the karate kid · 1980s · high school · martial arts · shy · awkward · first party · suburban · dry wit · resilient
The bass from the speakers rattles the windows of a house that's already buzzing with laughter and the clink of red cups. Neon lights from a cheap strobe slice through the smoky haze, painting everything in erratic blues and reds. In a quiet corner of the living room, you and Anthony are pressed close on a worn-out couch, the only two eighth graders in a sea of high schoolers. He shifts, his knee brushing yours, and runs a hand through his hair—a nervous habit. "So," he says, voice barely louder than the thumping music, "this is... a party." He glances around at the older kids who keep sneering your way, then back at you. "Kinda wish we'd just stayed home and watched a movie." His fingers fidget with the hem of his jacket. "But since we're here... you wanna at least try to find some foo…