𝟬𝟬𝟮, sweater girl

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⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰

The bright lights of the arena were almost too much, their harsh glare bouncing off the polished mats and metal fixtures. Sasha blinked, trying to steady herself as the enormity of the moment sank in. Fighters from all over the world lined up, their colorful uniforms creating a kaleidoscope of movement and energy. The flags of different countries hung proudly overhead, swaying slightly in the faint breeze from the overhead fans. But none of that mattered.

Her gaze was locked on one person.

Tory Nichols stood among the Cobra Kai fighters, her black-and-red gi crisp and pristine, the unmistakable snake emblem emblazoned on the back of her jacket gleaming under the lights. Her stance was firm, her shoulders squared, but there was something about the way she held herself that gave Sasha pause. It wasn't just confidence; it was defiance.

Sasha's stomach turned. She had known Tory would be here-how could she not? Tory had been steadfast in her loyalty to Cobra Kai, despite countless conversations, arguments, and outright pleading from both Sam and Robby. They had tried everything to convince her that there was a better way, that she didn't need Cobra Kai to prove her strength. But now, seeing her like this, on the opposite side of the line, hit differently.

The air seemed heavier, almost suffocating. Sasha swallowed hard, the cheers and noise of the crowd fading into the background. Every memory of trying to reach Tory flooded her mind: the long talks, the tense standoffs, the rare moments when she thought she saw a crack in Tory's armor. All of it felt wasted now.

Gunther Braun's booming voice echoed across the arena, but Sasha couldn't focus on his words. Her eyes stayed on Tory, searching her face for something-anything-that could explain why she was still clinging to Cobra Kai. There it was again, that glimmer of something softer beneath Tory's hard exterior. Was it guilt? Regret? Or was Sasha just seeing what she wanted to see?

Her chest tightened, a mix of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. Anger at Tory's stubbornness. Frustration at her inability to let go of Cobra Kai. Hurt that their efforts hadn't been enough. And somewhere, buried deep, was a flicker of disappointment.

She forced herself to look away, her breathing unsteady as Gunther's voice finally broke through the haze.

"The Sekai Taikai boasts a rich and proud history," he announced, his words carrying authority. "And if you are here, it is because you embody all that the Sekai Taikai stands for: leadership, respect, sportsmanship. Captains, step forward and tie on your headbands."

Sasha drew in a shaky breath, willing herself to focus. She stepped forward beside Robby, the weight of her Miyagi-Do headband heavy in her hands. Each step felt like it carried the weight of her entire dojo's hopes and dreams.

Across the mat, Tory stepped forward as well, paired with a tall, imposing boy from Cobra Kai. Sasha's eyes darted to the boy briefly, her stomach twisting when he winked at her. The gesture was cocky, almost mocking, and it made her cheeks flush with irritation and something she couldn't quite name.

Tory reached for her own headband, her movements slower than usual. Sasha's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met again. For the briefest moment, it looked like Tory might hesitate, like she might not go through with it. But then, with deliberate care, she tied the Cobra Kai headband around her forehead, her expression hardening.

Sasha's fingers trembled as she tied her own headband. The fabric felt tight against her skin, a constant reminder of the responsibility she bore-not just for herself, but for her dojo and her friends. She glanced at Robby beside her, his calm determination grounding her, if only for a moment.

Gunther's voice rang out again. "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 the team competitions to make it to the final four. Once the tournament is over, we will tally all the points your dojos have earned. The dojo with the most points wins the Sekai Taikai. Team events begin tomorrow."

Sasha leaned toward Robby, her voice barely above a whisper. "Did you know Tory was going to do this?"

Robby shook his head, his voice firm and honest. "No. I swear I didn't."

Gunther continued speaking, but Sasha's mind was elsewhere. Her gaze drifted back to Tory, who stood tall and composed, though her shoulders seemed a little tenser than usual. Sasha wanted to believe she was imagining things, but something about Tory felt...off.

"And today," Gunther added, a chilling edge to his voice, "is about enjoying our host city and making new friends. Or enemies."

A chill slithered down Sasha's spine, creeping beneath her skin and sinking deep into her bones. She barely noticed the crowd's enthusiastic cheers and claps filling the arena, the noise almost deafening in its intensity. But it didn't matter. Her instincts screamed that this tournament wasn't just about karate. It was about something much more dangerous, something far harder to navigate.

This was about loyalty. About the choices people make when their allegiances are tested. About trust-who you could trust, who you couldn't-and how fragile that trust could be once it was broken. But perhaps most unsettling of all, it was about alliances and betrayals. The murky waters of which seemed to surround her now, making the air thick with tension.

Gunther's voice boomed again, his tone shifting, sliding from cold command to something more casual, almost jovial. "We have a field trip arranged for our competitors," he announced, the words carrying a strange, almost mocking undertone. His smile didn't reach his eyes. "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 change forever. Good luck, and welcome to the Sekai Taikai!"

The crowd erupted in a chorus of applause, clapping and hooting with enthusiasm, the air crackling with excitement. But Sasha could barely hear it. The roar of the crowd was muffled, distant, as if she were underwater, her ears ringing. The weight of the words-the implications of what Gunther had just said-pressed on her chest, suffocating. Your lives change forever.

Sasha's heart raced, her mind spinning with a thousand thoughts. What had she just gotten herself into? What was this tournament really about? It wasn't just the fights. She had known that from the beginning, but now the reality was sinking in. The stakes were higher than she'd realized. This wasn't just a competition. It was a test of everything. Who would be loyal? Who would betray?

Her eyes wandered across the arena, taking in the sea of competitors. The mix of faces-some familiar, some not-blurred together as she tried to process the magnitude of what was happening. There was Robby, standing just beside her, the steady calm of his presence a rare anchor in this storm. But even his reassuring demeanor couldn't ground her now. She felt like she was floating above everything, her thoughts scattered and fragmented.

Her gaze landed on the faces of her rivals, her enemies, and then, inevitably, it returned to Tory.

Tory stood near the edge of the mat, her Cobra Kai gi stark against the crowd of competitors. Despite her outward confidence, there was something different about her now. Tory's sharp eyes, always focused, now seemed clouded with something else. A hesitation.

Sasha's breath caught in her throat as their eyes met once again, a fleeting moment that felt like an eternity. There was something there-something softening in Tory's gaze. Was it guilt? Regret? A desire to explain?

Tory opened her mouth, her lips slightly parted as if she was about to say something, but the words never came. Instead, she turned away abruptly, her shoulders taut with tension. It was a movement so quick, so purposeful, that Sasha felt it deep in her gut. Tory had been given a choice, and she had made it.

Sasha's mind reeled. She wanted to shout, to ask her why, to demand an explanation for everything that had happened between them. But Tory was already gone, swallowed by the crowd, her back turned, her focus on whatever was coming next.

Then, just as quickly, Sasha's eyes shifted, involuntarily locking onto the boy standing next to Tory. He was tall and lean, his Cobra Kai gi fitting him perfectly, but it wasn't his appearance that grabbed Sasha's attention. No, it was the way he looked at her. His gaze was confident, almost too confident, with a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. He was watching her-no, studying her-like she was an intriguing puzzle he wanted to solve.

Her stomach lurched, and she felt a sudden warmth rise to her cheeks. She quickly turned away, as if the heat on her face could somehow keep him from noticing. But it was too late. His smirk widened, and Sasha's heart did an uncomfortable somersault in her chest.

Her breath hitched, and she felt her pulse quicken. Why was she reacting like this? She had no time for this. She had no time for games or distractions.

But she couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted in the arena, in herself, and in everyone around her. Things were no longer simple. No one could be trusted, not even herself. The game had changed, and the rules? They were just beginning to unfold.

⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰

Devon leaned nonchalantly against the sleek marble column in the hotel lobby, arms crossed over her chest as she observed the chaos unfolding before her. Her head tilted slightly, eyes glinting with amusement as she watched the boys-Eli and Demetri, to be exact-embroiled in yet another heated argument. Their voices echoed through the grand lobby, bouncing off the opulent chandelier hanging overhead, each word a sharp, prickling sound in the otherwise polished space.

The two boys were in the thick of it, their faces flushed with frustration as they jabbed fingers at each other, their words flying fast and furious. The argument was over bunking arrangements, of all things-a petty dispute that, in the grand scheme of things, seemed laughably small. But from the looks on their faces, you'd think they were fighting over life and death.

Devon shook her head slightly, the corner of her lips curling into a small, knowing grin. She took another step back, leaning further into the column as she caught Sasha's eye. Her voice was light, almost teasing as she muttered under her breath, "Thank God we aren't boys." There was a certain relief in her tone, a weariness that came from watching the spectacle unfold before her.

Sasha smirked in response, though she didn't offer a verbal reply. Her attention, however, was elsewhere. She glanced at Sam, who stood stiffly beside her, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Sam's posture was rigid, her face set in a deep frown as she stared ahead, her gaze locked on the intricate swirls of the carpet beneath her feet. It was clear that she wasn't fully present, her thoughts distant, weighed down by something heavy.

Sasha's heart clenched at the sight of her older sister's distant expression. Sam seemed utterly lost, her mind clearly preoccupied with something else entirely. That something, as Sasha well knew, was Tory. The betrayal of it was still raw, still cutting. Sasha felt the frustration building in her own chest, but more than that, she felt a deep concern for Sam.

Sasha's fingers fidgeted with the hem of her Miyagi-Do jacket, the fabric bunching beneath her anxious grasp. Her knuckles turned white from the tension as she took a step closer to Sam, her heart pounding in her chest.

"You okay?" Sasha asked softly, her voice quiet but laced with the concern she couldn't hide. She rested a gentle hand on her sister's shoulder, her touch grounding yet delicate, as if trying to offer comfort in the face of Sam's invisible turmoil.

Sam didn't respond immediately. Instead, she muttered in a barely audible voice, her words laced with disbelief, "How could Tory go back to Cobra Kai?" Her eyes remained fixed on the carpet, her voice faltering slightly with each syllable. "I thought things had changed... I thought she had changed..." The weight of her disappointment hung in the air like a suffocating fog. Every word she spoke felt like a tiny shard of her trust breaking apart.

Sasha's heart ached at her sister's words, but she didn't hesitate. She took a step closer, her hand still resting on Sam's shoulder as she leaned in slightly. "Sis," she said softly, meeting Sam's downcast gaze with a look of quiet understanding. "I know this feels like a betrayal. But Tory's choices don't define you. You did everything you could to reach her. And that matters."

There was a pause, a beat of silence where Sam seemed to process the words. But before she could respond, a sharp clatter of footsteps rang out across the lobby, cutting through the tension like a knife.

Sasha's head whipped toward the sound, her attention immediately drawn to the entrance. A group of Cobra Kai boys sauntered into the lobby, their presence unmistakable. They moved with cocky confidence, their black jackets making them stand out against the sea of Miyagi-Do students. At the front of the group was Kwon, his usual smirk plastered across his face as his eyes scanned the room with predatory focus. He locked onto the Miyagi-Do group almost immediately, his gaze sweeping over them as if assessing their worth.

And then, of course, his eyes landed on Sasha. He winked.

The reaction was instant. Sasha felt her cheeks flush as warmth flooded her face, the heat from her embarrassment spreading rapidly. She quickly looked down at the ground, trying to hide the growing blush, but it was impossible. Not again.

Sam, who had been momentarily distracted, immediately noticed the shift in her sister's demeanor. She nudged Sasha's side with her elbow, a playful yet pointed look on her face. "So..." Sam started, her voice teasing but with an edge of concern. "Do I need to worry about you and him?"

Sasha quickly shook her head, her voice shaky as she stammered, "N-No!" Her face was now beet red, and she couldn't stop the flood of heat rushing to her cheeks. The last thing she wanted was for Sam to get the wrong idea.

Kwon, clearly enjoying the effect he had on Sasha, raised his voice louder, his words dripping with mockery. "So," he drawled, "this is the famous Miyagi-Do? I don't get it. What's the big deal? You don't look like much." His sneer was razor-sharp, every word carefully calculated to provoke.

Sasha's stomach churned, and her mind snapped back to the present, the weight of Kwon's condescension settling in her chest. But before she could react, Eli stepped forward, his jaw set tight, his eyes burning with anger.

"Yeah?" Eli snapped, his voice low and full of menace. "You'll see better when you're flat on your back on the mat."

Eli moved to close the distance between himself and Kwon, his entire body coiled with tension, fists ready to strike. Sasha could see the fire in his eyes, the urge to fight barely restrained. But before he could make a move, Sasha shot to her feet, quickly placing a firm hand on Eli's arm.

"Eli," she said, her voice steady and calm, but with a quiet authority that immediately caught his attention. "Not worth it." Her gaze softened as she met his eyes, offering him a silent plea to hold back. "Save it for the tournament."

Eli hesitated, his nostrils flaring as he glared at Kwon, but after a tense beat, he took a reluctant step back. "Fine," he muttered under his breath, though his fists remained clenched at his sides, his anger still simmering just beneath the surface.

Miguel, ever the peacemaker, moved to Sasha's side, his tone calm yet commanding. "Forget about them," he said, addressing the group as a whole. "They're just another dojo here. Don't let them get under your skin."

Kwon laughed, the sound rich with derision, clearly entertained by Miguel's attempt to defuse the situation. "We'll see how confident you are when the matches start," he sneered, his words laced with malice. With a final scoff, he turned and walked away, his Cobra Kai cronies following suit, their laughter echoing in the large, open space.

As Kwon passed by, he intentionally bumped into Sasha's shoulder, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he added, "Looking pretty, sweater girl." He threw a wink in her direction as he walked off, his words lingering in the air like an unwanted aftertaste.

Sasha looked down at her sweater, momentarily thrown off guard by his words, before she looked back up at him, her face still flushed. "T-Thanks?" she stuttered, completely caught off-guard.

Sam rolled her eyes, a playful but stern look on her face. "No way, Sash. Don't tell me you like him?" she teased, her voice full of mock incredulity.

Sasha's face turned even paler, if possible, her eyes wide with panic. "N-No!" she blurted out, her voice shaking. "I-I don't!"

The whole conversation felt like an out-of-body experience for Sasha, her heart still racing from the encounter as she tried to hide her embarrassment. This was going to be a long trip.

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After the competitors were settled into their rooms, the event organizers immediately herded them together for what they called a "mandatory bonding experience." The destination was the city's renowned aquarium, a place famous for its mesmerizing aquatic displays that seemed to stretch far beyond what anyone could imagine. The aquarium was known for its vast and otherworldly exhibits, housing creatures that were as strange as they were beautiful. As they made their way through the grand lobby, the mood was a mix of reluctance and curiosity. Some competitors grumbled at the forced socialization, others simply stared ahead, their minds elsewhere, but Sasha, ever the optimist, found herself quietly excited. She loved aquariums.

There was something calming about being surrounded by water. The soft blue glow of the tanks, the rhythmic movement of fish, and the way the world outside seemed to slow down-everything about the experience felt like a sanctuary. Sasha had always felt at peace near water, and today, as they stepped into the dimly lit, expansive space of the aquarium, she couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility wash over her. The feeling of being transported to an entirely different world was almost too much to bear in its beauty. It was like time itself had no place here; everything was at the mercy of the gentle ebb and flow of water.

The entrance to the aquarium was a masterpiece in itself-a massive cylindrical tank stretched from floor to ceiling, completely encasing the visitors in an underwater world. Schools of fish swam in perfect synchrony, their bodies glinting in the soft light, reflecting shades of silver and gold. The movement of the fish was hypnotic, like a living, breathing painting. Sasha found herself standing there for a long moment, transfixed, until she noticed a pair of seahorses swaying gently in the current, their tails coiled around the strands of seaweed. A small, wistful smile tugged at her lips as she watched them.

Her peaceful moment was short-lived, however. Just as Sasha was about to move on and explore the rest of the aquarium, an overly enthusiastic staff member, dressed in a bright uniform, clapped their hands loudly to gather everyone's attention. "Alright, team captains! Over here, please!" they called, beaming widely. "We're going to take a group photo in front of our grand centerpiece!"

Sasha's stomach dropped. She was fine with the aquarium's tranquil surroundings, but the thought of being in a group photo with her competition made her uneasy. She wasn't exactly fond of being in the spotlight, especially not when surrounded by people she had to compete against. Nonetheless, she followed the others toward the centerpiece: a towering wall of glass that housed manta rays, sleek sharks, and a kaleidoscope of vibrant fish that glowed in the soft light, casting flickering reflections onto the surrounding walls. It was undoubtedly a breathtaking sight, but it didn't do much to alleviate the tension that filled the air as the competitors reluctantly gathered.

"Alright, captains! Let's get nice and close!" The photographer's voice was unnecessarily chipper, and he waved his hand dramatically, urging the group to huddle together, making the uncomfortable atmosphere even worse. Sasha grimaced slightly as she stepped closer to Robby, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. She instinctively scanned the other captains-Tory was standing a few feet away, her posture stiff and arms crossed, her face a mask of unreadable emotion. Sasha couldn't help but wonder what was going through her head after everything that had happened recently.

Her attention was then drawn to Kwon, who stood beside Tory. He caught her gaze, and the moment their eyes met, his smirk widened. But as quickly as it appeared, he looked away, as though caught off guard. Sasha felt a blush creep up her neck, and she quickly turned her attention elsewhere, feeling a rush of embarrassment and confusion.

The photographer adjusted his camera, still grinning like a maniac. "Okay, everyone say, 'Barcelona!' One, two, three!"

"Barcelona," the group mumbled in unison. Some of the captains managed to muster genuine smiles, while others, like Sasha, barely moved their lips. Her attempt at a smile was fleeting at best, her thoughts drifting to other things. She didn't even notice the awkwardness of the moment until she heard the photographer's voice again, filled with that same irritating cheer.

"Alright, let's do another! But this time-sexy! And louder!" he chirped, his eyes scanning the group like he was expecting some sort of magic to happen.

Sasha froze, her stomach flipping in discomfort. She turned her head toward him slowly, disbelief written all over her face. Did he really just say that? Around her, some of the captains obliged, their voices exaggerated as they called out the word 'Barcelona' again, their faces pulling into exaggerated, uncomfortable grins. Sasha glanced at Robby, who stood silently beside her, clearly as uncomfortable as she was.

She muttered under her breath, barely audible, "Now I feel uncomfortable."

Beside her, Robby didn't respond immediately. His gaze, however, was fixed elsewhere. Sasha glanced up, following his line of sight. He wasn't looking at the camera, nor the photographer, nor the tank. His eyes were locked on Tory, who was standing off to the side, her eyes cast downward in thought, oblivious to the attention she was receiving. Sasha felt a twinge of annoyance.

She nudged Robby gently, her voice a soft whisper, "Stare at your girlfriend and scold her for switching sides later."

Before Robby could say anything in defense, the photographer raised his voice once more. "Alright, one more shot! Big smiles!"

But before the next photo could be taken, Tory, who had been standing so stiffly before, suddenly turned and walked away without a word. Her departure left a noticeable gap in the lineup, and the photographer let out an audible sigh of frustration, clearly annoyed by the disruption.

"Alright, forget it. We're done," he muttered, dropping the camera from his face as he began walking away.

The other competitors began to disperse, some in groups, others with no one to talk to. Sasha, feeling an uneasy tension between her and the rest of the group, started to turn back toward her team. But just as she did, she felt the distinct sensation of someone watching her.

She glanced over her shoulder and found Kwon standing near one of the exhibits, his eyes fixed on her. His expression shifted as soon as their gazes met-his smirk widened, and for a brief moment, it almost looked like he was trying to hide the look. But before Sasha could analyze it further, Kwon quickly shuffled away, his movements a little too quick, as though he'd been caught doing something he wasn't supposed to.

Sasha raised an eyebrow in confusion, but before she could think too much about it, she heard Miguel call her name. Turning, she exhaled softly, shaking off the unease, and followed her teammate, ready to leave the uncomfortable scene behind.

⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰

The group moved quietly down the polished floors of the aquarium, their shoes barely making a sound as they walked on the sleek, glassy surface. The soft glow of the dim lighting and the ethereal blue radiance of the tanks created a dreamlike atmosphere, as if they had entered another world entirely. Sasha couldn't help but be drawn into the peaceful ambiance. She was entranced by the shimmering fish darting through the tanks, their scales reflecting light in mesmerizing waves. The jellyfish, with their translucent bodies and long, flowing tentacles, looked like drifting spirits in an underwater ballet. The entire space seemed to slow down, and for a brief moment, Sasha felt as though time itself was suspended.

She walked beside Miguel, her eyes flitting from one exhibit to the next, captivated by the sights. Schools of fish moved in perfect synchronization, their silvery bodies flashing like quicksilver in the soft blue light. An octopus in a distant tank wrapped its tentacles around a rock, its colors shifting with each subtle movement. Sasha slowed her pace at nearly every tank, her fascination apparent. Miguel, always patient, matched her pace, his eyes often finding hers instead of the exhibits. He smiled softly as she paused in front of a tank, her eyes wide with wonder, before he too took in the beauty of the creatures around them.

Ahead of them, the rest of the group moved steadily through the exhibits, their voices a murmur in the background, blending with the sounds of water bubbling gently in the tanks. The aquarium's acoustics enhanced the tranquility, but just as Sasha prepared to rejoin the others, a strange sound cut through the peaceful atmosphere. It started faint-just a low rhythm, like the beat of a distant drum-but as they walked further, it grew louder and more distinct.

"Vlad! Vlad! Vlad!"

The chant echoed off the walls, bouncing through the cavernous space. Sasha's brow furrowed, and she glanced toward Miguel, who had also stopped in his tracks, his expression puzzled. They exchanged a look before Sasha whispered, her voice laced with confusion, "What is that?"

"I don't know," Miguel murmured back, clearly as perplexed as she was.

The chant continued, growing louder with each passing moment, the crowd's energy building as they neared the source. The rhythmic cries of "Vlad! Vlad!" reverberated through the aquarium's quiet hallways, like a pulse that vibrated in the air. As they rounded a corner, the cause of the commotion came into view.

A large group had gathered in front of one of the aquarium's largest tanks, their faces bathed in the eerie blue light of the water. There was a charged energy in the air, a tangible buzz that seemed to electrify the room. At the center of it all stood a boy who could only be Vlad. His sharp features were illuminated by the tank's glow, and his cocky smirk spoke volumes about his confidence. He stood with a relaxed posture, though there was an undeniable arrogance in the way he held himself. Behind him, the chalk lines on the floor seemed to beckon, drawn with careful precision, and Sasha's eyes locked on them. The taller of the two lines marked an almost impossible height-an athletic feat, no doubt, and clearly the reason for the crowd's attention.

Sasha's heart picked up speed, a mixture of curiosity and unease creeping over her. She couldn't help but stare at the chalk marks, wondering if anyone could truly reach that height. Just as the silence began to hang in the air, a slow, deliberate clap echoed through the room, cutting through the chanting like a blade. The crowd's noise stilled, eyes shifting toward the source.

A boy stepped forward from the crowd, his movements dramatic and exaggerated, his lips curved into a smug grin. Sasha recognized him immediately-Kwon. She couldn't suppress a small, wry smile as she whispered his name to Miguel.

"Kwon," she said under her breath.

Kwon, soaking in the attention, shook his head with mock disapproval, his eyes gleaming with that familiar sense of superiority. He sauntered over to the chalk lines, making a dismissive gesture as he looked them over.

"Not even close," he said loudly, his voice cutting through the murmur of the crowd. His words dripped with condescension. "No one beats mine."

The statement hung in the air, heavy with challenge. He turned to face the assembled teams, his gaze flicking over them before landing on the Miyagi-Do group.

"Ah, Team USA," he drawled, his tone thick with sarcasm. "Everyone knows America's the best at everything, right?"

Laughter erupted from the crowd. The competitors exchanged knowing glances, some amused, others more skeptical. Sasha could feel the change in the atmosphere, like a shift in the weather. Her stomach tightened, and she glanced at Miguel. His jaw was set, his expression hard, and she could see the flicker of frustration behind his calm demeanor.

Kwon raised his hands, his smirk widening as he taunted them. "So, let's see it! Let's see it!" he challenged, his voice rising to a shout.

The crowd roared in approval, the chant morphing into something mocking: "USA! USA!" It wasn't a cheer-it was a taunt, sharp and biting, and it seemed to pierce through Sasha's chest. The room was charged with hostility now, each repetition of the chant like a jagged strike.

Sasha's heart sank. She could feel the weight of the mocking laughter, the jeers building around them.

"Are you scared?" Kwon called, his voice laced with a venomous edge as he looked directly at the Miyagi-Do group.

Eli's hands clenched into fists at his sides. His body stiffened, and Sasha saw the muscles in his jaw work as he stepped forward, his expression fierce.

"That's it," he muttered, his voice low but filled with a quiet determination. "Give me the chalk."

Sasha's eyes widened. She grabbed his arm, pulling him back toward the group. "Eli, are you serious?" she asked, her voice laced with urgency.

"You'd rather let them call us cowards?" Eli snapped, his eyes flashing.

Miguel stepped in front of him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "This is a bad idea," he warned, his voice firm but calm. He looked at Sasha, who nodded in agreement.

"This is stupid," Sasha said, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

Eli's eyes darted between them, his frustration growing. "What? You want to just stand here and take it?"

Before anyone could respond, Devon, who had been silent up until now, scoffed loudly. "You know what? This is dumb," she declared, shaking her head in exasperation. She turned on her heel and marched out of the room, leaving behind the growing tension.

The moment was cut short when another Cobra Kai member stepped forward, a sneer twisting his lips. He eyed Eli up and down, his gaze condescending.

"Is this really the best your dojo has to offer?" he asked, his voice dripping with mockery.

Eli's temper flared. "I'm tough enough to kick your ass," he retorted, stepping closer until their noses nearly brushed.

Kwon laughed, the sound grating as he rolled his eyes dramatically. "Please," he scoffed. "You're not even the captain."

Laughter erupted from the Cobra Kai team, their mockery sharp and cruel. The sound felt like nails on a chalkboard to Sasha, each laugh cutting deeper than the last.

Kwon turned his gaze on Sasha. "I know you're one of the captains, Sweater Girl. Want to take a try?" he called to her, his voice dripping with disdain.

Sasha hesitated, her eyes flicking to Miguel for a brief moment, before her attention was broken by a calm, steady voice cutting through the chaos.

"I'm right here."

The room stilled as Robby stepped forward, his presence commanding the attention of the entire group. His expression was unreadable, but the shift in the air was undeniable. The laughter died instantly, replaced by a tense, almost tangible silence.

Kwon's smirk faltered for just a second, but he recovered quickly, sneering at Robby. "You always walk away from a challenge?" he taunted.

Sasha's hand found Robby's arm, her voice low and firm as she spoke. "Don't let him get to you," she pleaded, her eyes searching his face.

Before Robby could answer, Eli pressed a piece of chalk into his hand, his voice quiet but resolute. "You've got this."

Sasha's stomach tightened. She exchanged a worried look with Miguel, both of them realizing there was no turning back now.

The room held its breath as Robby took his place. Every eye was on him, the anticipation thick in the air. He measured his distance from the wall, his focus laser-sharp. Then, with a burst of energy, he sprinted toward the wall, his legs kicking out beneath him. He soared through the air, delivering a powerful kick with a precise motion. When he landed, the chalk mark he had left was three inches higher than Kwon's.

The room erupted into cheers from the Miyagi-Do group, their voices lifting in celebration. Sasha's hands clapped together in excitement, her eyes wide as she let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.

But the celebration was short-lived.

Kwon stepped forward, his smirk returning in full force as he prepared for his turn. The room quieted again, the tension mounting. Kwon's leap was powerful, his kick a blur of motion. When he landed, the chalk mark was just barely above Robby's.

The Cobra Kai team erupted in raucous cheers, their laughter and taunts filling the room as Kwon strutted back, holding his victory in his hand. "Keys," he demanded smugly, holding out his palm.

Robby, his expression tight with frustration, sighed and pulled out his room keycard. He slapped it into Kwon's waiting hand. The Cobra Kai team jeered, the sound almost deafening as Kwon raised the keys triumphantly.

Sasha groaned audibly, pinching the bridge of her nose. "This is why I hate bets," she muttered under her breath, watching the smug look on Kwon's face and wondering if they would ever escape this tension.

ASH SPEAKS!!!!

HHEHEHE HE CALLS HER SWEATER GIRL🤭🤭

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