𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 || 𝐂𝐨𝐛𝐫𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐢

⩇2:⩇2

꩜.ᐟ

𝐓𝐡𝐞 soft hum of cicadas accompanied Yuko as she wandered aimlessly through the quiet streets of the small town. Her silk dress swayed with each step, brushing against her legs as a cool breeze kissed her skin. The stars above glimmered faintly, their light dulled by the streetlamps, but it was enough to cast the town in a gentle, serene glow.

Inside the mansion, Tory and Brandon were sound asleep, both exhausted from the day's events. Cobra Kai had triumphed at the tournament, securing their dominance once again. Tory had been ecstatic, celebrating the victory with her team before collapsing into Yuko's bed, completely drained.

Yuko had cheered just as loudly, maybe louder, during the matches. She had done her best to encourage Tory from the judge's table, maintaining a sense of neutrality in her official role while secretly rooting for her best friend.

But now, hours later, the energy of the day had dissipated, leaving only an unsettling restlessness in its wake.

Yuko sighed, tilting her head back to look at the stars. *Why does everything feel so heavy?* she wondered. Despite the cheers and laughter from earlier, the weight of her responsibilities—and the secrets she carried—pressed down on her.

Her feet led her past rows of quiet houses, their windows darkened. She wasn't entirely sure where she was going, only that she needed space.

ᡣ𐭩.ᐟ

The low rumble of an engine cut through the stillness, pulling her from her thoughts. Turning her head, she spotted a car approaching slowly. It was sleek, old but well-maintained, and it rolled to a stop beside her.

The window lowered, and there he was.

"What are you doing out here, Princess?" Hawk's voice carried a mix of amusement and curiosity, and the dashboard lights illuminated his sharp features.

Yuko froze for a moment before crossing her arms, raising an eyebrow. "What are you doing out here?"

"Couldn't sleep," Hawk replied, shrugging nonchalantly. "Decided to take a drive. Didn't expect to see royalty wandering the streets, though."

Yuko smirked, the corners of her lips twitching upward. "Maybe I enjoy the nightlife. Ever think of that?"

Hawk laughed, parking the car at the curb. He stepped out, the night air ruffling his messy hair as he leaned casually against the hood. "Yeah, I'm sure that's it. Moonlit strolls and all that. You're practically a poet, aren't you?"

Yuko rolled her eyes but found herself walking closer. She mirrored his posture, leaning against the car beside him.

The silence between them was surprisingly comfortable, the kind that didn't demand to be filled.

"So," Hawk said after a moment, breaking the stillness, "what's really going on? You look like you've got a lot on your mind."

Yuko hesitated, her gaze dropping to the pavement. "I guess I just... needed to clear my head. Today was a lot."

Hawk nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah, I get that. Big day for everyone."

The memory of his fight flashed in Yuko's mind—how he'd stood victorious after a grueling match, blood trickling from his split lip as the crowd roared. She'd cheered so loudly in that moment, forgetting entirely that she was supposed to be impartial.

And then there was the way he'd smiled afterward as if the pain didn't matter. As if the victory was worth every bruise.

"Can I ask you something?" Yuko said, breaking her train of thought.

"Shoot."

"Why do you fight?"

Hawk tilted his head, considering her question. "I guess... it's about proving something. To myself, to everyone else. That I'm not the same kid I used to be."

Yuko studied him, noting the way his jaw tensed, the flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. "And do you think you've proven it?"

"Most days, yeah," he admitted. "But some days... I don't know. Feels like I'm still trying to figure it out."

She nodded, understanding more than she cared to admit. "I think we're all trying to figure it out," she said softly.

They fell silent again, the distant chirping of crickets filling the void.

Hawk turned to her, his voice quieter now. "You know, you're not what I expected."

Yuko blinked, caught off guard. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're real," he said. "Not just some untouchable princess or whatever. You've got this whole other side to you—funny, down-to-earth. It's... refreshing."

Heat crept up her neck, and Yuko quickly looked away. "Don't let it go to your head," she muttered, though her voice lacked its usual bite.

Hawk chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "Too late."

They stayed like that for a while, trading stories and teasing remarks. Yuko found herself laughing more than she had in days, the tension in her chest easing with every passing minute.

Eventually, the chill of the night made her shiver, and Hawk noticed.

"Alright, Princess," he said, pushing off the car. "Let's get you back home before you freeze."

Yuko hesitated, glancing down the street toward the mansion. She wasn't ready for the night to end, but she knew better than to push her luck.

"Thanks, Hawk," she said softly.

"For what?"

"For tonight. For... letting me just be me."

He smiled, opening the car door for her. "Anytime."

As they drove back, the quiet hum of the engine filled the space between them. Yuko stared out the window, her thoughts a tangled mess. For the first time in a long while, she didn't feel the weight of her title or the expectations placed on her.

And for once, being Yuko—just Yuko—felt like enough.

ᡣ𐭩.ᐟ

Back at the mansion, Yuko slipped inside quietly, careful not to wake anyone. She paused in the hallway, glancing toward her room where Tory and Brandon were sound asleep.

A small smile tugged at her lips. She'd have to thank Tory in the morning—for pushing her out of her comfort zone, for being her anchor in a world that often felt too big and too lonely.

But for now, she'd hold onto the memory of tonight, of the stars, the laughter, and the boy who made her feel seen.

For once, Yuko wasn't the princess.

She was just herself.

── .✦