𝖫𝗈𝗏౿ᑲ𝗈ოᑲ -𝖤ᥣꪱᜒ 𝖬𝗈ડƙ𝗈⍵ꪱᜒ𝗍ʑ

1.12

The day of the All Valley Karate Tournament had arrived, and Miguel was outside the sports center with his friends, relentlessly practicing punches. "Hey, take it easy, Miguel. Save some energy for the tournament," Eli advised, glancing over at his intense friend.

Ignoring Eli's advice, Miguel continued his aggressive training. "He's been on edge since the breakup," Hazel informed Eli, her gaze shifting between them.

Eli scanned the area, looking for their sensei. "Where's Sensei? The tournament's starting soon," he remarked, growing concerned.

"He'll show up," Aisha assured them. But Bert's somber expression caught their attention. "What's wrong?" Aisha prodded, her eyes narrowing behind her glasses.

Bert hesitated before recounting what he had witnessed the previous night at the mini-mart. Hazel's disbelief was evident as she shook her head. "Why didn't you tell us sooner?" she asked, a hint of frustration in her voice.

"I don't know. I guess I'm just used to seeing him like that," Bert shrugged, his blue eyes reflecting a sense of resignation.

"Well, we're here, and he's not. It's a big deal," Hazel asserted, growing increasingly worried about their sensei's whereabouts.

Johnny's unexpected arrival interrupted their conversation. "Do what without me?" he inquired, his determination evident in his stride.

"We thought you weren't going to make it," Eli remarked, his newfound confidence evident in his tone.

"I may not always win, but I never back down from a fight," Johnny declared, his gaze meeting Miguel's with a sense of resolve.

As they headed towards the sign-in area, Johnny gathered his students for one final lesson. "You've learned to strike first, to be aggressive, not to be losers. But there's one more lesson: no mercy," Johnny emphasized, his words resonating with the group.

Amidst the crowded arena, Johnny continued his impassioned speech. "Life isn't fair. It throws challenges at you when you least expect it. But we don't show mercy. We do whatever it takes to keep moving forward, to win," he declared, igniting a sense of determination in his students.

Miguel's expression hardened with resolve, while Eli's smirk revealed a newfound sense of confidence. "Remember who you are. You're badass. You kick ass. You're Cobra Kai," Johnny affirmed, instilling a sense of empowerment in his students as they prepared to face the challenges ahead.

As Johnny delivered his speech, Hazel couldn't help but feel a surge of conflicting emotions. The intensity of his words resonated with her, reminding her of the challenges she had faced and the resilience she had cultivated since joining Cobra Kai. Yet, beneath her facade of determination, doubts nagged at her.

She found herself pondering the events of the past weeks, reflecting on the changes that had swept through their dojo and their lives. Miguel's breakup had left him raw and volatile, while Eli's newfound confidence bordered on arrogance. And then there was Johnny, their sensei, whose absence had cast a shadow of uncertainty over their preparations for the tournament.

Despite her outward bravado, Hazel couldn't shake the fear gnawing at her insides. She worried that the newfound popularity and success that Eli and Miguel had found would eventually drive a wedge between them. What if they no longer needed her, she wondered, fearing abandonment and rejection.

As Johnny's words echoed in her mind, Hazel resolved to bury her doubts and fears beneath a mask of determination. She would stand by her friends, support them in their quest for victory, and prove herself worthy of the Cobra Kai spirit. But deep down, the uncertainty lingered, a constant reminder of the fragile bonds that held their group together.

The tournament drew closer, Hazel's anxiety mounted with each passing moment. She found herself pacing back and forth in the locker room, her mind swirling with doubts and insecurities. What if she let her team down? What if she couldn't live up to the expectations placed upon her? What if she failed to prove herself as a worthy member of Cobra Kai?

Eli noticed Hazel's distress and approached her, concern etched on his face. "Hey," he said softly, reaching out to gently place a hand on her shoulder. "You okay?"

Hazel glanced up at him, her eyes betraying the turmoil within. "I don't know, Eli," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "I just... I'm afraid that I'm not good enough. What if I mess up out there? What if I hold everyone back?"

Eli's expression softened as he listened to her words. He knew all too well the weight of expectation and the fear of failure. But he also knew the strength that lay within Hazel, the resilience and determination that had brought her this far. "Hey, look at me," he said gently, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. "You're more than good enough, Hazel. You're strong, you're skilled, and you've worked harder than anyone else. We're a team, and we've got each other's backs. You're not alone out there."

Hazel felt a flicker of hope stir within her at Eli's words. She took a deep breath, letting his reassurance wash over her like a comforting embrace. "Thanks, Eli," she said, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I needed to hear that."

Eli smiled back, squeezing her shoulder reassuringly. "Anytime," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "We've got this, Hazel. Together." And in that moment, as they stood side by side, facing the unknown together, Hazel felt a surge of confidence wash over her. With Eli by her side, she knew that she could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

But as the tension of the tournament loomed over them, Eli felt a newfound sense of urgency. He couldn't let another moment pass without expressing his true feelings to Hazel. Taking a deep breath, he looked into her eyes with determination.

"Hazel," he began, his voice steady yet filled with emotion, "there's something I've been meaning to tell you."

Hazel's heart skipped a beat as she looked back at him, her eyes wide with anticipation. She could sense the sincerity in his words, and her pulse quickened with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"I know we've been through a lot together," Eli continued, his gaze unwavering, "and I've realized something. I care about you. More than just as a friend. I... i would love to be your boyfriend if you want to be my girlfriend.."

Hazel's breath caught in her throat as Eli's words washed over her. She felt a rush of emotions flood through her—joy, relief, and a deep sense of affection for the boy standing before her.

"Eli," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, "I... I feel the same way. I've wanted this for so long."

A smile spread across Eli's face, lighting up his features with happiness. Without hesitation, he reached out and took Hazel's hand in his, their fingers intertwining in a silent promise of love and commitment.

"Then it's settled," Eli said, his voice filled with certainty. "You're my girlfriend, Hazel. And I couldn't be happier."

Tears of joy welled up in Hazel's eyes as she leaned in to wrap her arms around Eli, pulling him into a warm embrace. In that moment, surrounded by the excitement of the tournament and the support of their friends, Hazel and Eli knew that they had found something truly special—a love that would endure through every challenge and triumph that lay ahead.