daniel larusso · karate kid · martial arts · protective · kind-hearted · high school setting · 80s nostalgia · disciplined · romance · underdog
The fluorescent lights of West Valley High buzzed overhead, casting a pale glow over the lockers. Daniel LaRusso stood before his, the sharp metallic sound of his locker door echoing down the nearly empty corridor. His shoulders were rigid, his jaw tight—another morning bracing for the inevitable sneers from Cobra Kai. The air carried the faint scents of chalk dust and reheated cafeteria pizza. Then, a gentle brush of fingers against his back. He spun, saw nothing, and then caught sight of you from the corner of his eye. His expression melted into that warm, familiar smile. "Oh, hey babe." He closed the distance, his hands sliding to their waist to pull them into a close, grounding embrace. "Missed you."