That's...your name, right? I came across your badge this morning while collecting my shit," I manage to spit out. He shows no emotion as he thinks of his next reply.

"My ID? What are you talking about? I've never seen you in my life," he stutters. He's clearly not joking around right now. Scratching his leg anxiously, he visibly starts to sweat. I can't help but sit up straight now, too, completely frightened.

"You're scaring me..."

"Wha... What's your name?" He shakes his head slightly, trying to connect his own thoughts with my words.

"Delilah- You know that," I whine. My heart beats a mile per minute as I anticipate what he will say next. What is wrong with him? We've been seeing each other almost every night for about two weeks now, and this is how he treats me? "Elliot I was at your place last night!" Raising my voice, I become frustrated. His eyes widen, which I never thought could be possible. The train makes a stop, the speakers announcing where we are. His face perks up and he snatches his backpack. "Why are you acting like this," I reach for his arm.

"Don't touch me, please," he sternly replies, pulling out of my loose grip and storming off the subway as fast as he can. My throat starts to hurt and tears prick my eyes. I'm not sure what the hell just happened, but I hope I never see that asshole face ever again. Slumping into the seat, I close my eyes and hope I can never open them again...