No subject, no story

Not a chance. The first one is strong. I like it a lot. The second has an interesting mood, almost Stieglitz-like, but there is something missing, perhaps tiny change in tonality, maybe too many details are sharp, it's hard to say. I would love to see the first plan and second being more distinct. Perhaps softer second plan, hazy-like, with light more diffused throughout in the background.

I love B&W, so hope you don't mind my obsessing over details like that. B&W is special, gets rid of noise and goes right to the heart of the scene.