The rain pounded against the windowpane, a relentless rhythm that matched Josslyn Jacks' racing heart. She stood in the dimly lit alley, her breath hitched, panic clawing at her throat. Cameron Webber lay on the ground, his face pale, eyes wide with fear.
"Cam!" Josslyn dropped to her knees, her trembling hands reaching for his neck. His pulse was weak, fading. "No, no, no!"
She'd never been good at handling emergencies. Her mind raced through CPR instructions—compressions, breaths—but the details blurred. Panic clouded her judgment. And then, without thinking, she leaned down and pressed her lips to his.
Mouth-to-mouth. Completely unnecessary. But it felt like the only lifeline she had.
Cameron's eyes fluttered open, confusion giving way to surprise. His chest rose as he coughed, air rushing back into his lungs. Josslyn pulled away, her cheeks flushed, heart still pounding.
"What...?" Cameron's voice was hoarse. "Why did you—"
"I panicked," Josslyn blurted out. "I thought you were—"
He sat up, wincing. "Choking on a piece of gum. Not dying."
Josslyn's embarrassment burned hotter than the rain. "I know. I just—"
"—reacted," Cameron finished. "Yeah, I get it."
They sat there, soaked and disheveled, the alley a backdrop to their awkwardness. Josslyn's mind raced. She'd ruined their friendship, hadn't she? Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation—what a ridiculous move.
Cameron's gaze softened. "You care about me, huh?"
She nodded, unable to tear her eyes away from his. "Yeah. More than I should."
He chuckled, a raspy sound. "Well, I guess I owe you one."
"You don't owe me anything." Josslyn's voice cracked. "I just—"
"—wanted to save me." Cameron's fingers brushed her cheek. "Even if it meant unnecessary mouth-to-mouth."
She leaned into his touch. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." He pulled her close, raindrops mingling with tears. "Maybe we're both a little breathless."
And then, in that alley, with rain as witness, they kissed—a messy, desperate kiss that tasted like life and second chances. Josslyn's heart soared. Maybe unnecessary actions weren't always wrong. Maybe they were the ones that mattered most.
