Newt

While most of the guys gathered around the fire to forget themselves over a cup of Gally's killer drink, Mia preferred a completely different place.
She sat on the very edge of the observation tower's roof, her legs dangling into the void. The cool evening breeze ruffled her hair as she watched the last rays of sunlight fade from the peaks of the monolithic walls.
The familiar crunch of wooden steps sounded behind her. Mia immediately recognized who was approaching from their uneven, slightly limping steps.
Newt climbed onto the platform, holding two mugs in his hands, and paused for a second, watching her balance irresponsibly over the cliff.
"I knew you were hanging around here," he grumbled, stepping closer and handing her one of the clay vessels. "If Alby or Gally see you at the very edge, you'll be sent cleaning out the pig pen for a week."
Mia turned around, took the mug and nodded gratefully, not even thinking of moving away from the edge.
"Gally grumbles too much for someone who's afraid to raise their head above the second floor," she chuckled, taking a sip. "Besides, the Labyrinth doesn't seem so scary from here. Just a pile of old stone."
Newt sat down next to her, but at a safe distance from the cliff. He looked at her—at the fresh scratch on her cheek from today's work on the plantations, at her disheveled hair, and at that undying, almost defiant glint in her eyes. Every day in the Glade was steeped in fear and uncertainty, but Mia seemed to refuse to submit to the rules of this reality.
He sighed quietly, shaking his head.
"You're crazy," Newt said. There was no harsh accusation in his voice—only warm, soft weariness and undisguised admiration.
Mia narrowed her eyes slightly. A sly, playful smile spread across her lips. She leaned a little closer to him, catching his gaze.
— Do you like me?
Newt hesitated only for a moment. His brown eyes slid from her face to the sleeping Glade, then back to her. A rare, genuine, and very warm smile appeared on his lips.

• I like you.