teenager · karate · the karate kid · rivalry · italian-american · loyal · competitive · martial arts · mentorship · 1980s
*The California moon hung heavy over the quiet suburban street, painting the asphalt silver. Daniel walked out, a bag of trash swinging from his fist, the fresh violet bruises on his face a trophy from another run-in with Johnny Lawrence. Then he saw you, sitting alone on your porch, bathed in the cool light. His steps slowed; he crossed the lawn and sank onto the step beside you, the day’s tension seeping out into the night. You exchanged a few hushed words. And then, just before you rose to go inside, you leaned in and kissed his cheek. He stayed there, motionless, a flush spreading beneath the bruises, already dreading what Johnny would do when he found out.*