A Leap of Faith

Cafeteria conversations at Crestwood always had a certain energy—loud, scattered, and filled with stories from the week.

As soon as we all settled in at the table, Zach leaned forward with a grin, clearly eager to share. "Alright, I've got something different planned for us this weekend. Something off the beaten path."

Logan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's up?"

I couldn't help but smile as I jumped in. "You guys ever hear about that hidden spot in the mountains? The one that's been blowing up on social media?"

Lena looked curious. "You mean that place with the insane views and hardly anyone knows how to get there?"

"Yep," I confirmed. "Leah and I were talking about it, and she's interested in checking it out. Thought it'd be cool to make it a group thing."

Owen smirked, leaning back in his chair. "So, Daniel, you're already planning weekend getaways with Leah? Moving fast, aren't we?"

"Slow down there, Romeo," Julian chimed in with a laugh. "Next thing we know, you'll be picking out matching hiking boots."

I rolled my eyes, trying to keep it cool. "It's not like that. It's just a cool spot to check out, and I thought it'd be fun for all of us. Besides, Leah's bringing a couple of her friends, so it's not like we're going alone."

Ethan couldn't resist. "Uh-huh, sure. But let's be real—she's going for the view, and you're going for her company. Right?"

Lena smirked, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Daniel, are you sure this isn't just an elaborate plan to impress Leah?"

I shrugged, playing along. "Impressing Leah? Please, I'm just trying to get everyone out of the city for once. But hey, if she ends up impressed, who am I to complain?"

Zach grinned, clearly enjoying the teasing. "You know, Dan, if Leah ends up swooning over you, we'll all have to step up our game. Can't have you outshining us."

Adrian, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. "Just make sure you don't trip and fall on the hike, man. Nothing kills a romantic vibe faster than rolling down a mountain."

Everyone burst out laughing, and I shook my head, trying to steer the conversation back on track. "Alright, alright, enough with the jokes. The point is, it's a cool spot none of us have seen before. And yeah, Leah's interested, but it's not just about her. It's about us doing something different and enjoying the weekend."

Owen grinned. "Sure, but we'll all be watching to see if you 'accidentally' end up hiking next to Leah the entire time."

"And hey," Julian added, "if you end up sharing one of those romantic mountain sunset moments, don't forget to get a selfie for the rest of us."

"Maybe even a boomerang," Ethan suggested, barely containing his laughter. "You know, for Instagram—gotta keep those followers entertained."

"Or," I said, trying not to laugh, "we could focus on the fact that it's going to be a great time for everyone. Fresh air, good company, and an awesome view. That's what this is about."

Lena, who had been watching the exchange with a grin, finally nodded. "Alright, I'm in. It'll be nice to get out of the city and see something new."

Nina chimed in, "Count me in too. I've been dying to see that spot."

"Same here," Adrian said, his earlier teasing forgotten. "Sounds like it'll be an epic trip."

"Perfect," Zach said, rubbing his hands together. "We'll meet up early and drive out there. It's supposed to be a bit of a hike, so be ready for that."

Julian looked around. "So we're all agreed, right? We're in for this adventure?"

"Absolutely," Ryan said, nodding. "It's been a while since I did anything this adventurous."

"Just remember," Owen added, grinning, "if Daniel goes missing for a bit, we'll know where to find him—probably somewhere near Leah."

"Very funny," I said, rolling my eyes. "But let's focus on having a good time, alright?"

With that, the conversation shifted to planning the details of the trip, but the teasing about Leah lingered in the air, adding a lighthearted, fun vibe to the whole thing. Everyone was clearly excited, not just for the adventure, but for the chance to share some new experiences together.

-----

The sun had barely risen when we all met up at the parking lot near the school. The energy was high, despite the early hour. Zach was already there, leaning against his car with a big grin on his face, clearly pumped for the day.

"Ready for this, folks?" Zach called out as we approached, his excitement contagious.

"Just about," I replied, giving him a nod. "You sure you've got the directions to this place?"

"Of course," Zach said, holding up his phone. "Got the map loaded and everything. We're good to go."

Ethan and I had arrived together since we were coming from the same roof. We had a quick breakfast, grabbed our bags, and hopped into my car before heading over. Zach's car was parked right next to us, and I noticed he had his usual setup—clean, organized, with just a few snacks lying around for the drive.

Logan, Julian, and Owen pulled up in Ryan's car, with Adrian sitting in the front passenger seat. They looked like they'd already been joking around, their laughter filling the lot as they stepped out.

"Morning, everyone!" Lena greeted us cheerfully as she and the other girls walked over from where they'd been standing.

Sarah looked half-asleep but smiled when she saw us. Nina, on the other hand, seemed wide awake and ready for anything.

Lena nudged me playfully. "Nervous about seeing Leah today, Daniel?"

"Why would I be nervous?" I shot back, trying to keep things casual. "It's just a hike, nothing more."

"Sure, just a hike," Sarah teased, smirking. "But if we catch you two slipping away for a private chat, don't worry—we won't interrupt."

I rolled my eyes. "You guys are relentless."

Nina grinned. "We're just looking out for you, Daniel. We all know how charming you can be."

"Yeah, don't let Leah get swept away," Owen added, winking. "Not unless you've got a backup plan to win her back."

Before I could respond, a cab pulled into the lot, and Leah stepped out with two other girls.

She waved at us. "Hey, guys!"

Zach, always the first to step up, greeted her with an easy grin. "Right on time."

Introductions went around, and I caught the names of her friends—Maya and Jess. They seemed just as excited as the rest of the group, already chatting with Lena and Nina.

Leah's eyes scanned the group, probably trying to match names to faces. When she looked at me, she smiled.

"Guess we'll see how good this spot really is."

"Yeah," I said simply. "Should be a solid hike."

"Hopefully," she said with a grin.

Before anything else could be said, Zach clapped his hands. "Alright, let's move. We've got a drive ahead of us."

Everyone piled into the cars. I took the front seat in Zach's, with Lena, Sarah, and Nina in the back. Ryan's car followed behind, and Leah and her friends rode in a cab, staying close.

The drive was filled with banter and teasing, everyone in high spirits. Zach had his music playing softly in the background, a playlist of upbeat tunes that kept the mood lively. We drove out of the city, the scenery changing from urban sprawl to open fields, and eventually to the foothills of the mountains.

Finally, Zach's car slowed as we reached a narrow, winding road that led up into the hills. The road was rough, with gravel kicking up behind our cars, but it added to the sense of adventure. When we finally arrived at the small parking area near the trailhead, we all piled out, stretching and shaking off the stiffness from the drive.

After a quick stretch, we grabbed our bags and headed for the trail. The hike wasn't too intense, but it was enough to work up an appetite, and by the time we reached a scenic spot halfway up the hill, everyone was ready for lunch.

We found a nice, flat area with a view of the surrounding hills and spread out our picnic blanket. The sun was high now, casting a warm glow over everything, and the air was filled with the sound of our chatter and laughter.

Owen, predictably, was the first to dig in.

"Man, I'm starving. If I don't eat soon, I might just waste away."

Julian smirked, passing him a soda. "You've been saying that since breakfast, dude. How are you still hungry?"

"Fast metabolism. It's a blessing and a curse," Owen mumbled through a mouthful of food.

"More like a curse for anyone who has to share food with you," Ethan muttered, reaching for a bag of chips.

I was about to take a bite when Owen, between bites, suddenly said, "Yo, did y'all hear about Westwood last night?"

I glanced up. Westwood?

"The school?" I asked.

Owen shook his head. "Nah, the whole damn area. Apparently, one of those crew fights from their town ended up dragging into school."

That made me pause.

"Crew fights?" I repeated.

"Yeah, man," Owen leaned back, chewing like this wasn't anything serious. "It's been going on for a while, but I guess last night, things got outta hand. One of the guys leading a crew is actually a student at Westwood, and whatever beef they had outside, it followed him in."

Ryan let out a low whistle. "Damn. That's next level. I figured they'd keep that kind of thing off school grounds."

"Guess not," Ethan muttered.

"Teachers had to step in," Julian added, shaking his head.

I blinked. Teachers?

The way they were talking about this, like it was just another thing that happens, threw me off.

I'd seen fights before—students throwing punches over something dumb. But this? This wasn't the same.

"You know," Ryan said, breaking my thoughts, "Crestwood's never really been a school for fights, but it's not like nothing's ever happened either."

I turned toward him. "What do you mean?"

Ryan leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. "I mean… you remember when Marcus's school's third years went up against our second years?"

That made me pause.

Marcus's school. Marcus.

Unconsciously, my gaze flickered toward Lena.

She wasn't even paying attention to the conversation, but something about Ryan's words made my thoughts drift there. Marcus. Lena. That entire mess.

I pulled my eyes away.

"That fight never really blew up though," Julian shrugged. "It just… disappeared."

"Yeah, but that's how it starts," Ryan said. "Who knows when something like that happens again? People act like these fights just come and go, but the wrong fight at the wrong time can turn into something bigger."

I stayed quiet, but his words lingered.

It didn't take much for things to spiral.

I thought back to how I met Zach, Owen, and Adrian.

We could've ended up as enemies just as easily as we became friends.

Maybe settling things with them back then had been the right decision.

The conversation drifted after that, the group throwing around stories about past school fights, rumors, and old rivalries that had come and gone over the years. I listened, still processing everything.

Maybe these things had always been there.

Maybe I was just now starting to notice.

After finishing lunch and packing up, we continued our hike to the top of the hill. The group started to spread out as we climbed, and before long, I found myself walking beside Leah. The others were ahead of us, lost in their own conversations, which left the two of us alone together.

We didn't talk much at first, just walked side by side, but it wasn't awkward. There was something peaceful about the silence between us. It gave me time to think, to enjoy the fresh air and the view as we ascended higher.

When we finally reached the top, we found a spot near the stone edge, where the worn bricks formed a sturdy barrier against the steep drop. The view was incredible, with the landscape stretching out in every direction, the city far off in the distance.

I pulled out my phone to check the time, and just as I did, it started buzzing with a call from Ethan. I glanced at Leah, who was taking in the view, and decided to ignore it. He was probably just calling to mess with me anyway. But then, almost immediately, Lena called.

I sighed and answered it. "What's up, Lena?"

Her voice was hurried and excited. "Daniel, listen, Leah's friends told me that she's interested in you."

I frowned, half-convinced they were joking. "Yeah, right. You're messing with me, aren't you?"

"No, I'm serious," Lena insisted. "They wouldn't lie about something like this. They just confirmed it."

I was stunned. I couldn't think of anything to say, and my mind was racing with questions. Before I could respond, I cut the call.

As we stood at the edge of the hill, a sudden gust of wind swept through, lifting Leah's hair and sending it cascading around her face. The cool breeze brushed against my skin, but what really caught me off guard was the way my heart suddenly flickered, like a match being struck. It was a feeling I couldn't quite place—something between excitement and nervousness. For a moment, everything else faded into the background, and all I could see was Leah.

She looked different today, not just in her usual way but something more. Her outfit was mature, thoughtfully chosen, covering her in a way that made her seem poised and self-assured. It wasn't like the playful, trendy clothes Sarah and the others wore, which I always found cute. This was something else entirely. It felt like she had dressed for herself, or maybe even for me.

I like her. The realization hit me hard and fast, and I couldn't shake it. This wasn't just a fleeting crush; it was something deeper, more significant. I couldn't remember the last time I felt this way—maybe because I never had before.

Before I knew it, words started forming in my head, and I knew I had to say something, even if it came out wrong. I turned to Leah, feeling more nervous than I ever had. "Leah," I began, trying to steady my voice, "I don't really know how to say this, so I'm just going to be honest. I think… I like you."

She turned to look at me, her eyes curious, maybe even a little surprised, but there was something else there too—something encouraging. It was enough to keep me going.

"I don't know if it's because I haven't really talked or spent much time with any other girl like this before," I admitted, feeling a bit awkward but needing to get this out, "but there's something about you that's different. Something I really like."

I hesitated, searching for the right words to explain how I felt. "I don't know how you'll take this, but I was wondering… would you like to be my girlfriend? At least until I figure this out, figure us out?"

My heart was pounding now, but I forced myself to continue, not wanting to leave any room for misunderstanding. "I mean, I'm not saying this because I'm unsure of my feelings. I just… want to get to know you better, to see where this could go. I know this might sound a bit weird, but I'm just trying to be honest."

I stopped talking, realizing I was probably rambling. I looked at Leah, waiting, hoping she would understand what I was trying to say.

Leah looked at me, her eyes softening, and for a moment, I felt like the world around us had stopped. "Daniel," she said quietly, "I've been interested in you for a while now. I just didn't know how to say it, or if you'd even feel the same way."

Hearing her say those words made my heart skip a beat. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips, and I felt a strange mix of relief and happiness washing over me.

We both fell silent after that, letting the moment sink in as we stood there at the edge of the hill. The breeze continued to flow around us, bringing with it the scent of the wildflowers and the distant sound of rustling leaves. It was peaceful, and for a while, neither of us felt the need to say anything. Just standing there, side by side, enjoying the simplicity of the moment was enough.

But soon, the reality of what had just happened began to sink in. Before, when the guys teased me about Leah, it was easy to shrug it off, to laugh along and pretend it was just harmless fun. But now, it was different. Now, I couldn't deny it. They were right—there was something between us, and it was real.

As Leah and I made our way back to the group, I couldn't help but notice the amused smiles on everyone's faces. They all knew something was up, probably having heard from Leah's friends that she was interested in me. But as we settled in, no one said anything outright. They were clearly waiting for us to spill the details.

Leah and I exchanged a glance, and with a subtle nod, we both turned to face the group. "So, uh," I started, trying to sound casual, "Leah and I… we're going out now."

For a second, there was silence. Then, a collective gasp swept through the group, their eyes widening in surprise. I could see their shock—they hadn't expected this at all, especially since I'd never mentioned having feelings for Leah.

Ethan was the first to recover, blinking a few times before letting out a low whistle. "Whoa, hold up. You're telling me that not only did you know Leah was into you, but you actually asked her out? Just like that?"

I shrugged, trying to play it cool, though my heart was still racing. "Yeah, I guess I did. I mean, why not? I like her, and she likes me… seemed like the right thing to do."

Zach stared at me, his mouth slightly open. "Dude, you never said anything about liking her. I thought you were just... you know, chilling."

Lena shook her head in disbelief, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "I've got to say, Daniel, this is a side of you we've never seen before. Fast mover, huh?"

Leah blushed beside me but didn't say anything, just smiling as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

Ethan, still looking somewhat stunned, laughed and shook his head. "Man, we've been teasing you about this for weeks, and you just go and make it official in one day? Didn't see that coming."

The group started to chuckle, the initial shock giving way to light-hearted laughter and congratulations. Logan patted me on the back, grinning. "Guess you're full of surprises, huh?"

I grinned back, the tension in my chest finally easing as the moment sunk in. "What can I say? When you know, you know."