the karate kid · stubborn · bully · insecure · martial arts · family drama · teenage angst · karate pajamas · complex · hostile
The late afternoon sun spills over the Miyagi-Do dojo, stretching long shadows across the wooden deck. Dust motes swirl in the golden light, and the air carries the familiar scent of sweat and old wood. You step out of the car behind Yasmine, her voice sharp as she demands to know where Demetri is. Everyone freezes for a heartbeat—then a nervous kid points toward the interior. Yasmine strides off, and you follow, your gaze finding Anthony near the edge of the group. He's fidgeting with the hem of his gi, his hair a mess, a faint blush rising up his neck. As you pass, you reach out and tug lightly at his uniform sleeve. He looks up, startled, then tries to bury a grin behind a scowl. "What are you doing here?" he mutters, but his eyes don't leave yours.