Cochlear | A Cobra Kai Fanfiction

60

It was a gorgeous dress.

In the reflection of her expansive, elegant bedroom mirror, Jesse found herself observing a moment of transition. The splendor of her designer prom dress was undeniable, but her attention was drawn away by the cochlear implants tucked behind her ears, gleaming under the soft light.

The midnight blue of the dress was as deep as an endless night sky, a hue that was both royal and captivating. The intricate silver beadwork that adorned the heart-shaped strapless bodice glistened under the soft lighting of her room, the tiny beads expertly woven in an array of delicate patterns.

The dress hugged her youthful figure in a flattering manner, the bodice meeting a voluminous A-line skirt that fell to the floor in a soft cascade of tulle. The skirt swirled around her, creating a cloud-like effect that was as enchanting as it was magical. The audacious thigh-high slit was a contemporary touch, a dash of boldness that matched Jesse's own burgeoning confidence.

As she turned to view the back, her eyes met the semi-transparent lace panel that revealed just enough to intrigue. Her fingers traced the delicate, covered buttons that ran down her spine, a detail as exquisite as it was timeless.

Jesse was familiar with the comfort and aesthetics of designer dresses, being a teen from a well-off background. Yet, this was not just another piece of high-end fashion; it was her prom dress, an emblem of a milestone transition.

Or at least it should have been.

"Oi, ugly hoe, you ready yet?!"

"Come on, Jesse, let's go!" echoed her brother's voice again, muffled slightly by the closed door. Jesse grimaced, her fingers tightening around the handle of her make-up brush. For a fleeting second, she wished the cochlear implants were switched off, just so she could escape his annoyingly persistent calls.

"Always in a rush," she muttered under her breath, imitating his impatient tone as she resumed applying her mascara. Her lashes stood out, thick and luscious against her fair skin, and her lips held a hint of color from the rosy lipstick she'd chosen for the night.

Another round of impatient knocking rattled the door, followed by the stern voice of her twin, "Jesse, hurry up!"

Without a word, Jesse set down her makeup brush and took one last glance at her reflection. She looked stunning, but the lingering annoyance from her brother's nagging and the silent presence of the implants added a somber touch to her otherwise bright eyes.

She took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and finally called out, "All right, I'm coming!"

"Jess-! Woah." Kyler's eyes softened immediately at the sight of his sister as she walked out of the room and Jesse couldn't help the smile on her lips. She could have sworn that his eyes were wet before his lips turned into a thin line and his hands were pushing her back into her room. "Nope nope nope, no prom for you."

"Wha- Kyler!" Jesse complained, giggling through her words as she playfully fought back against him, her hands gripping the doorway.

"Nope, can't let you into the prom." Kyler said firmly, but his eyes were lit with humor as he shoved his sister once more into her room and closed it with a slam. "Too pretty. Wear jeans and a t-shirt!"

Jesse cackled behind the door before she threw it open and attacked her twin with a hug. "Aweee, you called me pretty." She gushed mockingly before giving him a kiss on the cheek, gigg ling at the fresh lipstick that marked his skin.

Kyler yelled dramatically and flew down the stairs, scrubbing his face harshly while complaining about her ruining his beauty so casually.

Jesse was grinning as she followed him at a slower pace, feeling free walking through the house since her dad was gone for a few days for work. Her watch beeped while she watched Kyler scrub his face and she couldn't help the softening of her smile.