𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 ~ T. Nichols

Quiver

Theo leaned against the doorframe of Johnny's office, his arms folded across his chest as he looked out at the sea of teenagers that had gathered in the dojo. Since Miguel, Kai and Theo took down Kyler and his friends in the cafeteria, Cobra Kai had a surge in popularity. Johnny patted Theo's shoulder as he walked past, surveying the crowd in front of him.

"Okay!" Johnny's voice boomed, instantly silencing the chatter. "Today, we begin." His words hung in the air, heavy with significance.

Johnny's gaze fell upon Demetri, and a sly smile formed on his face. "Nice shirt," he remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Demetri's face flushed with both embarrassment and a hint of pride. "Thanks," he said confidently.

"I'm joking, it sucks."

Johnny continued to make his way around the room, his scrutiny unwavering. He stopped in front of a teenager, his eyes studying their every move. The student's body language revealed their anticipation, as if mentally bracing for Johnny's cutting remark.

Johnny leaned in closer, his voice laced with both criticism and wisdom. "Word of advice," he began, his voice low and menacing. "If you got shit for teeth, don't smile."

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence, the students shifting uneasily in their spots. Johnny moved on, his piercing gaze fixed on another student, ready to deliver his next dose of harsh reality.

"My God," Johnny remarked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You make me feel like a virgin just looking at you."

Nervous laughter erupted from the group, a feeble attempt to ease the tension. But Johnny's words hung heavy in the air, leaving an indelible mark on their fragile self-esteem.

Johnny's gaze then shifted to Miguel, Aisha, and Theo, his first three students who stood out from the rest. There was a flicker of hope in his eyes as he observed their potential.

"When I look around this dojo," Johnny began, his voice softer, filled with a touch of vulnerability. "I don't see Cobra Kai material. I see losers. I see nerds. I see a fat kid with a funny hat and his tits popping out." He paused, letting his words sink in. "But in my short time as a sensei, I've also seen some miracles."

A glimmer of hope shone through Johnny's tough exterior. He knew that everyone had the potential to rise above their perceived limitations.

"So maybe," Johnny continued, his voice filled with a hint of optimism, "there's some hope for you yet. But first, I need to see where you're at." He motioned for the students to line up. "So everybody, fall in!" he commanded, his voice authoritative.

—————

Theo sat in the dimly lit practice room, his fingers strumming the strings of his guitar absentmindedly. Cami and Freddie sat across from him, flipping through a stack of papers containing their set list for an upcoming gig. Excitement and nervous energy filled the air, as they discussed which songs to include and the order in which to play them.

Kai was currently at the dojo, but he'd be back later.

"So,," Theo began, his voice filled with anticipation. "I've been working on this new song," he handed them the sheets containing the music notes and lyrics, "it's called 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love.'"

Cami raised an eyebrow, her eyes scanning the lyrics before meeting Theo's gaze. "It sounds cool, Theo. But are you sure you can hit those high notes during a live performance?"

Freddie chimed in, a skeptical expression on his face. "Yeah, man. You know that song requires some serious vocal range. Are you confident you can pull it off?"