The Cut That Always Bleeds | Cobra Kai

Chapter 39

Isabelle paced the hallway outside the room where they'd taken Miguel. Every second that passed made her anxiety tighten like a vice around her chest. The referee had given him thirty minutes to rest before his next match, but Isabelle couldn't shake the worry gnawing at her.

Finally, the door creaked open. Carmen stepped out, her expression calm, followed by Yaya.

As soon as Carmen spotted Isabelle, she walked over, her arms open to comfort her. "He's okay, mija," Carmen assured her, resting a warm hand on Isabelle's shoulder. "He just pulled a muscle in his back. The trainer said he needs to be careful and make sure he warms up properly before his next fight."

Isabelle let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, her shoulders sagging in relief. "So, basically, Miguel has the body of an old man now?"

Yaya chuckled, her laugh light and soothing. "Ay, you're so funny, mija," she said, kissing Isabelle's cheek before shuffling off.

"I'm going back to the stands," Carmen added, her voice soft. "But I wanted to wish you luck. You're going to be amazing, I know it. And I'm sure your mother would be so proud of you."

The unexpected words hit Isabelle like a wave, tears springing to her eyes before she could stop them. She blinked rapidly, brushing away the stray drops before they could fall. Carmen kissed her forehead, a small, tender gesture that made her chest ache, and then she walked away.

Left alone in the quiet hallway, Isabelle took a deep breath to steady herself and pushed open the door to Miguel's room. She caught sight of him sitting on the edge of the table, looking worn but intact. Johnny had just left, the faint sound of the door clicking shut still echoing in the air.

Without a word, Isabelle rushed to him, throwing her arms around his neck. A soft sob escaped her before she could stop it. "Thank God you're okay," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I was so scared when you dropped to the mat."

Miguel's arms wrapped around her, his hand gently stroking her hair. "I'm fine," he murmured, his tone soothing.

"No, you're not," Isabelle countered firmly, pulling back to look at him. Her sharp gaze met his, searching for the truth. "Stop pretending you're fine. You've been off all day. Ever since last night... this isn't about me not being ready, is it? Because if it is, I'd be open to—"

"No!" Miguel interrupted, his voice louder than he intended, startling them both. He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "No, it's not that. It's just... I realized I wanted to connect with my dad. I need to figure out that part of my life. And right now, I think that has to come first. Even over karate."

Isabelle's expression softened, her worry melting into a gentle smile. "I'm glad you're trying to figure things out for yourself," she said quietly. "But if you don't want to do karate right now, then why are you competing today?"

Miguel's shoulders sagged under the weight of her question. "I don't want to disappoint everyone," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Sensei, my teammates... you."

Isabelle scoffed, shaking her head. "I'm offended you'd even think I'd be disappointed if you decided to follow your heart," she said, her voice full of warmth. She cupped his face in her hands, her thumbs brushing lightly over his cheeks. "Now, what's the plan to find your dad?"

Miguel blinked, surprised by her immediate support. "You... you want to come with me?" he asked, glancing at the clock. "Don't you have a match soon?"

Isabelle shook her head, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "Cobra Kai's already secured the win. Me leaving just makes Tory the automatic champion." Her voice softened, sincerity filling her words. "This tournament isn't nearly as important as you are to me. I'm your girlfriend, Miguel, and I'll always be here for you."