The First Runner

A scared little greenie

Over a year later

Jess POV

I groaned softly as I pulled myself out of bed, the warmth of the covers and Newt's arms tempting me to stay just a little longer. But I knew I couldn't—I was already running a bit behind, and the Maze wasn't going to wait for me.

"Do you really have to go?" Newt mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. He reached out, trying to pull me back down beside him, his brown eyes half-lidded as he gave me a pleading look.

I couldn't help but smile at his adorable whining. "You know I do," I said, leaning down to press a quick kiss to his lips. "I'm already a bit late as it is."

Newt sighed dramatically, rolling onto his back and throwing an arm over his eyes. "Fine, go on then. Greenie day today, try not to scare him when you come back."

"Who, me? Never," I said sarcastically.

"You nearly made the last Greenie go running for the forest," Newt pointed out.

"Not my fault that I met him after I'd beaten Gally's ass," I retaliated, causing Newt to laugh.

"Just be careful out there, JJ," he said with that look in his eyes that always made me melt.

"I always am," I replied, kissing him softly. "See you later."

With one last smile, I slipped out of the homestead, the early morning air cool against my skin. The Glade was already coming to life, the sounds of chatter and movement filling the air as the others started their day. I made my way to the kitchens, where the mouth-watering smell of Frypan's bacon greeted me, mingling with the sound of Minho's laughter.

The moment I stepped inside, Minho's eyes flicked to me, a smirk playing on his lips. "Look who finally decided to join us."

"Yeah, yeah," I said, rolling my eyes as I grabbed a piece of bacon from the counter. "Had to say goodbye to Prince Charming first."

"More like you were too comfy to get up," he teased, leaning back against the counter with a grin.

"Can you blame me?" I shot back, savoring the crispy, salty bacon. "Anyway, I'm all set. Just waiting for the others."

Minho shook his head, still grinning. "You're lucky we like you, Jess."

"Lucky? Please, you'd be lost without me," I said, flashing him a cheeky smile.

As we waited for the other Runners to join us, the anticipation for the day ahead began to build. Despite the banter and the teasing, I could feel the familiar buzz of excitement as we prepared for another day in the Maze. Today was Greenie Day, which meant we'd be getting a fresh face, someone new to break in and show the ropes. It was always interesting to see how they'd react to their first day in the Glade.

Once the others arrived, we quickly finished breakfast and geared up, ready to tackle whatever the Maze had in store for us. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm golden light over the Glade as we headed out, the massive stone doors looming ahead.

As we stepped into the Maze, the familiar rush of adrenaline hit me, pushing away any lingering sleepiness.

The first few hours flew by in a blur of turns, dead ends, and retraced steps. Minho and I split off from the others, each of us taking our assigned sections. The Maze seemed to stretch on forever, its winding paths and towering walls a constant reminder of just how trapped we were. But out here, running, I felt free—if only for a little while.

As the day wore on, the sun climbed higher, and the air grew warmer. I was focused, my mind sharp as I navigated the twists and turns, always alert for any changes or signs of danger. The Maze was quiet today, almost too quiet, but I pushed the unease aside, focusing on the task at hand.