The Cut That Always Bleeds | Cobra Kai

Chapter 27

Isabelle nervously tapped her foot, staring at the entrance of the juvenile detention center. Her heart raced, torn between the hurt Robby had caused her and the fact that she couldn't bring herself to completely abandon him. Offering him a ride felt like the least she could do for her own peace of mind. Lost in her thoughts, she was startled by the sound of someone clearing their throat. Looking up, she saw Johnny standing a few feet away, his hands shoved awkwardly in his pockets.

"Hey," Isabelle greeted him, her voice equally awkward. The last time they had seen each other was at the hospital, and she could only assume Miguel had told him everything. The weight of that knowledge made the air between them thick with tension. Johnny gave her a slight nod before heading to the doors and attempting to yank them open.

Isabelle lifted her hand, about to warn him, but before she could speak, another voice called out, "It's locked. They'll buzz it open when he's on his way out."

Johny turned, glaring in disbelief at Daniel, who stood a few paces behind them, "You gotta be kidding, they called you?"

"I called them," Daniel replied, clearly not in the mood for an argument. "With Shannon still in rehab, I wanted to make sure someone was here to pick him up."

Isabelle stepped away from them, knowing that they would start arguing soon. She rolled her eyes, annoyed at how two grown men were acting.

"Well, I'm here, aren't I?" Johny shot back defensively.

Daniel shook his head, clearly not interested in a fight but unable to resist a pointed jab. "I'm not looking for trouble. I'm just here for Robby."

"Robby doesn't need you. You've done enough," Johnny snapped, his temper flaring. "Thank you. Goodbye."

Daniel ignored the dismissal, his gaze flicking to Isabelle for a moment before returning to Johnny. "You got it all under control? Just like you had Kreese under control, right? Just like you had Miguel under control? Yet somehow, Miguel still managed to kick Isabelle off the stairwell. What did you think would happen when you brought Kreese back into the picture?"

Johnny's jaw clenched as Daniel's words hit home. "Kreese is my problem—"

"Not anymore," Daniel interrupted, his frustration boiling over. "He's made it crystal clear that he's everyone's problem. As usual, I'm the one who has to clean up your mess."

Johnny's fists balled at his sides. "I clean up my own messes. And I'm dealing with it."

"How exactly are you dealing with it? Are you going to barge in there and beat him up? That worked really great at the chop shop," Daniel quipped sarcastically, folding his arms.

"Those guys deserved it," Johnny shot back through gritted teeth.

Daniel scoffed, his patience wearing thin. "That's your problem, Johnny. Your whole life, you've been striking first, and never once have you stopped to think first."

Johnny stepped closer, the tension between them crackling in the air. "Know what I'm thinking now?"

Daniel laughed bitterly, "Yeah, I got a pretty good idea."

Before Isabelle could intervene, a voice cut through the tension. "Seriously?" Robby's voice was sharp with incredulity as he stepped out from the building, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the two men squaring off like children.

"Robby."

"Hey, Robby." Both Johnny and Daniel's tones softened instantly, but the damage had already been done.

Robby ignored their awkward greetings and glanced at Isabelle in surprise. She froze as their gazes clashed together. Isabelle awkwardly cleared her throat, her heart pounding, "Want a ride?"