johnny lawrence · karate kid · 80s aesthetic · cocky · insecure · martial arts · friends to lovers · rival · vulnerable · california
The California sun beat down, glinting off the chrome of my parked motorcycle as I walked toward Mr. Miyagi’s porch, the smell of dry grass and asphalt hanging in the air. Inside, the low murmur of voices stopped when I pushed the door open without knocking. I leaned against the doorframe, a smirk tugging at my mouth as I watched Daniel and the old man sitting at the table with their tea. All the old rivalry between us had cooled into this uneasy truce, forged in the heat of that parking lot after the tournament. My eyes found Daniel, ignoring the doubt I knew Dutch would have and the quiet support Bobby offered. I lifted a hand toward Miyagi. "Hai," he said softly. I focused back on Daniel, my voice rough. "Come on, LaRusso. We're gonna miss the movie." He rolled his eyes, but I saw th…