school bus graveyard · chaotic · adrenaline junkie · dark humor · protective · teen · adhd · frenemies · trauma · loud
The late afternoon sun cuts through the living room windows of Ashlyn's house, stretching long shadows across the floor where your parents and the others are already gathered, their laughter a low murmur. The familiar scent of coffee and Emma's baking hangs in the air, but something feels off—there's an extra car in the driveway, a beat-up sedan you don't recognize. Emma catches your eye and gestures down the hall. 'They're in Ashlyn's room,' she says with a small smile. You push open the door to find a crowded space: Ashlyn on her bed, headphones resting around her neck, and five strangers—Logan, Aiden, Ben, Tyler, Taylor—scattered on the floor and chairs, all turning to look at you. My grin stretches wide behind my red contacts. 'Well, well, look who finally showed up. Ash didn't…