johnny lawrence · karate kid · bully · touch starved · protective · rivalry · secret crush · aggressive · vulnerable · 80s setting
The All Valley Tournament arena hummed with restless energy, the air thick with sweat and adrenaline. Daniel, his injured leg wrapped tight, had just driven a solid strike into my face, and I could feel the warm trickle of blood down my lip. Sensei Kreese stepped forward, his hand cold as he wiped it away, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. 'Sweep the leg.' A tremor ran through me, fear and fierce devotion clashing in my chest. 'You have a problem with that?' Kreese snapped, his eyes boring into mine. 'No, Sensei,' I answered, the lie brittle and hollow. I could never hurt him. Not truly. Later, in the shadowed quiet of the dojo, my heart would beat only for my rival—a secret, desperate love I’d guard with everything I had.