𝐂𝐀𝐍'𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃, cobra kai

──𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄 𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄

─────── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───────
──EPISODE NINE

                      P.S.A.T PREP HAD ALMOST entirely slipped Élodie's mind in all of what was going on, and as she sat in class, mid-practice test, her heart was racing. Before he became Hawk, she knew Eli would've been constantly at hand to revise together — but now his concerns laid elsewhere and he wouldn't do such 'nerdy' things if he could help it.

"What's going on? The test is almost over." Demetri looked up at both Élodie and Miguel, both of whom looked defeated. Miguel sighed, "It's just a practice test. Relax."

"Easy for you to say. You're both in relationships," Demetri remarked, and Élodie scoffed -- which she had to try and cover up with a cough to avoid the teacher's glare, "Yeah, I'm dating a guy who calls himself Hawk now and despite being ridiculously intelligent, now thinks that making any effort in school is, and I quote, 'for nerds'."

Miguel held in a laugh, "Of course. Anyway, what does that have to do with anything?

"I gotta do well on these, so I do well on the actual test, so I get into a good college. Which will lead to a good internship, then a high-paying job, and then, after a couple promotions, I should have enough confidence to get a super-hot girl," Demetri explained, "You got the karate thing. I gotta play the long game."

"Don't be silly," Élodie assured him, "You're gonna get a hot girl in no time, 'Metri."

In that moment, the school bell chimed and they rose to their feet to hand in their tests.

As they left the room, they found Sam standing in the doorway waiting for Miguel. Élodie waved her hello, but stalked off in the other direction and pulled Demetri with her, "They need a talk, don't they?"

Demetri shrugged, "Do you think she doesn't want to invite him over?"

"I dunno," Élodie frowned, "She might be nervous to, but I don't think she's trying desperately to hide it like he thinks. We'll see, I guess?"

"And how about you and Hawk," his jazz-hands made Élodie laugh, only to stop as her boyfriend's arms curled around her waist and his head rested on her shoulder.

"What's so funny?" Eli asked, kissing his girlfriend's cheek as he moved to walk beside her now.

"Oh nothing, babe," Élodie bit her lip, grabbing his hand and lacing their fingers.

"Right," he replied quietly, embarrassed to be left out, and Élodie just squeezed his hand.

———

"Come on, Miggy, eat something," Élodie frowned at her best friend, who's sullen face had been twisted into a frown all day, "It'll make you feel better."

"l'm not hungry, El," he sighed, sending her a half-smile of gratefulness that she cared.

"I still think you're overreacting," this made Élodie bite her lip, unsure whether to agree or not. Sam hadn't mentioned any other guys to her, she had no idea who it could be.

"I'm not overreacting, dude. I know what I saw," Miguel replied sadly, and Élodie patted his back soothingly.

"All right, so you saw her eating dinner with some chode," Hawk shrugged as he leaned over the bench now, "It's probably just her brother or something."

"No, dude, brothers don't look at their sisters like that."

Demetri pulled a face, "Depends on what part of the country you're in." causing Élodie to laugh.