Weeks had passed since the worst of the chaos, and although Camille was still working through her trauma, life was slowly beginning to feel a little more manageable. She had therapy sessions twice a week, kept her modeling commitments light, and spent most of her free time with Riley, Maya, or her dad. But above all, Josh had been a constant in her life, more than just a friend.

They spent almost every evening together—watching movies, grabbing food, or just sitting on the fire escape talking about nothing and everything. There was an unspoken closeness between them, a connection that had deepened through the challenges they had faced together. But despite how much they both felt for each other, neither of them had acknowledged the shift.

One evening, Camille and Josh found themselves in their usual spot—perched on the fire escape outside her bedroom window, watching the city lights twinkle below. The air was crisp, the city sounds a comforting backdrop as they sat in silence for a while. Camille was wrapped in one of Josh’s old sweatshirts, the familiar scent of him giving her comfort, while Josh sat next to her, looking more tense than usual.

He had been quiet for most of the night, which was unlike him. Normally, Josh could talk for hours, making her laugh and forget about the heaviness of everything. But tonight, his mood was different. Camille had sensed it the moment he arrived. His usual easy-going smile had been replaced by something more serious, like he had something on his mind.

“Is everything okay?” Camille asked, breaking the silence. She turned to look at him, her brows furrowed in concern. “You’ve been kinda off all night.”

Josh exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair as he leaned back against the metal railing. He glanced at her, his blue eyes searching hers for a moment, and then he sighed again, as if trying to muster the courage to say what had been weighing on him.

“I’m fine,” he said, though it was clear from his tone that he wasn’t. After another pause, he added, “Actually, no. I’m not fine. I’ve been trying to figure out how to say something to you, and it’s kinda been driving me crazy.”

Camille’s heart skipped a beat, her mind racing with possibilities. Was this about them? Had he finally realized what she had been feeling all along? She had fallen for Josh, harder than she had ever expected to, but she hadn’t said anything. It was too complicated with everything that had happened. She didn’t want to add to the emotional weight they both carried, or worse, risk losing him as her closest friend.

“What is it?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Josh hesitated for a moment, and then he finally spoke, his voice raw with emotion. “I’ve been trying to be patient, to give you space while you’ve been dealing with everything. I didn’t want to push you or make things harder, but I can’t keep pretending like I don’t feel something more for you.”

Camille’s heart pounded in her chest, her breath catching. “Josh…”

“I know you’ve been through so much, and I didn’t want to make this complicated for you, but the truth is, I’ve liked you for a long time, Camille. And over the past few months, I’ve realized that it’s more than just a crush. I care about you in a way that I haven’t felt for anyone else.”

Her eyes widened as his words sank in, her pulse racing. Was this really happening? She had always felt something special between them, but hearing him say it out loud felt like a dream she hadn’t allowed herself to believe could be real.

“I didn’t say anything before because I didn’t want to add to everything you were going through. But I can’t keep it to myself anymore.” He turned to her fully now, his gaze intense, his voice steady but full of emotion. “Camille, I want to be with you. For real. Not just as your friend or the guy who helps you through the tough stuff. I want more.”

Camille’s heart fluttered as his words hung in the air. She had always felt safe with Josh, always cherished the way he made her feel seen and cared for. But hearing him admit his feelings for her, especially after everything they had been through together, filled her with a warmth she hadn’t felt in so long.

“I…” Camille started, but her voice caught in her throat. She took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “Josh, I—”

Before she could finish, Josh reached out and gently took her hand in his, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “You don’t have to say anything if you’re not ready. I just needed you to know how I feel. And if you’re not in that place yet, I’ll wait. I’ll always wait for you.”

Camille’s eyes filled with tears, but they were tears of relief, of gratitude, of love. She squeezed his hand, her voice soft but sure. “I am in that place, Josh. I’ve been in that place for a while now, but I was scared… scared of what it would mean, of losing you if things got too complicated.”

Josh’s face softened, his eyes never leaving hers. “You could never lose me, Camille. No matter what.”

A small smile crept onto her lips as she finally allowed herself to say the words she had been holding back for so long. “I want to be with you, too. More than anything.”

Josh’s expression shifted from one of worry to pure, unfiltered joy. He leaned in slowly, his forehead resting against hers as his hand gently cupped her cheek. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to hear that.”

And then, before she could say anything else, Josh closed the gap between them, his lips pressing softly against hers. The kiss was gentle at first, hesitant, as if they were both afraid to break the delicate moment they had been building toward for so long. But then, as their emotions poured into each other, the kiss deepened, full of all the love and feelings they had kept hidden for so long.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them breathless, Camille let out a small, nervous laugh, her heart racing. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

Josh grinned, his thumb tracing her cheek as he held her close. “Believe it, Camille. I’m all in, if you are.”

She nodded, her heart swelling with happiness. “I’m all in, too.”

For the first time in what felt like forever, Camille felt a sense of peace settle over her. The fear and trauma of the past were still there, lingering in the background, but with Josh by her side, she knew she could face anything. Together, they were stronger. Together, they were finally where they were meant to be.

And for the first time in a long time, Camille felt like she could breathe again.