One is the loneliest number - Minho TMR

CHAPTER TWO

The buzzing atmosphere in the cafeteria made her feel content. She loved the conversations and relationships that flourished there. Snippets of gossip about couples or casual dialogues between friends filled the air. Everyone was happy and eating, which made her even more excited. Sometimes she wished she could be part of it—the conversations, the camaraderie. God, how she missed having friends.

A few people looked up as she walked in, clutching her notepad tightly. Her Mary Jane heels clicked lightly against the carpet as she bit her bottom lip. Her blue eyes scanned the tables until she spotted him. He sat alone, his hood pulled over his head, obscuring his face. Still, she recognized him and made her way over.

She slid into the chair opposite him, letting her notepad fall onto the table with a quiet thud. Their presence together drew even more attention. A friendly smile lingered on her lips as his eyes met hers. Confusion filled them, but she also recognized a hint of curiosity.

"My name is Brie Agnes. I've been sent here to ask you some questions. Are you okay with that?" Aris's frown deepened. He probably wasn't happy that he had been noticed. She tilted her head slightly, watching him think.

"Aris, are you still with me?" That seemed to snap him out of it.

"I'm going to get taken tomorrow, right? I know it." His response surprised her. That was definitely not what she expected. Her eyes widened before her nose scrunched.

"I'm not sure. Do you want me to check?" He nodded, and she flipped through her notepad. She quickly read over the dates, surprised to see that Thomas was scheduled to be 'shipped away' tomorrow. Turning back to Aris, she nodded in confirmation, giving him an awkward smile.

"Do you think that's bad? You're getting shipped to a safe haven. You'll see Rachel again." The mention of Rachel made something snap in him. His frown deepened, and anger flared in his eyes. He pulled his hood off and laced his fingers on the table.

"Keep her out of this. We both know I'm not getting sent to a safe haven. What are you keeping behind those doors? The ones you exited last night when you saw us." His serious, stern tone made her nervous. She glanced around before lowering her voice. If she got caught telling him this information, she would be dead. She hadn't even noticed Janson entering and calling names, so engrossed was she in their conversation.

"You're not getting sent to a safe haven. I'm not exactly sure what they do there because I'm not in that department, but they have these people dangling there—" She stopped when Aris's head snapped towards something.

She followed his gaze and saw Thomas getting up, quickly glancing their way. He was held back when he reached the door. The guard and he exchanged a few words before he walked away, disappointment evident on his face. Brie was secretly relieved that he didn't try anything further—never mind. Thomas sprinted towards the doors again, making all his friends shoot up from their seats. He yelled something while his friends held him back. Brie was about to head their way before Janson intervened, yelling about trust. Then they were all dragged out of the cafeteria, presumably to their dorm.

She turned back to Aris, meeting his gaze. She smirked. "Okay, let me guess, that was your plan all along? If you wanted a key card, you could've just asked for mine."

His eyes widened, mouth falling open. He wanted to say something, but Brie quickly interrupted him, her voice even quieter now. If someone heard her, she'd be in even bigger trouble. "I'll help you escape if you take my sister and me with you."

He blinked, confused, glancing around again. He licked his lips and sighed. "How do I know I can trust you?"

She answered quickly and honestly. "I honestly don't know what to say to that."

"That's fair."

"So you'll do it?"

"Come to Thomas's room as soon as you're allowed to leave."

-

It's been 5 minutes. Anxiety pulsed through her veins as Brie waited, the five minutes feeling like an eternity. After her brief conversation with Aris, she had reported to Janson that Aris knew nothing and that she would be heading to Group A's chamber to question them. It was a risky move, but she had to keep up appearances.

As she made her way through the facility, her anxiety only grew. Cameras and guards were everywhere, making her feel trapped. Nervousness churned in her stomach, threatening to make her throw up. As she approached the door to Group A's chamber, she heard shouting from inside, something about not having a bed in a long time. Guilt gnawed at her, mingling with the anxiety and making her feel even worse.

She knocked, and the room fell silent. Seconds felt like minutes before the door finally opened. She was met with a sea of faces—seven or eight, maybe more. The boy who opened the door had black hair and muscles, the same boy she'd seen on the treadmill. Brie couldn't help but notice he was cute.

Aside from him, there was Newt, Thomas, Frypan, and a few others she didn't recognize. "Um, hello, I was just wondering if I could ask some questi—" she started, but was cut off by the sound of a vent popping open. Aris's head poked out from under a bed. All eyes snapped to him, then to Brie.

"It's not what it looks like, I prom—" Thomas began, but Aris quickly interrupted, breath slightly uneven.

"It's okay, Thomas. She's with me." All eyes fell on Brie. She offered an awkward smile and wave, receiving one from Frypan in return. Everyone else eyed her with suspicion. She quickly entered the room.

"W-what? But she works with them," Thomas exclaimed, pointing at her. Aris shook his head.

"That doesn't matter. She's trying to escape just like us. Which pass are we using?" Aris stated. The cute boy rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, clenching his biceps. Brie forced herself to focus.

"Not mine. I told Janson I'd be interviewing you guys, and I can't be in two places at once," she explained, her voice smooth and soft.

Minho raised his voice, "Why would you want to interview us?"

"I don't know. For a good fucking Google review? Aris, come on. We need to hurry," she snapped, her tone harsher than intended. The Gladers looked shocked at her outburst, but she was under a lot of pressure.

"Brie, you're not coming with us. It's too suspicious, and besides, when they check in here, they'll see you're interviewing us," Aris said firmly. She glared at him, her eye twitching in frustration before she sighed.

"Fine, but hurry up." And with that, the Gladers made their escape, leaving Brie to cover their tracks and hope their plan would work.

-

We met Minho! If you can't tell it's gonna be enemies to lovers. I'm so exited! Leave a vote and comment.