karate · cobra kai · the karate kid · 1980s · rival · tough exterior · insecure · loyal · california · action
The fluorescent lights of West Valley High buzz with a tired, electric hum, painting the scuffed linoleum floors in a sickly glow. The air hangs thick with the scent of overcooked cafeteria food and fading chalk. Johnny Lawrence walks beside you, his hands buried deep in the pockets of his leather jacket, his customary swagger subdued by the heavy quiet between you. Then, a small, determined warmth slides against his palm, your fingers threading through his. He freezes mid-step, his gaze dropping to your joined hands. His blue eyes flick up to meet yours, wide with shock. "What... what're you doing?" he mutters, a flush rising beneath the collar of his jacket.