Heartstrings | Johnny Lawrence x (y/n) | 1984 |

| 8 | Tournament

The next day at the dojo, there was a buzz of energy among the Cobras. You were warming up alongside Tommy and Dutch, occasionally glancing over at Johnny, who was busy punching the heavy bag with a determined intensity. It was hard to shake off the tension from the previous day, the encounter with Daniel still fresh in everyone's mind.

Sensei Kreese entered, and everyone immediately snapped to attention. There was a palpable shift in the air as he walked by, and you could see the boys straighten up, ready for anything. Kreese was in a mood today—no-nonsense, ready to push all of you to your limits. But just as he was about to start the lesson, the dojo door creaked open, and the entire room turned to see who dared to interrupt.

It was Daniel. But this time, he wasn't alone.

Standing beside him was a small, older man with calm yet piercing eyes. He looked out of place in the aggressive, hard-edged atmosphere of the Cobra Kai dojo, but there was a quiet strength in the way he held himself. You recognized him from the school—he was Daniel's neighbor, or at least that's what people said. Mr. Miyagi, if you remembered right.

Sensei Kreese's eyes narrowed with a dangerous smile as he spotted the newcomers. He strode to the center of the room, his face filled with cold amusement, and gestured for silence. You could feel Johnny tense beside you, his hands clenched into fists, but he didn't say a word. His eyes, however, were locked on Daniel, simmering with unresolved anger.

You exchanged glances with the other Cobras, and Dutch snickered beside you, barely able to contain his amusement. But your own attention flickered between Daniel and Johnny, sensing how this confrontation would only stoke the fire between them.

Mr. Miyagi met Kreese's gaze, unflinching. "Daniel-san has come to make peace. No more fighting."

Kreese laughed, the sound harsh and cruel, and some of the Cobras joined in, though there was a hint of unease in their laughter. "Peace? You think you can just walk in here and ask for peace?" Kreese taunted. "Your kid picked a fight with my students. He made his bed. Now he's got to lie in it."

Mr. Miyagi stepped forward, his expression calm but resolute."No more fighting in streets. Daniel-san wants tournament to settle this."

Kreese let out a harsh laugh, crossing his arms. "A tournament? You think your little student here can handle my boys and my only girl in a real competition?"

Daniel's face was determined, though you could see the hint of nervousness in his eyes. Mr. Miyagi placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, keeping him steady.

"Cobra Kai students strong, but tournament is fair," Mr. Miyagi replied, his tone unwavering. "If Daniel-san loses, he lose with honor. But no more attacks."

Kreese's eyes flashed with dark amusement, and he turned to the Cobras, his voice ringing out with authority. "You hear that, boys? They think they can handle us in a tournament." He smirked, then looked back at Mr. Miyagi. "Alright, old man. We'll see your boy at the All Valley Tournament. But don't expect any mercy."

Kreese then turned his gaze directly at you and Johnny, his smile twisting into something sharper. "Y/N, Johnny—come here," he commanded, his voice carrying a sinister edge.

You hesitated for a second, but quickly stepped forward alongside Johnny. Kreese's gaze bore into both of you, and you felt the weight of his expectations pressing down like a vice.

"Daniel here thinks he can challenge Cobra Kai," Kreese sneered. "I want you two to make sure he knows exactly what he's up against. Show him why he made a mistake coming here."

Johnny's jaw tightened, but he nodded, his face hardening as he kept his eyes trained on Daniel. You could feel a surge of adrenaline, anger simmering beneath your own calm facade. This wasn't just some random fight; it was personal, and Kreese wanted to make it clear that nobody could mess with Cobra Kai and get away with it.

Mr. Miyagi noticed Kreese's attempt to provoke a reaction and gave Daniel a subtle nudge, signaling him to stand tall. "We leave now. See you at tournament," Mr. Miyagi said calmly, not allowing Kreese's intimidation tactics to shake him. He turned to leave, and Daniel followed, casting one last glance at Johnny—and then at you. There was something unspoken in his gaze, almost like he was bracing himself for the battle ahead.

As they walked out, Kreese called after them with a cold chuckle, "You're dead meat, LaRusso. You're not walking away from this." The threat hung heavy in the air, sending a chill down your spine.

Once the door closed behind them, Kreese turned back to you and Johnny, his eyes gleaming with a twisted sense of pride. "I want you two to give it everything you've got in that tournament. No mercy," he hissed. "We're going to show that punk what Cobra Kai is all about."

Johnny nodded, a steely resolve settling in his eyes, and you felt a mix of determination and anxiety bubbling up inside you. You knew the tournament was going to be intense, but there was something even bigger at play. Kreese wanted to make a statement, and you were now right in the center of it all.

As you glanced at Johnny, you could tell he was thinking the same thing. This wasn't just about a rivalry anymore—it was about proving who was stronger, who could dominate. And as you both prepared for the upcoming battle, you couldn't shake the feeling that this tournament would change everything, for better or for worse.