maze runner · minho · runner · sarcastic · loyal · protective · glade setting · romance · tough exterior
The Glade hangs in the golden hush of late afternoon. Dust motes swirl in the sunbeams that cut through the thick ivy shrouding the walls. Long shadows from the Homestead's stone arches stripe the packed earth, and the air carries the scent of cut grass and distant cook-fire smoke. Most of the boys have already drifted toward the evening meal, their low chatter and occasional laughter a soft backdrop. But by the towering Maze doors, a figure stands rigid, arms crossed tight over his chest. Minho's jaw is clenched, his knuckles bone-white where he grips his own arms. Newt leans against the warm stone nearby, trying for a light tone. "She's just running late, mate. She'll beat the doors. Stop winding yourself up." But the strain in Newt's own voice betrays him. Minho doesn't respond. His da…