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

| 30 | Regrets

Johnny's face crumpled, his heart visibly breaking in front of you. He reached out, his hand trembling as he moved to take yours. "Please... just give me another chance. I know I don't deserve it right now, but you mean everything to me."

You shook your head, stepping back and pulling your hand from his grasp. "Johnny, I can't keep doing this with you. You're saying all the right things, but what does it matter if I can't trust you? If you're so easily swayed, then maybe I'm not as important to you as you say."

He opened his mouth, desperate to refute that, but you cut him off, your voice sharp and laced with anger. "Just go, Johnny. I need space, and you're not making this any easier."

Johnny flinched as if you'd struck him, his mouth closing as he lowered his head. After a few tense seconds, he looked back up, voice strained. "Okay... I'll give you space. I just—"

You raised a hand, signaling him to stop. "Please, Johnny. Just go."

He nodded, swallowing hard as he made his way to the door. He hesitated one last time, looking back at you with eyes filled with regret. "I'll be here when you're ready. No matter how long it takes." With that, he stepped out of the room, leaving you alone.

In the living room, the Cobras exchanged uneasy glances, watching Johnny descend the stairs, defeated. He gave them a brief shake of his head, signaling that nothing had gone as planned. He took a deep breath, giving your mom a sad, grateful nod. "Thank you, Mrs. [Last Name], for letting me try... I just hope she'll be okay."

Your mom patted his shoulder sympathetically, giving him a gentle look. "Take care of yourself, Johnny. Give her the time she needs."

The Cobras followed Johnny outside, exchanging murmured words of encouragement, but he barely registered them. All he could think about was the look in your eyes—hurt, anger, betrayal.

Two hours later, the clock signaled it was time for practice. You took a deep breath, steadying yourself. Today wouldn't be easy, but you wouldn't let it show. Pulling on your crisp, new uniform, you smoothed it out, adjusting the sleek designs and your name stitched on the back. You gave yourself a quick look in the mirror, applying just a touch of makeup and gathering your hair into a high, tight bun. You looked fierce, every bit as strong and composed as you hoped you could be.

You headed downstairs, flashing a smile at your mom and siblings, though they sensed the underlying tension. "I'll be back after practice," you said, offering a small wave before stepping out into the cool evening air.

The moment you arrived at Mr. Miyagi's garden, you felt the tension hanging thick in the air. The Cobras exchanged glances, their faces showing a mix of sympathy and awkwardness, knowing exactly what had transpired earlier. Johnny was standing off to the side, his gaze fixed on the ground, barely looking up when you entered. But he couldn't hide the quick, longing glance he threw in your direction, a silent plea for forgiveness that you ignored.

Mr. Miyagi noticed the tension immediately, his wise eyes flicking between you, Johnny, and the Cobras. "Seems... much on mind tonight. Good time to focus," he said, his voice calm but firm, trying to redirect the energy in the room.

Bobby, always the peacemaker, tried to cut the silence. "Alright, let's, uh, start with the basics, right? No reason to get distracted tonight."

You nodded, focusing on him and ignoring Johnny's presence completely. "Sounds good, Bobby."

Johnny shifted, his eyes flickering from you to Bobby, clearly uneasy. He finally mustered the courage to break the silence, directing his words at you. "Hey... I just want to say I'm sorry. Again." His voice was low, strained, but you didn't acknowledge him, focusing on your stretches instead.