So American, Kwon Jae-Sung - Eli Moskowitz

So American, Kwon Jae-Sung & „Hawk" Eli Moskowitz

Erika Aniston Mills, often called "Rika" by her friends, is the eldest daughter of Ali Mills and Daniel LaRusso, and the older sister of Samantha (Sam) and Anthony LaRusso. Growing up with her father and stepmother Amanda, Rika developed a close bond with her siblings and thrived within the supportive family dynamic of the LaRusso household. Her life took a significant turn when she befriended two outcasts, Eli Moskowitz and Demetri Alexopoulos, and later Miguel Diaz, whose friendships would shape her life in profound ways.

Rika and Eli's relationship was rooted in shared insecurities and mutual encouragement. When they first met, Eli was shy and self-conscious, often overshadowed by his insecurities about his cleft lip. Rika's kindhearted and open personality made Eli feel seen and valued, helping him find confidence in himself. Their connection deepened as Rika encouraged him to stand up for himself, often serving as his quiet source of strength.

When Eli joined Cobra Kai, Rika initially supported his decision, hoping the dojo would help him grow further. However, Eli's transformation into "Hawk" marked a dramatic shift. His newfound confidence turned into arrogance and aggression, fueled by Cobra Kai's "no mercy" philosophy. While Rika admired his growth, she struggled with the cruelty that came with it, creating tension between them.

Despite their differences, Eli's feelings for Rika remained sincere. As they began a romantic relationship, Rika hoped their bond would soften his rough edges and bring balance to their conflicting worlds. Yet, as tensions escalated between Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do, their relationship became increasingly strained.

Rika and Demetri shared an easy, lighthearted camaraderie. Their friendship was built on mutual respect and shared experiences as the "rational" voices in their chaotic world. While Demetri used humor and sarcasm to navigate life's challenges, Rika balanced his cynicism with empathy and understanding, making them a perfect duo.

Rika played a key role in helping Demetri stand up for himself, encouraging him to join Miyagi-Do Karate despite his initial hesitation. She believed in his potential even when he doubted himself, and this confidence helped him find his own strength. In turn, Demetri became one of Rika's closest confidants, always ready to listen and offer advice on her growing concerns about Eli, Miguel, and the tension between their dojos.

However, Eli's transformation into Hawk fractured his friendship with Demetri, leaving Rika caught in the middle. She tried to mediate, urging both sides to reconcile, but the wounds between them ran too deep. Even so, Rika's bond with Demetri remained strong, and he stood by her side during her darkest moments, offering unwavering support.

The rivalry between Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do reached a boiling point during the infamous school fight, where Rika, Miguel, and their friends were pulled into the chaos. As the fight escalated, Rika tried to intervene, but in the commotion, both she and Miguel were thrown from the stairs. The impact left both of them in comas, devastating their families and friends.

Rika was the first to wake up, haunted by the emotional and physical scars of the fight. Grappling with the weight of what had happened, she felt immense guilt for not being able to stop the violence. Her mother, Ali, decided that Rika needed time to heal—both physically and emotionally—and gain perspective. To give her a fresh start, Ali arranged for Rika to take a gap year in South Korea, where she would stay with a family friend.

This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Rika's life, one where she could step away from the rivalries and conflicts that had defined her teenage years and rediscover her sense of self in a completely different world.

Erika „Rika" Aniston Mills