𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘- TMR, Minho

005, 𝐨𝐨 𝐥𝐚 𝐥𝐚 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐠, 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥~~

The sun was just beginning its descent as the group reached the outskirts of the abandoned facility. The air was cooler now, the heat of the day giving way to the chill of the approaching night. The facility loomed ahead, its shadowy silhouette a stark contrast against the dimming sky.

The group had set up a temporary camp within the crumbling structure, taking advantage of the shelter it offered. Despite their exhaustion, they worked diligently to secure their surroundings and prepare for the next day's exploration. Lila took her place at the edge of the camp, her eyes scanning the horizon, ever vigilant.

Minho, who had been largely quiet since their last skirmish, approached her with a casual confidence that bordered on cocky. He plopped down beside her, his expression mischievous as he tried to catch her eye.

"Hey, Lila," he said, his tone light and teasing. "You've got to stop scaring off all the Cranks. I was starting to get bored."

Lila raised an eyebrow, her gaze still fixed on the distance. "Is that so? I didn't realize I was here to entertain you."

Minho chuckled, clearly undeterred. "Well, you've certainly made a lasting impression. I'm starting to think you're my favorite person in the Scorch."

Lila shot him a sidelong glance. "I'm flattered, really. But you might want to find someone more... approachable."

Minho's grin widened, undeterred by her aloofness. "Approachable? Me? I thought you liked a challenge."

Lila's lips twitched in a small, barely perceptible smile. "I don't have time for challenges right now. We've got bigger things to worry about."

Minho leaned closer, his tone dropping to a softer, more sincere note. "Alright, fair enough. But if I had to pick a partner for this mess we're in, I'd choose you every time."

Lila looked at him fully now, her expression neutral. "That's very kind of you. But I'm not exactly in the market for a partner."

Minho's grin faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered. "Okay, okay. But even the toughest of us need a little lightness sometimes."

"Lightness, huh?" Lila said, her voice flat but curious. "And what does that have to do with me?"

Minho shrugged. "Just saying that you're a bit of a mystery. And mysteries are more fun to solve when you're not being so serious all the time."

Lila sighed, clearly unimpressed. "I don't need to be fun or mysterious. I need to be practical."

Minho looked at her with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Alright, practical. But if you ever decide to take a break from being all serious and badass, just know that I'll be around."

Lila shook her head, unable to suppress a brief, wry smile. "I'm sure you will be."

As night fell and the camp settled into a quiet routine, Minho's persistence showed no sign of waning. He leaned against a nearby wall, casually tossing pebbles into the darkness.

"Hey, Gorgeous," he called out, his voice carrying a playful lilt. "Want to tell me more about how you became the queen of the Scorch?"

Lila glanced over, her expression a blend of irritation and reluctant amusement. "Gorgeous? Really?"

Minho's grin widened. "Yeah, I think it suits you. You've got that whole 'I can kick your ass and still look amazing doing it' vibe."

Lila rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "I suppose it's better than 'mystery woman.'"

Minho's grin grew. "I'll take that as a win."

As the campfire's glow flickered and the shadows danced on the walls of the old facility, Lila found herself momentarily disarmed by Minho's relentless cheerfulness. His attempts at lightheartedness were met with varying degrees of success, but there was no denying that his presence had a way of breaking through her hardened exterior.

The night wore on, and as the group prepared to rest, Minho continued his playful banter. He hovered near Lila, his attempts to lighten the mood persistent and persistent.

"Hey, Gorgeous," he said, tossing her a piece of dried meat. "Care for a snack?"

Lila caught it with a practiced ease, her eyes narrowing slightly at the nickname. "Gorgeous? I'm not sure how to take that."

Minho shrugged with a playful grin. "It's a compliment. You can take it however you like."

As sleep began to claim her, Lila thought of Minho's new nickname for her—"Gorgeous." It was ridiculous and annoying, but there was something oddly comforting about it. In a world so devoid of certainty, a small, persistent kindness felt like a rare, fleeting gift.

For now, she allowed herself to embrace that small comfort. Tomorrow, they would face new challenges, and the Scorch would continue to test their limits. But tonight, at least, there was a brief respite, and a reminder that even in the darkest times, there could be moments of unexpected light.