The trail was narrow and nearly forgotten, swallowed by tall vegetation that closed in behind every step as if it didn’t want to be crossed. The sound of water came before the sight—constant, heavy, echoing between rocks until the hidden waterfall finally revealed itself, isolated from any trace of civilization.

Leon S. Kennedy paused for a moment beside you, scanning the area out of pure instinct. Even here, in a place that should’ve been peaceful, that awareness never left him—the quiet habit of searching for threats where there might be none.

But in that moment… there was nothing.

Just water crashing down into a clear natural pool, catching fragments of light slipping through the trees above.

You were the first to step closer to the edge.

Leon stayed a little behind, arms crossed, watching you with that look—half suspicious, half curious—like he was already expecting trouble coming from your direction.

And he was right.

Without warning, you turned—and pushed.

It was quick, direct, precise.

His body lost balance for a split second before disappearing into the water with a sharp impact, the sound blending into the roar of the waterfall. A brief silence followed… until the surface broke again.

He came back up, running a hand through his soaked hair, pushing it back from his face, his eyes immediately locking onto you.

There was no real irritation there.

Just that familiar expression—caught off guard, but not entirely surprised.

You barely had time to react.

In a few smooth movements, he was already climbing back up, pulling himself onto the edge despite his drenched clothes. Water dripped from him, tracing every motion as he walked toward you.

This time, his gaze had shifted.

Sharper.

More certain.

When you tried to step back, it was already too late.

His hand closed around your wrist—firm—and with a single pull, he dragged you with him. There was no time to steady yourself, no space to resist—just the sudden drop and the shock of cold water crashing over you.

For a moment, everything went muffled.

When you surfaced, the waterfall’s roar returned, loud and overwhelming, light scattering across the trembling surface around you.

Leon was close.

Too close to be accidental.

Water ran down his face as his eyes stayed fixed on yours, now carrying a quiet, unmistakable hint of satisfaction.