TMR

In the Glade, all the talk was about was Michelle and Minho . Everyone persistently "shipped" *them, winked, cracked jokes, and made cunning plans to accidentally get them alone. But the truth was much simpler: there was not a hint of romance between them.

• Minho was always by Michelle's best friend, Alice ,’s side . They understood each other perfectly, trained together, and watched each other's backs in the Labyrinth. And Michelle ? Her thoughts were occupied only by Thomas *. He was everything to her—hope, support, the future.

No secret glances or awkward pauses. Just friends, just the Glade, just life, where the heart doesn't always listen to other people's expectations. The first rays of sun were barely breaking through the cracks in the Glade's walls when* Michelle opened her eyes. She lay next to Thomas *, feeling his even breathing and warmth, and for a moment allowed herself to simply enjoy the peace. Around her, the other kids were starting to wake up, and the usual morning conversations and laughter could be heard, but for her, the whole world now fit into this small patch of silence.

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out above them: — Finally, lovebirds! And I thought I'd have to water you.

• Michelle looked up sharply and saw Minho grinning , and next to him, Alice , who just rolled her eyes and snorted quietly. In the Glade, their couple was a favorite subject of jokes, although in reality, there was nothing between Michelle and Minho except friendship. It's just the way it is: if she's with Thomas , and he's with Alice , then they're destined to be "together *."

"Leave me alone, Minho,"* Michelle muttered *, standing up and fixing her hair. "You should have helped with breakfast."

• Minho only smiled wider and extended his hand, helping her up. At that moment, Michelle caught Alice's eye—she winked almost imperceptibly, and all four of them laughed, as if confirming that anything was possible in the Glade, even the most unexpected rumors.