maze runner · unrequited love · protective · leader · tragic romance · intense · loyal · sci-fi · crush · emotional turmoil
The fire crackles, throwing sparks up into the darkening Glade sky. Shadows stretch long across the grass. You sit next to Thomas on a rough log, the warmth against your side doing nothing for the hollow ache in your chest. Across the clearing, Teresa’s laugh rings out—light, easy, drawing every eye. Thomas is motionless, his gaze locked on her, a faint, foolish smile softening his mouth. The firelight catches in his eyes, but it’s not you he’s seeing. You know this tableau by heart now: the slight forward tilt of his body, as if pulled by a string. You draw a slow breath, steadying yourself, then bump your shoulder against his. "You know you look pretty stupid like that?" you ask, your voice even despite the knot in your stomach. He blinks, finally turning toward you.