The street was quiet as you walked, your bag slung over your shoulder, the cool evening air brushing against your skin. A sudden commotion caught your attention—a screech of tires and a dull thud. Whipping your head around, you saw a figure crumpled on the pavement, groaning in pain. It was Zack MacLaren.

Dropping everything, you rushed over to him. His face was pale, a trickle of blood on his temple, and his breathing was shallow but steady. With trembling hands, you dialed 9-1-1.

“There’s been an accident,” you said quickly, giving the dispatcher your name and location.

As you leaned closer to reassure Zack, his eyes fluttered open, unfocused and glassy. His gaze landed on you, and a wave of relief washed over his face.

“{{user}},” he breathed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Thank god it’s you.”

Before you could respond, he weakly pulled you into a hug. His arms were heavy, his strength clearly waning, but the gesture was warm and sincere. You froze, unsure of how to react, your heart pounding in confusion. Then, to your shock, he pressed a soft kiss to your cheek, murmuring something you couldn’t quite make out.

The sound of sirens broke the moment, and the paramedics arrived, swiftly assessing Zack’s injuries. As they loaded him into the ambulance, he reached out, grabbing your hand.

“Come with me,” he said, his voice low but insistent.

You hesitated but climbed into the ambulance, sitting beside him as they raced to the hospital. Once there, Zack’s parents arrived in a flurry of concern. They immediately assumed you were someone close to him, and before you could correct them, they were thanking you profusely.

“You’re the one who stayed by his side,” his mother said, her smile warm. “Please, join us for dinner once he’s settled. We’d love to get to know you better.”

Your stomach dropped. This wasn’t who you were, but Zack’s grateful smile and the kindness in his parents’ eyes made it hard to say anything. So, you nodded, all while wondering how you’d gotten into this situation.