I stood beside the edge of the mat, feet planted in a firm and strong stance, hands laced behind my back.
My hair was in a tight, high ponytail that was separated into two braids. Our dojo stood in a straight line; I had Cecilia on my left and Matteo on my right. Sensei Enzo stood at the end of our line wearing a bored, calm expression like usual.
My eyes were trained on the dojo next to us, Miyagi do. I was looking to see who they had brought but made eye contact with Miguel and Sam. I gave them a friendly smile and a wave, which they returned right back.
Under that smile, however, was confusion. I had been under the impression that Tory would be going with them, considering she was one of their strongest female fighters. However, she was nowhere to be found.
I turned my head, facing my gaze to the empty spot beside the mat in front of us. It wasn't empty for long. Shock began to etch my face as I watched five people walk up to the mat in black gis, the yellow cobra standing out like a sore thumb on their backs.
I had thought Cobra Kai was gone for good, given that both of their Senseis were in jail, but that was quickly proven wrong as now John Kreese stood on the opposite side of the mat alongside 3 Korean boys.
Their last fighter got in line, and to my astonishment, it was my close friend Tory Nichols, who I had met the previous year in the Valley. My brow furrowed as I watched her make eye contact with her former teammates, her gaze lingering on Robby, who wore an expression laced with betrayal. Too focused on the white gi's in front of her, it didn't seem like she had noticed my presence, so I directed my gaze to study her new teammates.
One in particular caught my eye. He was tall, his hair black and messy. My smile turned upwards as I realized that not only would the competition be difficult, but they also were attractive.
Cecilia bumps my shoulder, forcing me out of my trance, "isn't that your friend, Tory?"
"Yeah. and before you ask me, I have no idea why she's with Cobra Kai," I say, my past smile turning into a frown as I was dragged back into reality instead of fangirling over the attractive man about 100 feet away from me.
"You know I love some good drama," Cecilia says,
her face evident with interest. I chuckled, shaking my head before returning my gaze to look back at the hot man in front of me, however, when my eyes reached his face, I realized he was already looking at me.
Shit.
I held eye contact, watching his lips turn into a smirk, his eyes looking me up and down before returning to my face. I couldn't help but grin at his actions. It shouldn't have been a surprise that a guy this attractive was cocky.
To mess with him, I threw him a quick wink, watching his smirk fade, and his face turn into one of bewilderment.
"Welcome, competitors, senseis, sponsors, and esteemed guests to Barcelona, this year's home of the world's greatest karate tournament, the Sekai Taikai."
Cheers erupted around me, and I broke eye contact with the baffled boy to clap, sharing a look with Cecilia.
"The Sekai Taikai boasts a rich and proud history. And if you are here, it's because you embody all the Sekai Taikai stands for. Leadership, respect, sportsmanship. Captains, step forward and tie on your headbands."
I grabbed the headband out of my deep pocket, wrapping it around my head while stepping forward onto the mat. Looking up, I noticed that the guy I was having a staring contest with was also a captain, along with Tory.
Watching as the boy put on his headband, his muscles flexed, showing off his built and lean body. My cheeks grow a light pink, and I shake my head, trying to erase the dirty thoughts out of my mind before looking back at him.
Damn, he just gets more attractive each time I look at him.
The messy-haired boy had an expression of pride and confidence, his eyes surveying the rest of the captains before they landed on me, and yet again, we locked gazes. This time, I noticed that he was observing me, most likely trying to figure out if I would become a tough competitor.
His gaze shifted to Matteo, our male captain, who stood next to me wearing a serious expression, but it quickly went back to me.
"Captains, you will have the honor and privilege to compete in our televised tournament of champions. But that is only if your dojo does well enough in our team competitions to make it to the final four."
At this, I broke eye contact with the boy in front of me and turned my head to Gio, who was already looking in my direction.
He smiled at me and raised his eyebrows, signaling his overwhelming excitement to start the tournament. I grinned, raising my eyebrows back before turning around again.
Little did I know, the boy across the mat watched this small interaction, his mouth morphing into a small frown.
"Once the tournament is over, we will then tally all the points your dojos have earned. The dojo with the most points wins the Sekai Taikai. Team events begin tomorrow. Each event counts, and they will all be a surprise."
"But today, it's about enjoying our host city and making new friends or enemies."
We make eye contact again, and I watch as he chuckles while holding a cocky smirk.
What is with this guy?
"We have a field trip arranged for our competitors. And for our senseis, a cocktail mixer with our distinguished sponsors, some of the world's finest martial arts brands. It's a beautiful day to make a first impression. And I suggest you enjoy it, because tomorrow, your lives will change forever. Good luck, and welcome to the Sekai Taikai!"
The sound of cheers and claps surrounds me, and I grin as I look around at my teammates, wondering what this tournament is going to be like.
Giving one final look at the attractive boy, I watch him step off the mat and turn to his teammates. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and turned away, starting a conversation with Cecilia.
Unaware, the boy had the same idea as me and, before leaving, turned to me but was met with the sight of my back as I was walking away from the mat.
His face held a look of curiosity, but before he could look any longer, Yoon shoved his shoulder, talking some nonsense into his ear about what they would get for lunch.
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Authors Note: The first chapter with Kwon! Trying to make Annette a very bold person so I can create more tension. Chapter 3 will be out tomorrow I hope.
