𝖫𝗈𝗏౿ᑲ𝗈ოᑲ -𝖤ᥣꪱᜒ 𝖬𝗈ડƙ𝗈⍵ꪱᜒ𝗍ʑ

3.7

In the days that followed, Hazel withdrew into herself, choosing to remain at home instead of venturing out. Sensing her subdued mood, Johnny decided to check in on her, hoping to brighten her day by sharing Miguel's recent progress.

"Hazel, I've got some good news," Johnny began as he entered her room, his voice filled with optimism. "Miguel's been making some serious strides in his recovery. He's really starting to impress me."

Hazel managed a faint smile, her gaze fixed on a distant point beyond the walls of her room. She appreciated Johnny's attempt to lift her spirits, but her thoughts were elsewhere, lost in a whirlwind of uncertainty and concern.

"That's great, Johnny," she replied, her voice lacking its usual enthusiasm. "I'm glad he's doing well."

Johnny frowned slightly, sensing that something was amiss. "Hey, is everything okay?" he asked, his tone softening with genuine concern.

Hazel hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to share her troubles. But then, with a sigh, she decided to confide in Johnny.

"I visited Robby," she admitted quietly, her words hanging heavy in the air. Trying to have a conversation that wasn't that bad.

Johnny's eyebrows furrowed in surprise at her unexpected revelation. "You did?" he responded, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Hazel nodded, her expression pained. "Yeah, I did. I just... we needed to talk, I guess."

Johnny paused, searching for the right words to say. After a moment of silence, he offered a tentative response.

"Well, uh, that's... good, right? I mean, it's good that you're friends with him," Johnny said, trying to sound reassuring despite his own uncertainty.

Hazel nodded again, but her mind was still clouded with doubt. "Yeah, I guess," she murmured, her thoughts drifting back to the complexities of her relationship with Robby.

Sensing her unease, Johnny decided to change the subject, hoping to lighten the mood.

"So, what else has been going on with you lately?" he asked, eager to shift the focus away from her visit with Robby and onto more positive topics.

Hazel shifted uncomfortably as Johnny's gaze bore into her, his concern evident in his expression. Sensing her hesitation, he decided to cut straight to the chase.

"Hazel, I need you to be honest with me," Johnny said, his voice gentle but firm. "What's really going on?"

Hazel swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to find the words to express her inner turmoil. Finally, she mustered the courage to speak.

"It's just... tough, you know?" she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I still have flashbacks from when Tory cut my cheek, and... and I can't shake the feeling of dread that it might happen again."

Johnny's expression softened as he listened, his heart going out to her in her moment of vulnerability. "I understand," he said quietly, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Hazel's eyes welled up with tears as she continued, her voice trembling with emotion. "And then there's Eli... the breakup was hard enough, but now... now that he's sided with Cobra Kai, I just don't know how to feel anymore."

Johnny's brow furrowed in concern as he processed her words. "I'm sorry, Hazel," he said sincerely, his voice filled with empathy. "I know it's not easy, but everything's gonna be alright. Otherwise fuck Hawk."

Hazel nodded laughing slightly, her throat tightening with emotion. "And then there's the fact that Tory broke my arm, while three boys were holding me and He was just watching." she added, her voice barely a whisper as she recalled the painful memory.

Johnny's eyes widened in shock at her revelation, his heart sinking at the thought of the harm inflicted upon her. "I had no idea," he murmured, his voice heavy with regret.

Hazel shrugged. "That's because i told mom not to say it to anyone. Especially Miguel."
"I'm so sorry, Hazel. I should have been there to protect you." Johnny answered sincerely.

Hazel shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "It's not your fault, Johnny," she said, her voice tinged with sadness. "But... I just don't know how to deal with all of this anymore."

Johnny observed Hazel's distant expression, noting her avoidance of his gaze. Determined to break through her walls, he reached out, gently tilting her chin to meet his eyes.

"Do you remember the morning of the first day of school?" he asked softly, his tone gentle yet firm.

Hazel's attention snapped back to him, her thoughts momentarily scattered. She nodded, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"I... uh, yeah, I remember," she replied hesitantly, unsure of where Johnny was going with this.

Johnny's voice remained steady as he continued. "I heard what you and Robby said," he admitted, his words hanging in the air between them.

Hazel's eyes widened in surprise, her heart skipping a beat at the realization that Johnny had overheard their conversation. She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out.

Johnny reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Hey, you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to," he reassured her, his voice filled with empathy. "But just know that I'm here for you, okay? Whatever you're going through, you don't have to face it alone."

Hazel's throat tightened with emotion as she took in Johnny's words. Despite her inner turmoil, she felt a flicker of gratitude for his unwavering support.

"Thanks, Johnny," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "And... and thanks for reminding me that it's not my fault. I'll try to be strong."