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

CHAPTER 45 - Complications

A wave of empathy washed over Y/N, resonating deeply with Ashlyn’s admission. The vulnerability Ashlyn had shown made Y/N feel less isolated, and in that moment, she couldn’t help but open up herself. "I guess we all have our battles," Y/N said softly. "But right now, I just can’t shake this feeling... like something bad is going to happen."

Ashlyn’s brows furrowed, her concern deepening as she tilted her head slightly. "What do you mean?"

Taking a deep breath, Y/N gathered her thoughts, the weight of her anxiety pressing down harder with every word. "I’m worried about the plan for tonight," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "I've been thinking—if we were to fall asleep here, wouldn’t that affect our world in some way? We already know we're impacting our reality, but what about the people we love? The phantom world is dangerous. I can’t let our parents get involved in this mess, especially mine."

Ashlyn straightened, her body language shifting to reflect the seriousness of Y/N's words. Her expression remained gentle, but the gravity of the situation settled between them like a thick fog. "I understand," she said, her tone imbued with quiet strength. "Believe me, I do. But we’ve handled things before without involving anyone outside the group. We’ve faced some pretty serious threats and come out on the other side."

"But what if we can’t control it this time?" Y/N’s voice wavered, her anxiety bubbling to the surface like an uncontrollable tide. "What if something slips through, and our families actually get caught in the crossfire? I can’t enjoy anything when I’m constantly worrying about what might happen. It’s like this shadow over everything."

Ashlyn’s gaze softened as she observed the distress etched on Y/N’s face. She shifted closer, closing the gap between them, a silent acknowledgment of the fear and uncertainty swirling in the air. Ashlyn wasn’t the type to offer hollow reassurances; her grounding presence was a balm for Y/N’s frayed nerves. "Listen, Y/N," she began, her voice steady yet laced with an undercurrent of urgency. "Worrying won’t change what happens. If we spend all our time scared of what could go wrong, we’ll never actually live. I know it’s hard, but we need to find a balance between being cautious and letting ourselves experience this moment."

With a gentle touch, Ashlyn reached out, her hand brushing against Y/N’s arm—a small but powerful gesture that anchored her in the here and now. The warmth of Ashlyn's hand spread through Y/N like a lifeline, grounding her swirling thoughts. "I promise you, we’ll handle it—whatever happens," Ashlyn reassured, her eyes fierce yet tender. "But right now, we’re at a party. Let’s at least try to enjoy it."

Y/N felt a tremor of uncertainty beneath the surface, but Ashlyn’s unwavering confidence ignited a flicker of hope within her. The way Ashlyn held her gaze conveyed an unspoken understanding, a bond fortified through shared battles.

The two girls sat together on dismembered wheels in the dirt, and Y/N took a deep breath, inhaling the laughter and warmth around them. The pressure on her chest eased, making the idea of letting go feel more attainable.

Y/N sighed, the frustration of it all starting to bubble up. "It’s hard to let go when everything feels so fragile, like the smallest mistake could shatter everything."

Ashlyn’s expression softened further. "I know. But you’re not alone in this. You have me and the rest of the group. We’ll keep things in check together, but you don’t have to carry this weight by yourself. Just... try to focus on now. Enjoy the moments we have because they matter."

Y/N felt her shoulders relax slightly under Ashlyn’s comforting words. "Thanks, Ash. I guess I just needed someone to remind me that I don’t have to be on edge all the time."