Y/N was completely bewildered. She had to blink several times to understand what she was seeing, taking a few steps back because it seemed too unbelievable to be real.

However, the reality soon sank in, and she realized that it was indeed real.

Seeing the man standing in front of her made her angry. She tried to hide it, but she was clearly annoyed and furious. This was not how Y/N wanted her day to go. Her face was scrunched up as she looked at the man who had once given her hope of a happy family, before abandoning her and her father. She didn't understand why he never called, came back, or visited. What bothered her even more was his absence. He wasn't there during the funeral, leaving Y/N to cope with the grief, guilt, loss, and all her inner thoughts.

She would have had a mental breakdown if not for her dad. They lost so much and had to do everything mostly on their own.

Where was her second biological father when she needed him?

Drake looked away from the girl's father and saw Y/N standing behind him with her head down and hands clenched. He could tell she was upset. Drake softly called out her name, wanting to go to her, but he held back to respect her feelings and understand the emotions she was going through.

Y/N was unsure of what to do in this moment. She wanted to scream, rant about many things. A small part of her was happy he was back, but everything she had been through without him made her doubt that. No words could fully describe Y/N's character. Her emotions were boiling up, with different thoughts on each one she had to handle.

Despite thinking about it, she preferred to express her emotions verbally. If only she could express her feelings with just one word, but no words could capture it all. It was only through feelings that her emotions could be described. The thoughts of her past stress and worries vanished the moment she laid eyes on this man. Not her problems, not school, not the phantom world - just the present moment. It wasn't even the least of her worries; it was an everlasting moment she never thought would come true.

Y/N had never imagined how they would meet again. This thought had crossed her mind before, but certainly not like this. With her current worries, stress, and problems, this certainty added to that. It took all her willpower to resist the urge to slap him, even though her heart told her she deserved to. She didn't listen, even though it was tempting. That thought was running through her mind the moment she saw him. The tension seemed to grow as Y/N's continuing emotions reached their peak.

"Y/N, please listen. I am truly sorry. I understand that you are very hurt right now, and I can almost imagine the emotions you have been holding onto for years. Your father has informed me-"

The girl's eyes widened in shock, interrupting him before he could finish his sentence. "YOU KNEW!" she exclaimed loudly, possibly loud enough for her grandparents to hear. "You've been in contact with him and you didn't tell me? Why? Why did you hide this?" she asked, turning to D/N.

Her dad was a little speechless and shocked by her outburst, but also felt ashamed for wanting to keep it a secret. Despite this, he had his own reasons, some of which may be clear to her, but there were also other reasons at play.

Y/N suddenly realized her outburst and stammered, "I-I'm sorry." Her hands were trembling at her sides, but eventually they relaxed.

A secret like this would definitely affect her more than what she is hiding from them now. If not for the phantom world. If not for that.

However, Y/N knows she can't speak openly about her experiences because she knows no one would believe her, due to a past experience.

Just think about her situation. She can't just come out and say that she's also hiding the fact that she's in a parallel reality where she's constantly running from beings who want to kill her every night.

Who would believe that?

That's honestly crazy talk.

The things she has seen and the dangers she has faced are beyond what most people could even imagine. It would be easier for her to keep her secrets hidden, to protect herself from the disbelief and judgment of others. But deep down, she longs for someone to understand, to see the strength and resilience that lies beneath her seemingly ordinary exterior. She knows that one day, when the time is right, she will find someone who will listen without judgment and truly see her for who she is - a survivor, and a hero in her own right.

She asked, "Just... How long? How long have you been seeing him?"

The man remained quiet for a while, unsure if he wanted to confess the truth. Despite being able to stay silent or tell a lie, he felt compelled to share the truth in that moment when they were all gathered. "It's been a long time, Hun. I'm so sorry you had to find out like this. I was planning to tell you about it... one day."

The man's voice wavered as he spoke, his eyes filled with regret and sadness. He felt ashamed and looked away, avoiding her gaze. He knew that his confession would change everything, but he also knew that keeping the truth hidden would only cause more pain in the long run. D/N knew she was probably upset or felt betrayed. However, he eventually turned his gaze back towards her.

Y/N looked at him with a mixture of shock and confusion, her hands trembling slightly as she processed his words. She had always trusted him, believed in him, and now everything seemed to be unraveling before her eyes.

As the truth sank in, Y/N felt a wave of emotions wash over her - anger, betrayal, hurt.

After that, there was silence. The current situation was a lot to process for Y/N, who didn't even know where to begin. She felt hurt that her dad had kept this from her, but she hoped there was a good reason for it. The silence hung heavy in the air, with no sound in their surroundings as they all stood in their own place, trying to find the right words to speak. It felt like there was tension in the air, with so many unspoken truths that she wished were easier to explain.

"Y/N, I'm really sorry-"

"Stop apologizing, dad. I've heard enough of it." Y/N looked away from D/N, trying to gather their thoughts.

Y/N doesn't want to deal with this right now. Even though she wants to confront the situation, she is holding back from saying or doing anything she might regret later. Today was supposed to be a day to celebrate with the group for their accomplishments after finally getting the car they needed to continue their mission. They had possibly planned to head to Savannah. But now, she doesn't feel like going anywhere. She just wants to go to her room and cry, not even sure how much. She didn't want to deal with this. She was still up for celebrating with the group to take her mind off things like the phantom world and her own reality. She needed some fun, which is why she decided to join the group for the celebration. But now, she's not sure anymore.

"Look, I... I can't deal with this right now," she said, raising her head as she was about to leave. As she walked past her dad, another hand grabbed her arm. She turned a corner and grabbed the rail, resting her hand on it. Walking up only three steps, she turned her head in surprise to see hazel eyes locking onto hers. His eyes were filled with concern and a hint of sadness.

As she continued to gaze into her father's eyes, she realized that there was a depth of emotion and longing that she had never noticed before. It was as if he was trying to convey something important to her, something that he had been holding back for far too long. The cold touch of his hand now seemed like a physical manifestation of the emotional distance that had always existed between them.

"No, Y/N, wait..." He wasn't sure what to do. He didn't want her to leave, not because he wants to respect her space (which he does), but in this situation, he couldn't just let her walk away. Despite respecting boundaries, he felt that this was the right time.

Y/N suddenly felt anger. "WHY?! Why do you think I want to just stand around and pretend you didn't disappear on me when I needed you the most? How could you... How could you think I could forget?"

"I'm not saying you forgot, and I am also at fault for making you feel like I had left you. I have never abandoned any of you in my heart." He appeared on the verge of tears as he spoke. Drake never wanted to abandon them, as he loved them deeply. However, he felt that his explanation wouldn't make up for lost time. He is willing to do whatever it takes to make up for it because he is here now and intends to stay.

"If you say you didn't abandon me, then where were you at Mom's funeral?! Where were you when I cried my heart out as I watched my own mother die in front of me?" She descended one step of the stairs, approaching Drake with anger in her eyes. "Where were you when I stood there motionless, watching them bury my mother. My dad and grandparents were there for me, but you... where were you?" Her tears were on the verge of falling, her eyes becoming glossier with each word she spoke about the past. "Why? Why... did you leave me?" She said, her voice shaky, lowering her head, her hands and body trembling as she tried to hide her tears.

"Listen, I... I had no choice-"

"No choice? No... choice?" She scoffed. "What could be more important than your family, your wife, my own mother who is now dead! After all this time, you have the audacity to show up now! I am just a teenager and you have been gone for years, even when mom was sick." She lifted her head, her eyes still filled with anger.

"It's ironic... I used to have hope that you would come back, but you never did. Now, after all these years, you have the audacity to show up. Why now? Just as I was beginning to move on and believe that you never truly loved me. I was finally starting fresh, but now you've reappeared in my life. I wouldn't be shocked if you left again, just like you did in the past."

This could be seen as overreacting, but she wasn't sure.

Was it selfish to express all of this?

Perhaps, she wasn't sure.

Y/N knew that her feelings were valid, but she also didn't want to burden others with her emotions. It was a constant internal struggle between wanting to be honest and open, and not wanting to come across as needy or attention-seeking.

Ultimately, she decided that it was important to communicate how she felt, even if it made her feel vulnerable. It was better to be authentic and true to herself than to suppress her emotions for the sake of others' comfort.

"I will never leave, I promise. I am not going anywhere this time, but please hear me out. I had planned to contact you. I even sent letters, but they may not have reached you, or maybe I wasn't ready to send them. I wanted to deliver the letters personally, but something went wrong."

D/N observed as the two talked, letting out their guilt, sorrows, and pain that they had kept inside for years. It was finally time for them to express themselves, and Y/N seemed unwilling to hold back. The pain in their eyes showed the regret of missed years, but life is not always easy. Difficult decisions are sometimes necessary for progress, like Drake's situation. D/N could only imagine the suffering he had endured - losing his wife, being separated from his daughter, and unsure if he would ever return.

He probably felt confined by his parents' control and pressured to obey their rules. D/N was aware of Drake's parents and their strict and manipulative nature when it came to getting what they wanted.

"That's when I reached out to your father. I wanted to talk to you, to hear my little girl again. I wanted to see you, to hold you in my arms and give you all my affection. But something was holding me back, something I had to give and do before I could come back." Drake's hazel eyes filled with tears, glossy as he turned his head to try and wipe them away and not ruin the moment.

The sacrifices he had to make, the things he had to do, weren't easy. None of it was bad, but it took up so much time that he regretted not being able to spend more time with them. He didn't even want to go back, as he would have preferred to have more time with them instead of doing what he was doing back then. He regrets not coming back sooner.

Her eyes eventually softened, but she still spoke with a narrowed gaze. "No... because, if I meant anything to you, you would have come back long ago." Y/N wanted to believe and forgive him, but she just couldn't. She needed time to think. She gently pulled her hand away, showing her need for space. If he truly meant what he said, he would have to make up for lost time to possibly make things right, but Y/N was not easy to win over.

"I-I'm... I'm just going to go to my room," she said. Drake released her wrist, understanding her need for space, and watched as Y/N quickly walked up the stairs. She didn't want to deal with this. He glanced at D/N, his husband.

"Oh honey..." D/N approached him and embraced him, holding him tightly while running his hand through his black hair smoothly. Drake's face was nestled against his shoulder, his eyes displaying a hint of surprise that quickly turned into tenderness. Drake was slightly taller than D/N, only a few inches in height difference. "It's alright... she just needs some time. And time is something we have plenty of."

He nodded and mumbled, "She has grown a lot since the last time I saw her." He closed his eyes, inhaling the scent he missed so much. He missed him, he missed them, he missed them all. Drake then held the man back.

"I know, and into one fine young lady."

As usual, Y/N goes to her room, closes the door, and collapses on the floor next to her bed, with her head resting on the edge. Her heart was racing from overwhelming emotions, making her feel like her voice was going to crack. She was trying so hard to hold back the tears, but like always, it was impossible to contain them.



"Damn it, Damn it, damn it... DAMN IT!"

Y/N's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings, each one more intense than the last. She felt like she was suffocating under the weight of it all, unable to find any relief. The tears began to fall freely now, streaming down her cheeks in hot, salty rivers.

She tried to take deep breaths, to calm herself down, but it felt like an impossible task. The emotions were too raw, too powerful. She felt like she was drowning in them, unable to find solid ground. But as the sobs wracked her body and the tears continued to flow, Y/N knew that this release was necessary. It was a cathartic purging of all the pent-up emotions that had been building inside her for so long.

She despised it all, every little thing surrounding her at that moment. She never wanted any of this. She had felt this way before, consumed by intense emotions that clouded her thoughts. She had the urge to scream, to destroy everything in sight, but instead, she sat there quietly crying, lost in memories. Her happy days, bad days, and her sad days.

She remembered a time when things were simpler, when she felt lighter and freer. But now, everything felt heavy and suffocating. The weight of expectations, responsibilities, and disappointments pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe. She longed for an escape, a way out of this overwhelming reality.

If only she hadn't gotten involved in this mess. As the situation at home settled down and she found herself almost confined to her room, she didn't feel like attending the celebration she had promised to go to. Instead, she found herself reverting to her old habits of staying in bed and drawing, which she didn't mind at all.

As tears streamed down her face, she tried to push away the negative thoughts that threatened to consume her. She knew that giving in to anger and despair would only make things worse. So she took a deep breath and closed her eyes, trying to find some semblance of peace within herself.

"No..." If she were to go back to her old ways, she would become closed off and tense again. There is no room for relaxation anymore. When midnight strikes, she puts on her game face and can't let her guard down because the phantom dimension is a dangerous place, as she has learned from past experiences.

Despite this, she needed to take a break for herself as she had promised. She needed time to relax and clear her mind, and the arcade was the perfect place for that. They didn't have to be consumed by fear or constantly watch each other's backs for unexpected threats. For now, they should just enjoy the little bit of fun they have - after all, they're teenagers.

In that moment of stillness, she realized that despite the chaos surrounding her, there was a glimmer of hope deep within her heart. A tiny spark of resilience that refused to be extinguished.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she felt it vibrate. When she took it out, she saw messages from the group checking up on her and expressing concern.

★-

ASHLYN BANNER - hey Y/N, where are you?

We were at the entrance.

We've waited for a while but decided to wait inside to catch some AC.

It's nice but also cold.

AIDEN CLARK - Yeah!

You're missing out on the fun! 😜

TYLER HERNANDEZ - We haven't even start anything yet.

TAYLOR HERNANDEZ - Y/N is everything alright, did something happened?

BEN CLARK - Are you alright?

ASHLYN BANNER - Do you need a ride?

I can ask my dad to drop you since your close by mine.

AIDEN CLARK - And mine!

LOGAN FIELDS - I hope your doing alright.

TYLER HERNANDEZ - We can't have fun if your like this, we waited and we're still waiting.

TAYLOR HERNANDEZ - Please respond...

AIDEN CLARK - Let's spam them then?

LOGAN FIELDS - I don't think that a good idea?

AIDEN CLARK - What...?

It's the greatest trick to use.

TAYLOR HERNANDEZ - I feel like we're already spamming them at this point.

TYLER HERNANDEZ - I swear you better not spam me.

And yes, I'm talking to you Aiden.

LOGAN FIELDS - Guys...

please focus...

BEN CLARK - Did something happen?

ASHLYN BANNER - Y/N?

BEN CLARK - Y/N... were getting worried.

TYLER HERNANDEZ - Miss, can you pick up.

AIDEN CLARK - Ehhh? So can I spam them?

ASHLYN BANNER - Aiden...

No

TAYLOR HERNANDEZ - please don't...

Perhaps their phone is dead.

BEN CLARK - Sick?

LOGAN FIELDS - or their probably busy?

BEN CLARK - Probably.

ASHLYN BANNER - Well I just wanted to make sure everything is alright.

TAYLOR HERNANDEZ - We're inside the arcade so join us when you get there. 💕

LOGAN FIELDS - I hope your doing alright.

BEN CLARK - Me too 🙏

AIDEN CLARK - Me three!!! ^^^^

ASHLYN BANNER - I do as well

TYLER HERNANDEZ - Get well...

AIDEN CLARK - but hey??

My options still stand.

EVERYONE - Aiden



As Y/N looked back at some recent messages, tears welled up in her eyes and fell onto her phone screen. She felt cared for by the people who were worried about her. At first, she didn't think much of it, but then she remembered what her dad had told her about care. She realized that they all cared for her, even if they didn't show it in a traditional way. They had been blowing up her phone just to make sure she was okay, and it made her smile. A small blush of gratitude appeared on her face.

Y/N was beginning to comprehend her feelings for the group, describing them in a way she could never deny. She realized that she had developed a deep sense of connection and affection for each member of the group. Their laughter, their support, their shared experiences had all woven together to create a bond that she couldn't ignore. It was more than just friendship; it was a sense of belonging, of being understood and accepted for who she truly was.

TAYLOR HERNANDEZ

Y/N couldn't help but be drawn to Taylor's genuine presence. It was as if her sincerity had a magnetic pull, making it impossible to resist being captivated by her warmth and positivity. In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, Taylor's smile served as a reminder that there was still goodness and light to be found. Y/N felt grateful to have someone like Taylor in their life, someone who could bring comfort and reassurance simply by being themselves. It was a rare gift, one that Y/N cherished deeply.

LOGAN FIELDS

Y/N can see the growth and progress Logan has made, and it fills them with pride. She know that overcoming fear and shyness is not easy, but Logan's determination and willingness to push himself out of his comfort zone are truly inspiring. Y/N believes that with continued support and encouragement, Logan will continue to flourish and become even more confident in himself. It's a beautiful journey to witness, and Y/N is grateful to be a part of it.

AIDEN CLARK

Y/N often found themselves drawn to Aiden's infectious energy and positive attitude. It was as if he carried a spark of light within him that never seemed to dim, no matter the circumstances. But beneath the surface, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Aiden than met the eye. Perhaps his constant smile was a shield, a way to mask any inner turmoil or struggles he may be facing. Maybe he used humor and playfulness as a coping mechanism, a way to distract himself from his own worries and fears.

Despite the uncertainties, Y/N couldn't ignore the fact that Aiden's presence brought a sense of chaos and adventure to their time together. His playful behavior and spontaneous ideas added humor and excitement to their journey, even if it was risky, turning ordinary tasks into wild adventures. Y/N couldn't fully understand Aiden's character, feeling both annoyed and intrigued by him, but they couldn't deny that his optimism made their journey more interesting.

TYLER HERNANDEZ

In a group of seven people, there is always someone who acts as a protector. Tyler plays this role in the group, watching out for those he cares about, especially his sister. Even though he may not openly express his affection for the group, Y/N can see that he is starting to open up and protect them. While he may not be the best at sharing his feelings, like everyone else, they all have their own insecurities. However, Tyler is not afraid to stand up for those he cares about.

BEN CLARK

Y/N admires Ben's strength and resilience in facing his past traumas, and she sees his protective nature as a way for him to cope with his own pain. She understands that Ben's protective instincts stem from a place of vulnerability and fear, but she also sees the love and compassion he has for those around him. Y/N knows that Ben is still on a journey of healing, and she is determined to support him every step of the way.

She sees the beauty in Ben's complexity, knowing that his past struggles have shaped him into the caring and empathetic person he is today. Y/N cherishes the moments when Ben lets his guard down and allows himself to be vulnerable, knowing that it is a sign of trust and growth in their relationship. She believes that with time, patience, and love, Ben will continue to heal and find peace within himself.

ASHLYN BANNER

Y/N reflects on how much they have grown since their early days with Aiden, thanks in part to Ashlyn's influence. They see Ashlyn as a beacon of strength and resilience, someone who embodies the qualities they aspire to possess. As they navigate through difficult situations together, Y/N finds comfort in knowing that Ashlyn is by their side, ready to face whatever challenges come their way.

She knows that Ashlyn's connection to the phantom world doesn't define her as a person. Instead, Y/N sees her as a trustworthy and dependable friend who is always there to offer guidance and support. Despite Ashlyn's unique abilities, Y/N values her for the genuine care and understanding she provides in times of need. Their bond goes beyond the supernatural, rooted in a deep sense of mutual respect and friendship.

They all took care of each other, even through their ups and downs. They were in the same mess together, a team like Taylor said. They had each other. A small smile slowly appeared on Y/N's lips. She never knew that having friends like these could make her feel happy. She couldn't help but laugh at their antics. She had to admit, in times like this, and maybe even in the phantom dimension, they had their fun. Perhaps this was her adventure to find herself, in the world of the paranormal and reality.

Not too long ago, Y/N discovered that the group brings her happiness in both worlds. She genuinely cares for them and they make her experience a range of emotions that she wouldn't typically feel around others. They bring her moments of happiness, sadness, and even negativity, but they are helping her open up and express her emotions more openly. It felt refreshing for some reason. Is this what it's like to be more open and leave her in thought?

She had always been guarded, keeping her thoughts and feelings to herself. But in that moment of vulnerability, she felt a weight lifted off her shoulders. It was liberating to let someone in, to share a piece of herself with another person. Maybe this was the key to truly connecting with others - being open and honest about who she was and what she wanted. And as she sat there, lost in thought, she realized that maybe this was the beginning of something new.

Now that she has a better understanding of her emotions, she wasn't ready to openly express them to others. It would take some time for her to do so. She knows deep down that they have always had her best interests at heart, but the fear of vulnerability and the unknown holds her back from fully embracing their love and support. It will take patience and understanding from both sides as she slowly comes to terms with her feelings and learns to vocalize them. In time, she will find the courage to express her gratitude and affection openly, strengthening the bond between them even further.

Wiping away some of her remaining tears, she smiled slightly while staring at her phone. She still had time, but she didn't want to go back downstairs and confront her parents.

What if she acts in a way she's afraid of?

But she's going to do this, she's going to have her own time and have fun with the others.

After she wiped away all of her tears, she slowly made her way back downstairs and saw that the broken glass by the door had been cleaned up. Y/N looked into the living room and saw Drake sitting there. She couldn't tell if he was lost in thought, but he definitely seemed that way. He soon noticed her presence as she entered the living room. He was about to say something, but then remembered to give her space. He could only watch as she entered the kitchen where D/N was.

"Dad, I'm ready to go," she suddenly said, catching him by surprise.

"Really, right now?" He was really surprised when she responded so quickly. He had thought she needed time to calm down, but her response was unexpectedly fast.

"Yeah, I just... needed a moment alone." She placed a hand on the side of her neck.

D/N took a deep breath as he approached her, placing his hand on her head and then gently moving it down her face to her cheek. Y/N could see the conflict in his eyes, as he checked to see if she was okay. "Okay, let's go then," he said, grabbing the keys.

Drake stood up from his seat and hurried to the door, which was about to close. He opened it and saw them walking towards the car. "W-Where are you all going?"

"I'm just taking Y/N to the arcade, but I'm not exactly sure where it is." He chuckled nervously.

"The arcade? Oh I know where-" Drake was about to tell them where the arcade was, but he was interrupted.

"Dad, it's fine," she said to D/N, glancing at him. "I already have the directions on my phone," Y/N said as she took out her phone and showed Drake the GPS.

"Ah, I see... well, have fun." He smiled softly. Drake was clearly, and very affectionate towards his family, even though they may not have realized it.

"I'll be right back, my parents are sleeping upstairs. You can put your stuff in my room and watch some TV." He smiled as he got into the car, with D/N driving and Y/N in the passenger seat. They both buckled up for the ride.

Shortly after, the car drove away and Y/N looked out the window to see Drake still standing outside the open doorway, watching them drive off. He soon disappeared from view. Y/N sighed and leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. She reflected on the situation and pondered how to handle it when she returned. She was unsure, torn between avoiding or confronting it.

As the car continued down the road, Y/N couldn't shake the image of Drake standing there, his expression unreadable. She knew she couldn't avoid the situation forever, but she also didn't want to make things more complicated than they already were.

"You know, we have all been through a lot together, especially Drake." Her dad spoke while keeping his eyes on the road. The drive to the arcade shouldn't be long or far.

"I'm sorry for keeping things from you, but things were complicated." He glanced to the side briefly and said, "I know you might be upset. He was hurt just as much as you when he found out M/N died. While you had me to comfort you, he had parents who almost had no regard for him and only focused on their expectations."

The girl looked at her dad with curiosity and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

D/N sighed and turned his head briefly to glance at Y/N. "It's best if you hear it from him, just listen to his side of the story. It's better to have him willing to explain. He's been through a lot, trust me dear. We all have," he said as he gently cupped her cheek before removing his hand softly. "Is this the way?" he asked, wanting to confirm if they were heading in the right direction to the arcade.

Y/N looked down at her phone and nodded. "Yeah, this is it."

After getting clearer directions, she eventually found the arcade. The car stopped right in front of it, pulling up beside the pavement. Y/N peered through the passenger window and saw a unique arcade in the area. It appeared welcoming, exuding a peaceful and laid-back vibe that they were looking for. Y/N exited the car, stepped onto the pavement, and closed the door behind her.

"Contact me when you need a ride." He smiled as he looked out the passenger side window.

"Yes, dad. I will."

"Alright," he said as he watched her walk away. With a smile, he added, "I love you," even though she was just a short distance away.

Y/N suddenly stopped in her tracks, freezing in place. She turned around and glanced over her shoulder, tilting her head slightly to the side. Her expression softened as she said to her dad in a gentle tone, "I love you too." Then, she walked to the entrance door and opened it. Once inside, her expression returned to its stoic state as she heard the car outside driving away.

Y/N glanced around at her surroundings. It was indeed cold, just as Ashlyn had mentioned. There were plenty of games to play, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Despite the friendly surroundings, there was a sense of tension in the air. It was surprisingly quiet, and Y/N couldn't even hear the group, which was unusual for them.

"Where are they..." It didn't take her long to notice one of the tall members of the group, Ben, in the back. "How did I miss that?" She saw him in the distance near some gaming machines and walked over slowly as she heard talking as well.

"Y/N, you're here!" Taylor stood up with a big smile and walked over to the girl, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Look who decided to finally show up," Tyler said when he saw Y/N.

"Umm, sorry about that?"

"Tyler, be nice." Taylor softly nudged her brother and turned to look at the girl with a worried expression in her eyes, which flickered with concern. "We were really worried that you wouldn't be able to come, we thought something had happened."

"Well... um, you're not wrong about that." Y/N's gaze wandered unconsciously until she finally spotted Aiden. "Umm, why is Aiden on the ground surrounded by tickets? Wait- How did you manage to get so many?"

"The games."

"Wow… seems like guys had fun."

"Don't worry, Y/N, there are plenty of games to choose from." Taylor smiled as she looked at the tickets, noting that there were enough for everyone. She felt that the amount was just right for the group, so she didn't mind sharing with her. "Since we all pitched in, what do you all think?" Taylor turned to the group, eager to hear their opinions.

"It's thoughtful of you to offer to share some of the tickets, even though she wasn't here to enjoy the fun. I don't mind at all, I'm just happy that Y/N made it." Logan said with a smile as he looked up at her.

Ben gave a thumbs up and nodded.

Ashlyn looked at Y/N and said, "It's fine, but you'll have to contribute next time. Regardless, I'm glad you could make it," with a small smile.

Tyler shrugged and said, "It's just tickets, we can always get more. So whatever." He briefly glanced at Y/N, who caught him staring when she looked back. At that instant, his eyes widened a bit and he quickly turned away, his cheeks slightly flushed.

Y/N wondered, "What's his deal?" as she raised an eyebrow and placed a hand on her hip while looking in his direction.

Aiden said, "Sure, I don't mind," with a playful smile on his face.

Y/N thought to herself, "Hmm, that's nice of them, but…" as she shook her head slightly. She reassured them, saying, "It's alright, it's yours, you guys did it together. Maybe if I had gotten here a bit earlier then."

"It's okay." Taylor smiled, reassuring that everything was fine. Since they were the ones who technically got the tickets and were offering, Y/N had no say in refusing. Y/N knew that, and it was a beautiful act of kindness indeed.

Logan said with a sweet smile, "We can probably give you some tickets depending on how many are left."

Ashlyn said, "I'm getting all of Aiden's share though since I won DDR."

"All of it?!"

"Well, there's the chaos." Y/N sighs, but she honestly found it quite funny.

Y/N was enjoying the laughter and joy of the moment when she heard chatter coming from the entrance. She thought she recognized a familiar voice in the distance. Wanting to confirm, she turned her head and saw Barron. Just one look from him was enough to ruin the happy atmosphere.

"Well that's annoying. What is he doing here?" Tyler asked, showing annoyance with his usual stern glare and crossed arms.

"Who?" Taylor glanced over and saw him, her expression instantly turning to one of disdain. "Oh... it's Barron."

Welp, there goes their fun.

At that moment, Y/N and Ben were annoyed by Barron's presence, especially Ben. Y/N's attention was solely on Barron, glaring at him with annoyance. Aiden noticed Ben's reaction and quickly intervened to block Barron from Ben's view. Aiden knew that Ben had a short temper and didn't want things to escalate further.

"Wow, I can't believe it. I just arrived and I'm already greeted with this, great." Y/N said sarcastically, feeling a bit annoyed at the sight of him. She never expected to see that face again. "Honestly, If he can't work on his own, he should drop out of school." She has zero sympathy after what he did with Logan.

This guy was already stirring up her emotions. All she wanted was a peaceful day with her friends to let go of any stress, but Barron happened to show up at the same place where they were all going to hang out. It was a ridiculous coincidence, and she despised it.

She said with a frown, "Well, this is just great," as she watched the entrance. Barron doesn't seem to notice them, though.

"I doubt he'll do anything, the coward hasn't messed with Logan since he's too scared of me "tattling" to coach."

"Why haven't you done it yet?" Y/N turned her head towards Tyler when he said that.

"He would practically beg me not to tell, and I don't want him near me."

"Really..." she looked at him, but didn't ask any more about it. Even though she should.

Taylor chimed in, holding the tickets in her arms. "... But still... It's kinda awkward isn't it? We've been here for a while anyway, maybe we should just get our prizes and spend the rest of the day at Ashlyn's?" she suggested in a soft, slightly worried tone. "Sorry, Y/N."

Logan slowly stood up from his crouched position on the ground and noticed Y/N's expression.

Y/N let out a deep sigh, trying to release some stress that was already on her shoulders. "However, given the circumstances, it's fine. But, I mean... do you have any board games?" She glanced at Ashlyn.

"Um, I think we should have."

Taylor said with a small smile, "Don't worry, we'll make it up another time." She was trying to hide her disappointment.

Logan stayed quiet as he looked at Barron and his group, lost in thought. Despite any doubts, he knew he was true to himself and had a kind heart deep down.

"... No." Logan's response was unexpected, causing everyone to look at him with surprise.



"I don't think the guy with the blue hat is part of their friend group. I've seen him with Barron at school a few times and I wasn't certain at first but... Barron just replaced me."

The group briefly glanced back at Logan and Barron's friends as Logan explained. Y/N looked at the boy Logan described - a tan-skinned boy with a hood, carrying books with his head down, wearing a boy cap. He seemed out of place among Barron's friends.

"Right now I'm pretty sure that guy is doing Barron's work while he hangs out with his buddies... That's what happened to me when he invited me somewhere."

Logan started to talk about his encounter with Barron, sharing his fair share of experiences. He seemed a little unsure and hesitant, appearing slightly shaky but ultimately willing to open up. As Logan spoke, his voice wavered slightly and his hands fidgeted nervously. It was clear that recounting his encounter with Barron was not easy for him, but he pushed through, determined to share his story.

"That's what he does, he manipulates you into being his friend and 'helping' his work and then when that stops working... he start threatening you physically."

While listening to him explain, Y/N was lost in thought as she looked at him and thought about the boy with Barron. Logan may not know the boy, but he has a kind heart. Y/N doesn't know the boy, but she feels the urge to help him too.

"So he's an errand boy..." She thought as she gazed into the distance. He reminded her of Logan - timid, with a sense of lost innocence, and fear. But now he has grown, mentally and physically. So, naturally Y/N had a feeling about what he was going to ask next.

"I'm not sure what your plan is, but you're wanting to help that guy?"

Logan nodded with his head down in response to Tyler's question. "I want to atleast warn him..."

"Well, do what you gotta do. We'll be here to help you if you need it.



After devising a plan, Logan went to warn the boy while the others, including Y/N, circled around the back in case things went wrong due to their protective nature. Y/N leaned against the wall with her arms crossed and her head turned, looking into the distance. She stood beside Taylor, who was sitting on the ground next to Ben. Y/N was unsure about leaving Logan by himself, but he insisted on going alone. This made her frown a little. She knows it's his battle and he can defend himself now that he knows self-defense, but she still worries.

FLASHBACK

"I'll go with Logan," Y/N said as she walked over to his side.

Ashlyn shared her opinion, saying, "I don't think you should do that."

"Why not? Just in case, it will be as if I am not even there." Y/N shrugged, even though that wasn't the case.

"This is reality we are talking about. They might suspect something is going on if they see you there too," Tyler added.

"Look, I know you want to look out for him. But maybe we should let Logan handle this. However, that doesn't mean we will leave him alone." Ashlyn smiled slightly. "We will just go to the back and see how it goes, and if necessary, we will help him."

Y/N looked at Logan, a hint of concern and nervous for his being. Logan took notice and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"It's okay, Y/N, but I can handle this. You all have been there for me, and now I want to repay that kindness. I want to tell him because I don't want him to have the same fate as me." His expression softened. "You have been there for me, and I want to do the same for him."

Y/N looked into his beautiful blue eyes, which had a gentle charm, like a cute puppy's plea. She sighed, lowering her head slightly before looking back at him. She couldn't deny the warmth she felt in his presence, the way his gaze seemed to penetrate her soul. But she knew she had to stay strong, to resist the pull of his magnetic personality. Taking a deep breath, she mustered up the courage to speak.

"Okay, you win." In the end, she ended up accepting, so much for denying.

FLASHBACK END

Y/N let out a sigh, catching Taylor's attention. She looked up to see a look of concern on Y/N's face as she gazed into the distance.

"Y/N?"

This startled her a bit when she heard her name called out suddenly. She looked down and saw Taylor looking at her, and noticed she had one of Ben's earbuds in her ear. Ben, who also heard the two, turned his head as well.

"Yeah?"

"You seem a bit tense. Are you okay?"

"No. No I am not okay! I'm clearly doubting what I'm even doing right now, like was this even worth it? What am I thinking, yes it is, he's someone I care and look out for, so why am I panicking! Am I? Yes! Oh my gosh, this is a ramble of thoughts right now. What am-"

Is what she would say if she wasn't thinking it.

"I mean... kind of?" Y/N shrugged slightly and looked to the side, showing that she was somewhat in agreement but also a bit confused rather than completely sure.

Taylors chocolate brown eyes gazed at Y/N's expression, noticing that the girl's words seemed a bit forced, as if she was trying to reassure herself. Her gaze wandered off into the distance as she leaned her head against the wall. "Sit."

Taylor could sense that Y/N was struggling with something, but she didn't want to push her to talk about it if she wasn't ready. Instead, she simply gestured for Y/N to sit next to her, offering a comforting presence without any pressure.

"Huh?" Y/N quickly shifted her gaze back in confusion.

"Join us here." Taylor patted the seat next to her, even though it was a bit small. "Ben, can you move over a little?"

The tall man nodded in agreement and moved slightly to make space for Taylor, allowing Y/N to sit on the ground beside her. Tyler, who was beside him, looked down at Ben and Taylor. Y/N watched as they made space for her.

Taylor said kindly, "Come, sit here."

Y/N didn't make a fuss and sat down beside her. She was already worried about having to deal with her own problems when she got home, which made her even more stressed. Taylor noticed her fidgeting with her fingers and staring off into the distance, causing her to tilt her head slightly.

"Alright, take a deep breath and relax. Everything is okay, you have support from others, so there's no need to panic. Just remember to breathe in…out-"

"Y/N..." Taylor spoke in a softer tone, noticing the girl's state. It reminded her of a time when she had a small panic attack. She placed her hand on the girl's hand to calm her fidgeting hands, gently intertwining their fingers. As she did this, she looked at the girl's expression and gave her a calming smile.

"I know you're worried, but we are all here to support you, including myself. Try not to stress too much or overthink things. We will be there for Logan if anything happens, just like we are now." Her smile was a blessing, helping to ease some of the tension she was feeling.

Y/N nodded and turned her head slightly downward, staring blankly at the ground. Seeing Y/N like this, Taylor thought of a way to cheer her up. After a moment of silence, she came up with an idea.

"Y/N?" She called out to her once more. Y/N turned her head slowly to look at her. "Want to listen?" She asked as she removed the earbud from her ear. "You still seem tense, but maybe some music can help."

Y/N looked uncertain when she saw Taylor holding out the earbud. She glanced at the earbud and then back at Taylor. "Um, you sure?"

"Positive! You seem like you need it more than I do anyway."

When was the last time she listened to music?

Oh, right, it was last night when Aiden played the song "Party Walkers" loudly across Ashlyn's backyard when they all were in the phantom dimension.

However, Y/N noticed that the earbud wasn't within reach from where she was sitting. They needed to move closer. "It doesn't seem like it can reach that far. Do you mind if I scoot in closer?" she asked.

Taylor nodded and moved closer to Ben, while Y/N sat closer to Taylor. Once she was close enough, she placed the earbud in her right ear, listening to the calming and relaxing melody she had gotten used to. As she looked at Taylor, she saw a smile on her face.

"Better?" Taylor noticed her nod, "I'm glad."

Oddly, this situation reminded her of a class trip she went on with Ashlyn and Taylor. While on a school trip to Savannah, the first night at the motel they stayed in, the bed they shared appeared to be big enough for two people, but Taylor insisted they share it. This made Y/N think of that moment. Nervously turning her head, she asked, "Are you okay?"

Taylor said in a somewhat humorous tone, "Um, yeah. It's kind of warm."

Y/N's eyes widened slightly at the response, then she turned her head forward with a small smile. "Yeah, it must be our body heat." She felt a slight sense of fondness towards her smile, finding it charming.

The girl with chestnut hair gently placed her hand on her shoulder. "Just try to relax for now."

Y/N sighed and eventually found herself relaxing to the calming melody. She knew she should trust them instead of overthinking it, even though she felt a bit skeptical about letting her guard down. She decided to trust them at least halfway. They were all capable of handling things on their own, and she could understand if Logan felt uncomfortable. However, she didn't want to assume that, she just needed to trust him, and she did trust him.

Y/N closed her eyes and let herself fully immerse in the music, feeling the tension slowly melt away. She reminded herself that they've all been there for him, and she had no reason to doubt him now. Trust was a two-way street, after all. As the soothing melody continued to play, Y/N made a conscious decision to let go of her doubts and fears, and instead focus on the present moment. She trusted Logan, and she knew that together they could overcome any challenges that came their way. With a newfound sense of peace and confidence, Y/N allowed herself to fully relax and enjoy the music, grateful for the unwavering support of her friend.



I swear... It wasn't intended on being this long.