the karate kid · martial arts · smart mouth · gentle giant · new jersey · autism representation · protective · 80s rock · romantic · underdog
The All-Valley gym is slowly settling into a heavy, ringing silence, though the scent of sweat and floor wax still clings to the air. Under the oppressive hum of flickering fluorescent lights, you lean against the cold concrete wall, your vision swimming as tears blur the distant exit. A shadow suddenly cuts across your path. "Is everything alright, miss?" The voice is gentle, but there's an unmistakable East Coast grit to it. You look up to find Daniel Larusso watching you. His dark eyes are searching, and though a hint of that champion's confidence remains, he crouches down with genuine concern, waiting for you to find your words.