Maze Runner One Shots (Requests Open)

The Perfect Loss (Minho)

I have been on the track team since freshman year. I craved the wind in my hair and the way I felt at the end of a successful race. I was almost the best on my team. There was just one problem, and his name was Minho.

Him and I were neck and neck at every race, and it drives me insane. When he won he'd look at me with that satisfied smirk. When I won I'd give him mock sincerity. Today had to be different though. My cousin had flown in seven states away just to see me. If I didn't win all that money was a waste.

"Hey shank. Ready to lose,"He asked, stretching.

"I'll lose the day you give up hairspray,"I shot back. He looked at me in a way I didn't like.

"What?"I snapped.

"You're worried about today's race,"He stated. I scoffed at that and pulled my hair back.

"I'm not worried about anything slinthead."

"You're worried about today's race,"He repeated, unaffected by my attitude.

"No, I'm not. Now get in your lane, and stay there."

I double checked my laces and got into the starting position. He did the same.

"On your mark."

"Something about today is scaring you."

"Get set."

"Shuck off."

"Go!"

I didn't hesitate to start sprinting. My cousin bought a front way ticket just for me. I couldn't let her down.

♡ Time Skip♡

I could feel my breathing becoming uneven. Technically, Coach had said I needed to work on saving my energy, but I paid that no mind. In the back of my head one word was being chanted over and over. 'Win. Win. Win.'

There was already a stitch in my side, and I was only on my second lap. I just needed to get past three more. I was going to win. I didn't have another choice.

♡ Time Skip♡

I had just passed my fourth lap, and I was falling behind worse than I ever had. In fact, I was second to last. How was I expected to catch up now? The person behind me was only there because it was their first race.

I kept pushing, but it was becoming too much. My legs were burning more than they ever had before. Even the kid in the back had passed me. I was going to lose.

The world seemed to be in slow motion as Minho crossed the finish line first. Everyone else was seconds behind him. I had given up and was only speed walking now. Coach was yelling from the sidelines, I didn't care. I had just suffered the worst loss of my life.

With a pathetic cross of the finish line I looked at the stands only to find my cousin had left. Honestly, I deserved it. I just had the most horrendous race in history.

Coach was angrily stomping up to me, but I pretended not to see. Without a word I walked out of the entire school. I could get my bag tomorrow. If it got stolen it was just my gym one, and I already had my uniform. Even if I didn't I wouldn't care. I couldn't stay here.

I walked right out the gate and passed everyone. My teammates were probably still in the locker room. Thank God for that. I didn't want anyone to see me like this.

I reached for my keys to get ready to sit in my car and cry. At least, that was the plan until I saw Minho already there. He was leaning against my car still in uniform.

"If you came here to make fun of me just do it tomorrow. I'm not in the mood."

"I didn't come here to make fun of you."

"Don't lie to me. Just give me my stupid smug look and leave. You can do it in front of everyone if it makes you feel better."

"You had someone in the crowd,"He stated.

"That is none of your business,"I snapped. Instead of that unaffected look from last time he looked concerned. It's probably fake.

"Sod off,"I scowled, reaching for my keys. My pockets were empty. They were still in my bag. I was really going to have to go back and face everyone after that.

"Come on. I'll give you a ride,"He offered.

"I'll walk,"I shrugged, not having any energy left.

"it wasn't a request. I'm not leaving until you're in the car."

"That sounds like a threat,"I pointed out.

"Just come on. I know you're not going to go back in the locker room."

Realizing he wasn't going to quit I followed him to his car.

"Seatbelt,"He instructed. Normally, I would roll my eyes, but I was too worn out.

"My address is-"
"We're not going there. I'm taking you somewhere else."

"Why?"I asked.

"Because I always go there when I lose a race,"He told me.

"You? You of all people go somewhere to be cheered up after you lose?"I asked.

"Yeah. No one in our school goes there because it's older."

"Is it the old diner?"I asked.

"You ruined the surprise, but yes. How'd you know?"He asked.

"I go there after I lose a race too,"I admitted.

"Seriously?"He asked.

"Well, yeah. It's nice to-"
"No. I mean I'd never know. You seem so nonchalant after."

"What am I supposed to do? Cry?"I pointed out.

"Fair enough."

Pulling up into the old diner I went to get out until he stopped me. "Wait,"He said. I looked at him weird but only undid my seatbelt. In the most cliche way ever he opened the door.

"Really? That's a bit overboard,"I commented.

"It's not. Now let's go,"He said, holding out his hand. I raised an eyebrow. "I'm not going to kill you."

I accepted his hand and walked in with him. Harriet was already behind the counter and clearly bored out of her mind.

When she saw us her entire demeanor changed. She perked up and suddenly looked very invested in being here. "Wow. This is new,"She remarked. I gave her a shrug. "Then again you guys always choose the same booth. It was just cleaned so you know where to go."

It turns out we did in fact sit in the same booth. It was odd how many little things we had in common.

"Do you want to tell me who was in the stands?"He asked.

"Not really. I don't even know if she'll be there when I get home,"I admitted quietly. I was nervous just thinking about it. When I get nervous I bite my nails.

"You're going to make them bleed,"He told me, casually taking my hand in his. It wasn't like me, but I was suddenly nervous for a very different reason. I don't know why, but I'd figure it out later. For the first time I feel okay after losing, and it's because of the person I would never expect.

Maybe I wouldn't give him mock sincerity when he loses. Maybe just maybe I would be the one to drive him here.