OFF LIMITS
Chapter Five – Unmasking the Truth
Leah:
A hikeeee….. i screamed…
The hike wasn't just some spontaneous idea—it had been planned for weeks. It was Kurt's idea, of course, a way for everyone to escape the stress of everyday life and enjoy the fresh air. He had been pushing for it for days, making jokes about how everyone needed to "get out of their heads" and "get back to nature."
Initially, I wasn't sure about the whole thing, but after everything that had happened, I figured a change of scenery might do some good.
I had invited her closest friends, the ones who understood the complicated layers of her life, and of course, Daniel. Kurt had invited Kingsley, and much to Leah's surprise, Kingsley had agreed, even though it was clear he didn't have much of a choice.
The drive to the hiking trail was quiet. They all piled into two cars. Kurt was driving his usual black SUV, a space where he was comfortable—loud music, windows down, and his infectious laughter. Kingsley sat beside him, his expression distant, lost in his thoughts.
Leah, however, wasn't in the mood for Kurt's usual antics. She had planned to ride with Daniel, She glanced over her shoulder, half-expecting to see Daniel arriving any second.
"Come on, Leah, you're coming with me," Kurt said with a playful grin as he patted the passenger seat.
"I'll wait for Daniel," she replied, her voice cool. "He's on his way."
Leah stood by the curb, her gaze scanning the street for Daniel. She'd invited him, after all, and it felt weird to leave without him. She had no idea why she was so fixated on him this time—maybe it was the constant pull between her and Kingsley, or maybe she just wanted to be with someone who made her feel seen.
Daniel pulled up moments later in his silver sedan, the engine humming softly as he parked. He waved as he got out of the car, a smile lighting up his face. Leah couldn't help but smile back.
"Perfect timing," she said, walking over to him.
"I knew you were waiting for me," Daniel teased his hands in his pockets. "Ready for a little adventure?"
Leah nodded, her heart warming at the sight of him. "You're the only one I'd go on an adventure with."
The drive to the hiking trail took about an hour. Kurt kept the mood light with his typical banter, but it was obvious to everyone that there was something unspoken between Kingsley and Leah. Kingsley kept his eyes focused out the window.
Eventually, they arrived at the trailhead. The area was beautiful—green fields, and tall trees, and the air was fresh with the scent of earth and wildflowers. It was exactly what everyone needed to clear their minds.
As they unpacked from the cars, Leah, feeling the weight of all that had transpired, decided she needed a little space. She waved off the group and wandered off down the trail, her thoughts swarming around her. She reached a small clearing where wildflowers bloomed in abundance and knelt to pick a few, trying to focus on the simple beauty of the moment.
It was there, among the flowers, that she first saw Kingsley.
He had followed her, of course, but she didn't care anymore. It was clear to her now—she wasn't the same girl who had been too afraid to voice her feelings before. She wasn't the girl who would stand quietly in the background, waiting for Kingsley to make a move.
When Kingsley walked toward her, his presence felt heavy, as if he were carrying the weight of all the things they had never said. Leah didn't look up immediately, continuing to pick the flowers, even though she could feel his gaze on her.
"Picking flowers?" His voice was laced with something she couldn't quite place—irritation, maybe? But also curiosity.
She glanced up, holding a few flowers in her hands. "Yeah," she replied, her tone steady. "Needed something to remind me of the things I used to enjoy."
Kingsley didn't respond right away. Instead, he stepped closer, his expression unreadable. "You've been avoiding me."
Leah sighed, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Have I? I didn't realize."
"You know exactly what I mean," he said, his voice quieter now. "Why the act with Daniel? Why pretend like you're so into him?"
Leah's lips curled into a small, bitter smile. "I'm not pretending, Kingsley. I'm just tired of being the last person to know anything. I'm tired of always being stuck in the background, just a friend."
Kingsley clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Leah—"
"No," she cut him off, standing taller now, the words coming faster. "You made it clear. You said I wasn't your type. You said you didn't want me. And now you come here, pretending like everything's fine like we're just supposed to pick up where we left off. I've moved on, Kingsley. I'm done waiting."
⸻
"You don't know how hard it's been for me, Leah," he said quietly, his gaze softening for a brief moment. "I was trying to protect you. From Kurt. From myself."
Leah scoffed, turning away to pick more flowers. "Protect me? Or just protect yourself from the consequences of your actions?"
He stepped closer, his voice low. "You think I didn't care about you? That I didn't want to be with you? You think I could just snap my fingers and make things happen?"
Leah didn't respond. Her heart was pounding, but her mind was clear. She had heard enough.
"If you're not ready to make me known to the world, Kingsley, then why should I stay here and pretend? Daniel is ready. He's already shown me what it feels like to be seen for who I am. I don't need to hide anymore."
Kingsley's face hardened, and for the first time since they'd been together, Leah saw him falter.
Leah turned away, her hand gripping the flowers in her grasp a little too tightly. She could feel the weight of Kingsley's presence behind her, the suffocating tension wrapping around her chest like a vice. She had made her point, and now she just wanted to leave—leave the past, leave him behind, and find some peace.
But before she could take a step away, she felt a firm hand grip her wrist, pulling her back.
"Leah," Kingsley's voice was low, almost desperate. "Don't walk away from me."
She froze, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn't turn to face him. She couldn't. If she did, she was afraid she might fall apart. She wasn't sure if she could hold her ground if she saw the look in his eyes.
"Let go of me," she said, her voice shaking slightly, but she still didn't turn around.