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

FLASHBACK

Y/N sat perched on the dismembered tire, the sketchbook resting comfortably in her lap as the party buzzed around her. The laughter and low hum of conversation blended into the background like white noise, creating a comforting barrier against the chaos. This gathering felt overwhelming, yet she found solace in her own little world, observing the scenes unfolding before her. It was the first time she had drawn anyone so naturally, without thought or hesitation. Normally, the act of sketching required a conscious choice, a deliberate moment of inspiration. But today, it felt strange yet liberating, like she was exploring a new side of herself.

She hadn’t meant to draw them, really. Yet somehow, she did. It just happened, as if her hand had moved on its own, guided by instinct rather than intention. The pencil glided across the page, capturing the essence of each friend with an ease that surprised her. Drawing was easier than talking, easier than joining the group and pretending to feel fully immersed in the noise. It had been a while since she’d drawn anything, but the familiar sensation of the pencil in her hand rekindled a passion that had lain dormant. It felt natural again, like slipping into a well-worn sweater or finding a long-lost favorite song.

The sketches unfolded before her eyes as she flipped through the pages, each one revealing a story and a connection she cherished. She paused on the first sketch of Ashlyn, her vibrant red hair flowing like a river of fire, standing out even in the crowd. Y/N had captured the quiet strength in Ashlyn’s expression, a reflection of the resilience that lay just beneath the surface.

Next came Logan, hunched over slightly, his thoughtful gaze seeming to penetrate the noise around him. Y/N had illustrated his softness with delicate strokes, revealing the gentle nature that often went unnoticed. She could almost hear the quiet hum of his thoughts, each line on the page resonating with the stillness he carried within.

Ben was next, depicted in a moment of quiet contemplation, arms crossed over his chest. The solidity of his posture conveyed an unyielding strength that grounded her, and she felt a sense of comfort knowing he was always there, even in silence. His furrowed brow spoke volumes about the complexity of his feelings, an intricate puzzle she was still trying to decipher.

Then, she turned to Aiden, a whirlwind of energy frozen in time. Y/N had captured him mid-gesture, his animated expression bursting with life. She remembered how he brought a spark to every gathering, his laughter infectious. The wildness in his sketch mirrored the thrill he brought to their lives, a reminder of the joy he infused into even the simplest moments.

Next was Tyler, the anger and frustration in his features drawn with raw intensity. Y/N had worked hard to portray the layers beneath his abrasive exterior—the soft heart she believed lay hidden within. It was challenging, but she wanted to illustrate that he was more than his bravado, that he cared deeply for those around him, even when he struggled to show it.

Finally, she landed on Taylor, the light of the group. Y/N had sketched her with an open smile, the kindness radiating from the page almost palpable. Taylor’s warmth was a balm for everyone, and Y/N felt a surge of admiration as she looked at the drawing, wishing she could emulate that same comforting presence.

As Y/N continued to flip through her sketches, she felt a mix of pride and vulnerability wash over her. Each drawing was not just a reflection of her friends but a testament to the bonds they shared. In that moment, surrounded by laughter and life, she realized that these sketches were more than just images; they were fragments of her heart laid bare on paper, a visual diary of her emotions and connections.