𝑳𝒂𝒃𝒚𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒉 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 - ᴀ ᴍᴀᴢᴇ ʀᴜɴɴᴇʀ ꜰᴀɴꜰɪᴄᴛɪᴏɴ

𝟸𝟺 - 𝚏𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

"Spill." That was the first thing he snapped the second he shoved me into the Map Room.

He locked the door with a sharp click, and I stood stiff by the table in the middle. Being here again, it hit me like a slap, dredging up all the memories from our last argument.

I rubbed at the sore spot on my arm where he'd grabbed me. "What do you wanna know now?" I muttered, annoyed.

"Everything." His answer came fast, his voice firm, as he stepped in closer, folding his arms across his chest, standing a little too near.

"Do you really have to know everything about everyone—"

"Nope. Just you." He cut me off, then cleared his throat like he hadn't just said that. "Shut up and tell me."

"Oh, so now you want me to shut up? Make up your damn mind."

"What was that?" he shot back, jabbing a finger toward the door, clearly talking about Mav.

"I don't know—"

"What do you mean you don't know?"

Ugh, my head was spinning. He seriously couldn't understand anything, could he? Fine. Let's toy with him a little.

"Okay, okay," I huffed dramatically, throwing up my hands. "Since I'm wiser and smarter than you, obviously, I memorized every step I took in the maze, saw the little device thingy—"

"Not that—god, you're so dumb!" He flicked a finger to my forehead. "You and Maverick."

"Me and Mav—what?" I blinked, playing innocent.

"His confession! What the shuck was that?" He threw his arms wide.

"How the hell should I know? You think I told him to confess? I don't even know what he's talking about—"

Minho let out this sharp laugh. "Oh, really? 'My feelings for you are real, I find you beautiful, blah blah blah, your eyes do this thing to me, blah blah, mi mi mi, I get lost in them every time.'" He rolled his eyes, mocking.

Wait... what?

Oh.

Oh.

I slapped my hands over my mouth. "Oh my god—" I gasped, realization smacking me hard. "Shit, dude, I didn't know you liked him—"

"Huh?! No, what the fuck—"

"But hey, it's not like I can control how he feels for me. I mean, maybe if you acted less like a complete ass, he'd like you back. I could wingman! Or... nah, you're on your own." I patted his shoulder, smirking, and turned to leave.

"Hold up, Bean." He caught my arm, spinning me back around. "You're not leaving yet."

I scoffed. "And why the fuck not?"

"We're not done talking." His voice had gone low, rougher.

"Oh, right, yeah, so rude of me." I yanked my arm free, grabbed a chair, and flopped down with a sigh. "Alright, hit me. What do you wanna know about boys?"

His face crumpled up in confusion.

"What? Fine, I'll start." I cleared my throat dramatically. "Since when did you realize you're gay?"

"What?!"

"Sensitive topic? Oh no, didn't mean to pry."

"Cut it out—"

"Next question: are you jealous of me—"

"No!" His voice cracked louder. "I'm not gay! I'm not jealous of you!"

"Damn, calm down! What's your deal?"

"Why don't you just tell me?!"

"Because why the hell do you care?!" I shot up from my chair, arms flailing.

"I don't care!"

"Then why are you acting like this?" I felt irritation bubbling inside me, and I could sense his too. He had this strange look of resignation on his face.

Good enough. I'm so fucking tired of arguing with him. "So, wanna talk about the maze now, asshat?" I slumped back, crossing my arms.

He stared a moment, then sighed hard and stormed toward the door.

"Forget it."

"Hey—"

The door slammed.

Alone again in the Map Room. Cool. I guess Newt and Thomas were getting the story now. Lucky them.

≪ °❈° ≫

"He's so smitten with you."

"Newt, shut the hell up." I flung a gardening tool at the ground, scraping little lines in the dirt. "I'm telling you about what happened in the maze, and this was all you're thinking about?"

He just gave this smug little shrug, chopping wood like it was no big deal. And yeah, okay, he's deceptively strong for a skinny guy. His biceps, though? Not as defined as Mi—

Shut the fuck up.

I felt the urge to just be petty, "You're strong for someone skinny, no?" I rolled my eyes and grabbed a random gardening tool and did some squiggles on the ground. I was insanely bored and I needed something to do, especially when I don't like the topic. And our topic was Minho. If not now, then eventually, it will be.

"You're so petty and defensive." He laughed under his breath, fully aware he could annoy me anytime, and I'd let him. I mean, I do owe him my life, so.

I groaned, about to leave, but then he added, "It's rare to see Minho like that, you know. My advice? Take advantage of it."

"No thanks." I crossed my arms, avoiding his gaze. "I'm not interested in him."

"You know I can see right through you, right?"

Yeah. 

This was gonna be a long day.

≪ °❈° ≫

Seeing Teresa sitting alone by the campfire made my chest twist.

She must've been terrified when she first showed up here — all these guys gawking at her, whispering.

Why had I never talked to her before?

I grabbed two plates piled with chicken strips and mashed potatoes and walked over. "Hey," I offered a half-smile, "mind if I sit with you?"

She scooted over immediately, making space. I handed her the plate and sat beside her.

We ate quietly. Not awkward, exactly, but there was something unspoken between us. A girl connection, maybe. Or trauma bond. Or that excitement of finally having a best friend?

No, I don't do that. I can't force it, but I guess having that isn't bad. Maybe it will be like Newt 2.0.

Funny, though, how Newt kinda hated her. Jealous Newt.

And as the night stretched on, Teresa and I just sat there, saying nothing, watching the guys do their usual campfire nonsense.

And honestly? That silence was kinda good.