queen cobra | eli moskowitz

chapter thirteen.

Eli, Miguel, Demetri, and Isabella walked into the bustling cafeteria, each carrying a tray of food. The usual noise of chattering students and clattering dishes filled the air. This was the first time Isabella and Eli had seen each other since she kissed him on the cheek on Thanksgiving, besides in their first period. As they walked into the cafeteria, both of them seemed more focused on their trays than usual, their eyes avoiding each other's.

Eli's cheeks were slightly flushed, and he kept glancing over at Isabella from the corner of his eye, unsure if he should say something or just keep quiet. His steps were slower, more hesitant, as if he was trying to figure out the right moment to speak but couldn't find the courage.

Isabella, on the other hand, was biting her lip, her fingers tapping nervously on the edge of her tray. She felt a strange mix of excitement and embarrassment fluttering in her stomach, and every time she thought about looking at Eli, her heart sped up. When their eyes did accidentally meet, both quickly looked away, their faces turning a shade redder.

Demetri and Miguel exchanged knowing glances, clearly picking up on the awkwardness between their friends but deciding not to comment on it. As they approached their usual table, Miguel broke the tension by jokingly bumping into Eli, making him almost spill his drink.

"Watch it, dude," Eli muttered, a small smile tugging at his lips as he tried to act natural, but his gaze kept flicking back to Isabella.

Isabella set her tray down a bit too forcefully, causing her silverware to clatter. "Sorry," she mumbled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear and finally daring a quick look at Eli, who was now fumbling with his fork. The sight made her smile softly.

They sat down, each of them carefully choosing their seats. Eli ended up sitting across from Isabella, and he busied himself with his food, his eyes occasionally drifting to her. She did the same, her fingers playing with the edge of her napkin.

Trying to ease her own nerves, Isabella noticed Aisha sitting by herself at a table nearby, with Sam talking to her. Remembering how Sam used to hang out with the girls who bullied Aisha, Isabella felt a surge of protectiveness.

Without thinking, she stood up and walked over to Aisha's table, completely ignoring Sam. "Hey, Aisha," she said with a warm smile. "Why don't you come sit with us?"

Aisha looked up, surprised but pleased. "Yeah, sure," she said, standing up to follow Isabella.

As Aisha got up, she glanced at Sam and said with a humorous tone, "You could go sit with Kyler. I heard he doesn't mind that you suck."

Sam's face turned red with embarrassment, and she didn't have a chance to respond before Aisha joined Isabella at their table.

Sam, visibly upset, was confronting Kyler, who was lounging at his table with his usual smug grin.

"Hey, guys! You know that billboard with the big-ass dick on it?" Kyler shouted, laughing obnoxiously. "I guess Sam takes after her dad."

Miguel, anger flashing in his eyes, stood up abruptly. "Hey, Kyler, why don't you shut the hell up and stop being an asshole?" he called out, walking over to Kyler's table and putting his food down.

Kyler turned to face him, a sneer on his lips. "You want another round, Rhea?" he taunted, shoving Miguel hard in the chest.

Miguel stumbled back but quickly regained his footing. "I'm ready for your lame-ass karate this time," Kyler said, shoving him again. This time, Miguel's back hit a nearby table, but he immediately stood back up, his eyes locked on Kyler.

"It isn't lame-ass karate," Miguel said calmly as Kyler moved to shove him again. This time, Miguel caught Kyler's arm and twisted it into a lock, holding him in place. "It's Cobra Kai," he declared, and with a swift punch, he struck Kyler in the nose, sending him staggering backward.