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

| 17 | Special

The night was winding down as you and the Cobras found yourselves hanging around the parking lot, laughing and chatting under the dim glow of the streetlights. Barbara and Susan were swapping stories with Bobby and Jimmy, their laughter ringing out as you and Johnny leaned against his bike, sharing a rare, quiet moment.

Just as you were all settling into the relaxed atmosphere, a sharp, angry voice cut through the parking lot.

"Unbelievable," Ali's voice was seething as she approached, dragging Daniel reluctantly by the hand. She was glaring, her eyes flitting from you to Johnny, then to Susan and Barbara, her anger boiling over. "So, this is what you're all about now? Hanging around with them?"

The Cobras, who had been laughing a moment ago, instantly went silent. Jimmy and Bobby exchanged wary glances, and you straightened up, stepping a little closer to Johnny.

Ali crossed her arms, her gaze drilling into Barbara and Susan. "I thought you two were better than this. Do you really think this crowd is worth anything?"

Barbara raised an eyebrow, unfazed by Ali's attitude. "Maybe if you actually spent time with us instead of judging everyone, you'd know."

Ali's eyes narrowed, and she huffed before turning her focus to you, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "And you — clinging to the Cobras, to Johnny? You know, some people actually grow up. Maybe you should try it."

Johnny's jaw clenched, his expression hardening as he pushed himself off his bike and stepped forward, his voice cold and measured. "Ali, maybe you should worry more about yourself and your little boyfriend over there, and less about who we're with."

Daniel, looking uncomfortable, tried to tug Ali back. "Ali, maybe we should just go. They're not hurting anyone."

But Ali shook him off, her voice rising. "No, Daniel. I'm sick of seeing this. Hanging around with this crowd, playing tough — it's pathetic, really."

You felt a surge of frustration rise up. Ali was stepping way over the line, and you weren't about to let her take cheap shots at you or the Cobras. "If you're so happy with your new friends, Ali, then why does it bother you so much who we're hanging out with?"

Her face twisted into an angry smirk. "Because it's sad, that's why. You're so desperate to fit in, clinging to Johnny like he's some prize."

You could feel Johnny tense beside you, his fists clenching. "Careful, Ali," he warned, his voice low and dangerous. "You don't know what you're talking about."

Ali scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, please, Johnny. You're just angry that someone's finally called you out. You act like you're above everyone, like you're some kind of leader. But everyone knows you're just as lost as the rest of them."

Barbara and Susan stepped forward, glaring at Ali. "Back off, Ali. You don't know anything about us," Barbara shot back, her tone icy.

Ali's gaze flicked between you, Johnny, and the rest of the Cobras, her anger boiling over as she muttered something under her breath before storming off, Daniel trailing behind her, looking back with an apologetic expression.

As the tension faded, the Cobras let out a collective sigh. Bobby chuckled, shaking his head. "Man, she's got a lot of nerve."

Johnny muttered under his breath, "Yeah, well, she's not worth it." He looked over at you, his expression softening. "You alright?"

You nodded, letting out a breath you hadn't realized you were holding. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just don't get why she's so bent on causing drama."

Johnny smirked, reaching over to give your shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Let her keep talking. We know where we stand." And with that, the Cobras burst into laughter, joking about Ali's dramatic exit as the tension finally faded, the night back to its carefree vibe.