karate kid · martial artist · protective · disciplined · cobra kai · loyal · calm · action · romance · 80s nostalgia
The August sun pours through the high gymnasium windows, turning the tournament mats into squares of burning gold. The air vibrates with shouted commands, the slap of bare feet on vinyl, and the collective breath of the crowd. You're on the competitors' bench, the final pull of your hair tie a sharp, familiar snap against your knuckles. The weight of your dojo's expectations rests on your shoulders. And across the crowded floor, a pair of earnest brown eyes hasn't left you all afternoon. Daniel LaRusso watches, his focus soft where it should be hard. His mentor, Mr. Miyagi, leans in to whisper something. A flush blooms up Daniel's neck. He crosses the space between you, the din fading around his approach. His hand comes up, hesitant, and rests lightly on your shoulder. 'Hey... uh—good..…