IRON FISTS || Axel Kovacevic

IV - Game Of Smiles

chapter 4: Game Of Smiles

**a/n: there is a question by the end of the chapter that might change the path of the story, so please answer with what you think!!**

The evening was alive with the quiet hum of excitement as Jisoo made her way to the captains' meeting. The anticipation was thick in the air, a blend of competitive tension and the sort of celebratory atmosphere that only the finest athletes could generate. The Sekai Taikai had officially begun, and for the captains of each dojo, this was a moment of pride and power. This meeting wasn't just a formality—it was an unspoken declaration of strength, a silent rivalry draped in the kind of formality that made it all the more dangerous.

Jisoo wasn't exactly thrilled about the meeting. She wasn't much for ceremonies or indulgent celebrations, but she wasn't about to show weakness, especially when the eyes of every dojo were on her. She had a reputation to uphold, and as one of the best fighters in Cobra Kai, she had no intention of letting anyone forget it. She walked toward the venue with her usual confident stride, her eyes scanning the surroundings with quiet suspicion.

Behind her, Kwon's voice rang out in that too-familiar mocking tone. "That little dress you chose, Jisoo... Makes you look like a good girl. Too bad I know better."

Her fingers flexed at her sides, but she kept her expression neutral. She didn't even spare him a glance as she continued forward. Kwon's taunting was just that—taunting. He didn't truly care about her, but he knew what buttons to press. He knew how to irritate her, how to make her feel something—anything. His voice dropped into Korean, his words laced with the kind of insolence that made it clear he was enjoying himself.

"Why'd you pick a dress like that? Are you trying to hide the brat inside you? Too much to let out?"

Jisoo's lips curled into a small, almost imperceptible smile. He wasn't wrong, but she didn't need to let him know that. She could feel his eyes on her back, could sense the satisfaction in his words as they bounced off the space between them. He was trying to get a rise out of her, to see if she'd break her composure. The thing was, she didn't need to prove anything to him. Not now. Not ever.

Her steps remained purposeful, her head high as she continued her walk. If anything, Kwon's words were just noise—insignificant in the grand scheme of things. She had her own path, her own journey to navigate, and no amount of teasing from him would change that. Her dress—while more delicate than what she typically wore—wasn't chosen to make a statement or anything of the kind.

When they reached the venue, it was more lavish than Jisoo had expected. The room was adorned with golden accents, its walls a blend of ornate architecture and sleek modernity. Soft, colorful, lighting bathed the space in an almost ethereal glow, while a low hum of conversation filled the air. Several other captains had already arrived, standing in small clusters, talking among themselves or eyeing each other with varying levels of suspicion.

The table was laden with appetizers—elegantly arranged finger foods and delicate glass flutes of soda, the clink of crystal soft in the background. It was the kind of celebration she wasn't entirely fond of, but it wasn't about comfort—it was about the moment. And here, in this moment, she was a part of something bigger, something she had earned.

Jisoo helped herself to a glass of coke zero, swirling the liquid thoughtfully before taking a sip. The bubbles tickled her throat, a small reprieve from the usual tension. The room was full of eyes, full of people who knew her reputation—and, likely, a few who resented it. Cobra Kai's presence was hard to ignore, especially with Kwon standing not too far from her, no doubt talking his usual big talk.

"Here they come," Kwon muttered, his voice full of amusement. "Let's see how much more they can embarrass themselves."

Jisoo turned her head toward the source of his attention, noticing the other teams filtering into the room. The Iron Dragons arrived with their usual flair, Zara standing at the forefront with Axel beside her. Their presence was undeniable, an aura of quiet intimidation swirling around them. Axel's frame towered over the rest of the room, his confidence a visible force. Zara, ever the enigma, kept her eyes on Jisoo for a moment before her gaze flicked away, different from Axel, whose gaze remained on the black haired girl.

Of course, Jisoo couldn't help but notice that Zara and Axel weren't the only ones in the room. But Zara's look had a particular edge to it—there was something in her gaze, something calculated. It wasn't lost on Jisoo that she was already making mental notes, sizing her up. That was fine. Jisoo didn't mind being underestimated. It always worked in her favor.

The conversation buzzed around her as the room filled with the various captains of the other dojos. Jisoo's eyes scanned the room for any other faces of interest—maybe the rivalries, maybe the threats. As she walked across the room to stand in a quieter corner, Kwon's voice trailed behind her like a shadow.

"You know, I could always teach you how to really own a room like this. You're wasting your potential."

Jisoo's lips curled, but she didn't answer him. Let him talk. There was no need to dignify his words with a response. In the end, he'd still be trying too hard, and she'd still be above it all.

The buzz in the room died down as the photographers gathered in front of the group. It was time for the picture—the one that would immortalize this moment for the rest of time. All the captains stood in two neat lines, facing forward, their best smiles fixed in place for the camera. The female captains, unsurprisingly, were positioned at the front, given their shorter stature. Jisoo couldn't help but find herself beside Zara. The irony wasn't lost on her.

Zara's presence was impossible to ignore. Despite the cool exterior she maintained, there was a palpable tension between them. Zara's eyes flicked briefly to Jisoo, a fleeting look that was quickly replaced by a smile for the camera. But Jisoo saw something more—something sharper than the usual smugness Zara wore. Zara was looking for something, an opening. And Jisoo, well, she was more than ready to give her exactly what she was asking for.

The camera flashed once, then twice. Jisoo smiled, though her mind remained sharp. She couldn't let her guard down here—not with Zara standing so close, not with the weight of their competition hanging in the air. Zara leaned in, her voice a whisper meant only for Jisoo's ears.

"I noticed something," Zara said, her tone laced with subtle challenge. "You're into Axel, aren't you? But he'll never go for someone like you."

Jisoo's smile didn't falter. It was small, but there was something icy about it. She didn't respond immediately, letting the words hang in the air. Then, when the silence between them became too heavy, she turned her head slowly, her gaze locking onto Zara's.

Jisoo's smile remained, though the warmth had completely drained from it. Her voice was low, icy, as she responded, "I'm not interested in your teammate. But I'd be careful if I were you—your bitterness is showing. It's not a good look, Zara."

Zara's eyes narrowed, but Jisoo didn't wait for a retort. She took a deliberate step away, her movement smooth and deliberate. She wasn't going to waste any more time on Zara. The moment had passed. Zara's words had been nothing more than a distraction, a play for attention. And Jisoo didn't give her the satisfaction of reacting.

As the photographers called for the group to break apart, Jisoo walked away, her steps quick and purposeful. She didn't care about the picture, didn't care about the little game Zara had tried to play. All she cared about was what lay ahead. The fight. The win. The dominance.

And as she turned her gaze back to Zara one last time, she let a smirk cross her lips. Let Zara stew. Let her wonder what exactly she had seen. In the end, it didn't matter. Because Jisoo knew one thing for sure: Zara wouldn't be the one to have the last word.

a/n
QUESTION: do you think axel would be the type to try and taunt her to get under her skin and destabilize her? because i'm really stuck, as we didn't get to see much of him, so please share your opinion!!

i wrote this kinda rushed but i hope it's good lol
love you allll💕💕

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