𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘- TMR, Minho

007, 𝐲𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧.. 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞..

The morning sun blazed through the crumbling remains of the city, casting harsh shadows across the shattered landscape. The group had managed to rest in a dilapidated shelter overnight, but the constant threat of WCKD and Cranks kept everyone on edge. They gathered their gear, ready to continue their treacherous journey through the Scorch.

Minho, trying to lift the group's spirits, cracked a smile. "Alright, folks, another day, another chance to not get eaten by Cranks."

Lila, already on her feet, rolled her eyes. "You really should consider a career in motivational speaking. If you don't get us all killed first."

Minho grinned. "Hey, I aim to please. And by 'please,' I mean survive."

Brenda and Jorge were checking their supplies while Newt coordinated their route. "We need to move towards the outskirts," he said. "The fewer Cranks and WCKD patrols, the better."

The group cautiously navigated through the city's twisted wreckage. The sun was relentless, baking the ruins as they made their way through a maze of debris. The silence was eerie, interrupted only by the distant sounds of crumbling structures and the occasional growl from unseen Cranks.

"Stay sharp," Lila instructed, her voice steady. "The Scorch is full of surprises, and not all of them are friendly."

They entered a narrow alley, its walls partially collapsed. The sound of distant shouting made them freeze. It was getting louder, mixed with the clatter of metal and guttural Crank growls.

"We need to move," Lila said, her tone urgent.

They advanced stealthily through the alleyways, avoiding the approaching danger. As they rounded a corner, a Crank appeared, charging towards them with alarming speed.

"Crank!" Brenda shouted, her voice edged with panic.

Lila didn't hesitate. She fired her gun, the shot echoing through the alley as the Crank fell. But the noise attracted more of the creatures. More Cranks emerged from the shadows, drawn by the commotion.

"Here we go again," Minho muttered, diving into the fray. "Gorgeous, you need any help?"

Lila fired with precision, taking down Cranks left and right. "I'm fine. Just focus on staying alive."

Minho was engaged with a Crank of his own, ducking and weaving with impressive agility. Despite the danger, he couldn't resist glancing at Lila, who was handling the situation with remarkable skill.

As they fought, a figure appeared from behind a stack of debris. With a flash of recognition, Lila's eyes widened. "Wait!" she shouted, pushing forward through the chaos.

The figure was a stranger, cloaked in tattered clothing and wearing a mask that obscured his face. Lila was determined to find out who it was. She stepped towards him, her gun trained on the masked figure.

"Stop right there!" Lila commanded, her voice commanding. "Take off the mask."

The stranger hesitated but eventually complied, revealing a face Lila knew well. "Dylan?"

The group paused in shock as the mask came off, revealing Dylan, Lila's friend from before the Scorch trials. His strikingly attractive features and familiar smile were a stark contrast to the grim situation.

"Lila?" Dylan said, his voice filled with surprise and relief. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again."

Lila's expression softened for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "Dylan, what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Dylan said with a wry smile. "I've been trying to survive just like you. Found this group of survivors and decided to stick with them."

Minho, who had been watching the exchange with a mix of curiosity and irritation, stepped forward. "So, Dylan, what's your story?"

Dylan's eyes flicked over to Minho, taking in the subtle tension in the air. "Just trying to get by. We've had our share of run-ins with WCKD and the Cranks."

Minho's gaze remained fixed on Lila, his expression a mix of jealousy and frustration. "Well, it's good to see you're still alive. I guess."

Lila raised an eyebrow. "Minho, this is Dylan. He's an old friend."

Minho forced a smile, clearly struggling to hide his annoyance. "Nice to meet you, Dylan. I'm Minho."

Dylan's eyes flickered with amusement as he shook Minho's hand. "Likewise. I've heard a lot about you."

As the group took a moment to regroup and catch their breath, Lila and Dylan spoke quietly. "I didn't expect to find you here," Lila said. "How have you been?"

Dylan's smile was tinged with sadness. "It's been rough. But it's good to see a familiar face."

Minho, not one to miss an opportunity, leaned over. "Hey, Gorgeous, looks like you've got some old friends popping up everywhere."

Lila shot him a sharp look. "Not now, Minho."

Minho shrugged, trying to mask his irritation. "Just trying to lighten the mood."

As the group settled into a temporary shelter, Dylan shared more about his experiences, filling in the gaps about the world outside their immediate struggles. The information he provided was invaluable, and the group appreciated the additional insight.

"WCKD's reach is extensive," Dylan explained. "But there are pockets where they're not as strong. We've managed to find a few safe spots."

Lila nodded, her focus shifting back to their immediate concerns. "We need to stick together and stay one step ahead of them."

Minho, still feeling the sting of Dylan's presence, made an effort to contribute to the conversation. "Alright, so what's the plan? How do we avoid running into more Cranks and WCKD patrols?"

Dylan outlined a plan, suggesting a route that would take them through less frequented areas. The group agreed, and they prepared to set off again, the presence of Dylan adding a new dynamic to their survival.

As they made their way through the ruins, the group felt a renewed sense of determination. Despite the challenges, they were united by their shared goal of survival and uncovering the truth about WCKD's relentless pursuit.

Minho, still feeling a bit off-kilter, tried to ease his tension with a few more lighthearted comments, though Lila was less receptive than usual. "You know, Dylan, if you're here to steal the spotlight, you're doing a great job."

Dylan chuckled, glancing at Minho. "Just trying to help out where I can."

Lila shot Minho a warning look. "Can we focus on surviving for now?"

With a plan in place and a new ally by their side, the group continued their journey through the Scorch. The challenges ahead were daunting, but their combined strength and determination gave them hope. And as for Minho and Lila? The dynamic between them had shifted, but their shared goal of survival remained their guiding force.

As they ventured into the unforgiving landscape, the Scorch stretched out before them, its vast emptiness a reminder of the harsh reality they faced. But with each step forward, they moved closer to uncovering the truth and finding a way out of the wasteland.