perfect. (karate kid 1,2,3.)

17

Chi exhaled deeply, keeping her balance focused as she danced gracefully across the platform. She continued to sway- trying to focus on her dance moves- not what happened earlier with Daniel. Suddenly- the thought of his angry face exploded in her mind. She immediately stopped dancing,  frown flooding her face.

Speaking of Daniel- ever since that happened, he had left.

And didn't come back.

Where was he?

The sound of a puttered engine came from the front of the house.

She walked across the deck carefully- kneeling beside a bush.

Not to her surprise- was Daniel.

To her surprise- he was limping.

Chi's heart pinged at the sight of it.

"Daniel?" She said, slowly standing up from her position- him completely freezing in his tracks. She immediately walked up to him, Daniel completely still. "Where were you?" she asked, Daniel groaning at the question. "Tired." he replied, rushing to his room. Chi watched painfully as he tried to hide his limping.

As soon as Daniel made it into his room, Chi walked inside slowly- alerting Mr. Miyagi of the situation. Mr. Miyagi- who was in the middle of a prayer, sighed deeply. "Don't think Miyagi should talk now. You go, Churasan. Supply in cabinet." He instructed, Chi grabbing the tray Mr. Miyagi had used for Daniel and Chi. Chi frowned, boiling the water steadily on the stove. Finally- when it had reached the perfect temperature, Chi took it off the stove carefully- setting it on a towel. She then quietly exited to the deck outside, tiptoeing across it to Daniel's room. When she reached his door- she balanced the tray on one arm, allowing her to use her other arm to knock gently on his door. "Who is it?" she heard Daniel yell, with some added scrambling around. "Chi." she replied nervously, the scrambling finally stopping. "Come on in!" Daniel exclaimed, Chi slowly opening the door. "Hey, Chia! Why don't you come in? Just catching up on some sit ups here." He said awkwardly- eyeing the tray Chi was holding. Chi placed it down on the small stool next to them carefully, sighing deeply. She immediately moved to grab the pillow- but was suddenly stopped by Daniel. "What are you doing?" he asked, genuinely nervous. Chi gave him a "are you serious" glance before removing the pillow- revealing Daniel's completely bruised foot. Chi winced at the sight of it, Daniel only chuckling awkwardly. "Aw! Well look at that. Didn't even realize it, huh? Must have banged it in my sleep or something..." Chi looked up to him, feeling something horrible settle deep inside her.

He would really lie to her?

Daniel frowned immediately, throwing his head into his hands. Chi stopped what she was doing- completely focused on Daniel. He lifted his head slowly, his eyes blurred completely. When he came back into focus... there was Chi- just sitting there. Staring at him. Completely concerned.

"I can't believe myself." He muttered, Chi getting up from her kneeling position and embracing him in a hug. Daniel inhaled deeply, hugging her back. "I'm sorry Chi. I've been like this lately. Just confused." He said, his head buried into her shoulder. They slowly leaned back, Chi taking his hand. "I want to tell you what's happening..." he started slowly, a comforting smile on Chi's face. "...but you will hate me." he finished, her smile only relaxing slightly. Chi nodded. "It's ok. You can tell me when you're ready." She said, moving back to the tray. An awkward silence filled the room as Daniel sat up in his bed, Chi throwing some green looking powder into the bubbling pot. "Will help your foot." she said solemnly, Daniel slowly placing his foot on it. Right as it touched the surface of the concoction- he flinched, wincing in pain. "It's hot!" he exclaimed, through gritted teeth. Chi couldn't help but smile warmly. As Daniel saw her expression- he placed his foot in again, trying his best not to flinch. "Great." Chi said, grabbing the tray and standing up slowly. "Let me know if you need anything, k?" she said, starting to open the door. Daniel opened his mouth to talk- but Chi had already left.

Daniel threw his head into his arms.

Deep in thought.

What was he doing, lying to the two most important people in his life?

The sad part was...

He wasn't sure.