? |DREAMS TO REALITY| ? [SCHOOLBUSGRAVEYARD X READER]

CHAPTER 32 - Party Walkers, More Like Runners

The two girls took a final breath together, and Taylor looked up at the other girl, asking, "Are you feeling better now?"

"Y-yeah... thank you." Y/N decided to stay on the floor for a while since they were both already there. 'I feel really awkward right now. Should I speak up? Why do I have to feel vulnerable at this moment?'

"I understand how you feel. None of us expected to get caught up in this situation, but we can't change the past. All we can do now is move forward and try to survive. It's going to get even tougher, but I appreciate you being open about your thoughts."

She was surprised when the topic of being open came up. She hadn't planned on sharing her feelings so openly, but it actually felt good. However, she realized she was becoming too vulnerable and needed to change the subject.

"Hey, I wanted to apologize for my outburst earlier. I think I just got overwhelmed in the moment. I don't want to stay here feeling scared forever. The idea of staying here is terrifying to me, and I don't want that. Even if there's only a small chance of survival, I want to hold onto that hope. My hope, your hope, our hope - I want to keep going."

Taylor listened in silence as Y/N spoke, appreciating her consideration for both Ashlyn and herself. It was heartwarming to see them both helping in their own unique ways - Y/N with her compassionate words that lifted their spirits, and Ashlyn with her strong determination to help them improve mentally and physically.

"It's okay, and I don't blame you. I'm actually grateful that you and Ashlyn helped me realize that it's more important to get out of here than to fear being stuck here. Your support has lifted my spirits, and I appreciate that. Being vulnerable is not something to be afraid of; it's beneficial to be open and helps us understand each other better instead of keeping things to ourselves. I understand the need for boundaries, but you were brave enough to share your feelings. It seems like you, like Ashlyn, have been holding a lot in. You seem very happy when talking about your family, which is really nice to hear. Family... it's a wonderful feeling to have, isn't it?" She looked away, her expression softening with sadness and longing, hinting at something.

"I understand how you feel. You would do anything to make the people you love happy. I may not know everything about your life, but maybe one day you'll share it with us. And if you do, we won't judge you for it, just like we didn't judge Ben. Just know that you're not alone anymore." Taylor told her before unexpectedly embracing her tightly.

"We're a team, and no matter what situation you're in, I'll always be there for you guys. We're a team, after all." Taylor then pulled away, giving her a soft smile, sending her a sincere message of comfort, similar to what she did with Ben.

Y/N was speechless as her eyes widened at her own actions. She couldn't understand why she had allowed it to happen. Normally, she wouldn't let anyone, except her loved ones, have much physical contact with her. But without realizing it, she had already made physical contact with the group. The warmth she felt from the other girl was comforting, their body heat mingling in a relaxing embrace.

As Y/N felt Taylor's warmth, she felt the tension leave her body. Despite this, she didn't say anything. For a few moments, they stayed in silence, neither wanting to ruin the tender moment. However, after some thought, Y/N decided it was time to speak up.

"Hey Taylor, I've been wanting to tell you this for a while now, and I just wanted to say... I'm sorry."

Taylor was confused and tilted her head on the girl's shoulder while they were hugging. She asked, "Why are you apologizing?"