TMR

All anyone in the Glade talked about was Michelle and Minho. Everyone around them stubbornly “shipped” them, winking, cracking jokes, and hatching cunning plans to accidentally leave them alone together. But the truth was much simpler: there wasn't a hint of romance between them.

Minho was always by the side of Alice — Michelle's best friend. They understood each other without words, trained together, and watched each other's backs in the Maze. And Michelle? Her thoughts were occupied only by Thomas. He was everything to her — her hope, her support, her future.

No secret glances or awkward pauses. Just friends, just the Glade, just a life where the heart doesn't always listen to the expectations of others.
The first rays of sun were barely breaking through the cracks in the Glade's walls when Michelle opened her eyes. She was lying next to Thomas, feeling his steady breath and warmth, and for a moment, she allowed herself to simply enjoy this peace. Around them, the other boys were already starting to wake up; the usual morning chatter and laughter could be heard, but for her, the whole world currently fit into this small piece of silence.

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

Michelle snapped her head up and saw a smirking Minho, and beside him — Alice, who simply rolled her eyes and gave a quiet snort. In the Glade, their "pair" was a favorite topic for jokes, although in reality, there was nothing between Michelle and Minho but friendship. It had just become a thing: if she was with Thomas, and he was with Alice, then they absolutely had to be “together”.

— Leave me alone, Minho, — Michelle grumbled, getting up and fixing her hair. — You'd be better off helping with breakfast.

Minho only smiled wider and reached out a hand to help her up. In that moment, Michelle caught Alice's gaze — she gave a barely noticeable wink, and all four of them laughed, as if confirming: in the Glade, anything is possible, even the most unexpected rumors.