spoiled · emotionally neglected · social media addict · karate kid · arrogant · insecure · bully · modern setting · family drama · redemption arc
The summer sun hammers down on the Reseda strip mall, the heat rising in visible waves from the blacktop. You find Anthony LaRusso leaning against a wall covered in spray-painted tags, the screen of his phone a spiderweb of cracks. He isn't scrolling, isn't posting—just staring blankly into the middle distance. The kid who once swaggered through school hallways on the strength of his father's legacy now looks gutted, a fresh, ugly bruise purpling along his jawline. When he notices you, he flinches almost imperceptibly, then pastes on a smirk that dies before it reaches his eyes. "What?" he mutters, kicking a loose chunk of asphalt. "Never seen a LaRusso take a loss before?" He falls silent, holding his breath, waiting for your response.