chapter twenty-eight:
❛ breaking hearts ❜

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The arena buzzed with electric energy-cheers, applause, and the low hum of anticipation filling every corner of the space. Alessia Chavez stood near the back of the room, her body stiff and unmoving, as if any shift in posture might betray the storm of emotions brewing within her. Her stomach twisted with guilt, each moment here only tightening the knot. She adjusted her Cobra Kai uniform-sleek black and red-more out of habit than necessity, her hands trembling ever so slightly. Beside her, Tory Nichols exuded confidence, her sharp gaze scanning the room with the intensity of someone who was exactly where she wanted to be.

Alessia, on the other hand, wasn't sure she belonged anywhere anymore.

The Sekai Taikai's opening ceremony was as grand as she'd imagined it would be. Banners of the world's top dojos draped across the rafters, spotlights danced dramatically over the massive crowd, and a central stage showcased the Sekai Taikai's organizers and sponsors. Gunther, the event's commanding announcer, stood front and center, his booming voice slicing through the charged air.

"Welcome, competitors, senseis, sponsors, and esteemed guests to Barcelona, this year's home of the world's greatest karate tournament, the Sekai Taikai!"

The applause erupted around her, but Alessia barely registered it. Her mind was elsewhere, her focus drawn across the room.

They were here.

Sam, Miguel, Eli, Demetri, and the rest of her former friends from Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang stood together, united as always. Their faces were impossible to miss, and their collective gaze burned like a spotlight directed solely at her. Alessia's chest tightened as she caught their expressions-confusion, betrayal, and anger etched into their features.

Sam's eyes narrowed with quiet fury, a storm brewing just behind her carefully controlled glare. But it was Robby's gaze that pierced Alessia the most. His expression wasn't angry like Sam's; it was raw and pained, his confusion evident in the crease of his brow. His dark eyes searched hers, as if silently asking, Why?

She looked away quickly, her face burning under the weight of his disappointment. She knew this moment would come, but knowing didn't make it easier. The guilt was overwhelming, a heavy knot in her chest that refused to loosen.

"Alessia?" Tory's voice cut through her thoughts, sharp and commanding.

"What?" Alessia turned her head sharply, her voice laced with irritation she hadn't meant to show.

Tory raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms as she followed Alessia's earlier gaze. "What's got you so distracted?"

Alessia fidgeted with the hem of her gi, avoiding Tory's eyes. "It's nothing," she muttered.

Tory didn't look convinced, her knowing smirk making it clear she had an idea of what-or who-was on Alessia's mind. "Right. 'Nothing.'"

Gunther's voice boomed again, commanding the attention of the room. "The Sekai Taikai boasts a rich and proud history. And if you are here, it's because you embody all that the Sekai Taikai stands for: leadership, respect, sportsmanship."

The crowd erupted in applause once more, but Alessia's clapping was half-hearted, her eyes flickering back to her old friends. They stood so unified, so strong. It was everything Alessia thought Cobra Kai could offer her, and yet here she was, feeling more alone than ever.

"Captains, step forward and tie on your headbands," Gunther announced.

Tory and Kwon moved confidently toward the stage, their movements deliberate and purposeful. Tory tied on her headband with the ease of someone who lived and breathed Cobra Kai, every inch of her radiating unshakable determination. Alessia envied her composure.

As Gunther explained the tournament rules-team competitions, final four placements, point tallies-Alessia caught movement out of the corner of her eye. Sam leaned closer to Robby, her voice low but audible over the quiet hum of the crowd.

"Did you know?" Sam asked sharply, her gaze flicking toward Alessia.

Robby shook his head, his expression troubled. "No, I swear. I had no idea. Well... she did say she was sorry for what was gonna come, but I thought it was something else."

Sam frowned, her lips pressing into a thin line as she nodded, her distrust evident.

Alessia's breath hitched, her guilt threatening to overwhelm her. She wanted to explain, to shout across the room that it wasn't what they thought, but no words came. What excuse could she give? She had chosen Cobra Kai, and now she had to face the consequences.

Gunther's voice took on a lighter tone, almost playful. "But today is about enjoying our host city and making new friends-or enemies."

A few chuckles rippled through the room, but Alessia felt the words hit far too close to home.

The ceremony wrapped up with another round of applause, and as the crowd began to disperse, Alessia found herself looking over her shoulder one last time. Her eyes met Robby's for a fleeting moment, and the sadness in his gaze was like a punch to the gut.

"Chavez," Sensei Kim's sharp voice snapped Alessia out of her spiraling thoughts.

"Yes, Sensei?" Alessia replied, quickly straightening her posture.

Kim's cold eyes bore into hers. "Forget about that Keene boy. Don't let him get in your head, or you'll regret it."

Alessia swallowed hard and nodded. "Yes, Sensei."

Kim's stern expression softened slightly, but only enough to offer a sliver of reassurance. "Focus. Cobra Kai needs you to be strong. You're our Co-sensei in training. Start acting like it."

"Yes, Sensei," Alessia said again, her voice firmer this time.

As she followed Tory out of the arena, Alessia tried to steel herself, to bury the lingering ache that came with Robby's gaze. But no matter how hard she tried, the weight of his disappointment lingered, dragging her down. For all the strength Sensei Kim demanded of her, Alessia felt anything but strong.

The hotel lobby was alive with a chaotic energy that seemed to pulse through the air. The hum of conversation blended with the clatter of wheeled suitcases gliding across polished marble floors. Bright, opulent chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a soft golden glow that reflected off the sleek surfaces, creating a sense of luxury that felt almost oppressive. Alessia barely noticed.

Her Cobra Kai jacket was zipped up to her chin, the fabric pressing against her skin like armor. She moved through the crowd with a determined stride, her gaze fixed ahead, refusing to acknowledge the subtle shift in the atmosphere as people turned to look at her. She could feel their eyes-curious, judgmental, and sharp as daggers. Whispers followed her like an unwanted shadow, murmurs too faint to catch but loud enough to make her feel exposed.

Beside her, Tory matched her step for step. Her expression was cold, unreadable, and flawlessly composed-a picture of unshakable confidence. Alessia envied her. Tory carried herself like she belonged here, like she didn't care who saw or what they thought. Alessia, on the other hand, felt the weight of every glance, every whisper, every footstep echoing on the marble.

As they neared the elevator, Alessia's chest tightened. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted them. Her steps faltered, her breath catching in her throat.

Robby, Miguel, and Eli.

They were clustered around a group of plush lounge chairs near the elevators, their postures relaxed yet purposeful, the easy camaraderie between them a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside her. Miguel was talking, his hands gesturing animatedly, while Eli nodded along. Robby, however, wasn't part of the conversation. His arms were crossed, his head tilted slightly, and then-almost as if he could feel her presence-his eyes found her.

The weight of his gaze hit her like a blow to the stomach.

A little farther back, Sam stood apart from the group. Her arms were folded tightly across her chest, her expression a mixture of fury and disbelief. Alessia could almost hear the questions forming behind her eyes. How could you? Why?

Alessia's heart thudded painfully against her ribs. She hadn't expected to see them so soon, certainly not here, and definitely not like this. She felt frozen for a moment, but then she forced herself to look away, her fingers tightening their grip on the strap of her gym bag. Keep moving. Just keep moving.

"Alessia. Hey, wait!"

Robby's voice rang out, cutting through the hum of the lobby like a knife.

Her entire body stiffened at the sound of it. For a brief second, she considered stopping. Turning around. Saying something-anything. But no words came to mind. All she could feel was a deep, gnawing guilt that threatened to swallow her whole. So she didn't stop. She kept moving, quickening her pace as if she could outrun the pain in his voice.

Tory glanced sideways at her, a flicker of curiosity crossing her face, but she didn't say anything. She simply stepped onto the elevator as the doors slid open. Alessia followed, her movements stiff and hurried, as though stepping into the small, enclosed space could somehow shield her from the emotions swirling behind her.

The elevator doors began to slide shut, but before they could close completely, a figure sprinted into view.

It was Robby.

He stopped just short of the elevator, his hands braced against his knees as he caught his breath. His expression was a devastating mix of sadness and confusion, his brown eyes pleading as they locked onto Alessia's.

"Why?" His voice was quiet, barely above a whisper, but it carried through the narrow gap between the closing doors.

Alessia's chest felt like it was caving in. She wanted to say something. To apologize. To explain. But her throat felt tight, and the words wouldn't come. Her hands trembled as she clutched the strap of her bag, her nails digging into the fabric. The last thing she saw before the doors closed completely was the look in his eyes-wounded, searching, and full of heartbreak.

The elevator began its ascent, but Alessia felt like she was sinking.

The air in the hotel room was thick with tension, heavy and suffocating as Tory and Marisol moved about in strained silence. The muted hum of the air conditioning was the only sound, a faint backdrop to the unspoken emotions simmering between them. Marisol unpacked slowly, her hands trembling ever so slightly as she folded each shirt with precise care. It wasn't about neatness-it was about keeping herself busy, giving her mind something to focus on besides the mounting weight pressing against her chest. Each movement felt mechanical, disconnected, as though she were operating on autopilot.

Tory, on the other hand, was a storm brewing just beneath the surface. Her movements were sharp and impatient, yanking zippers open with unnecessary force and tossing clothes onto the bed without bothering to smooth them out. Her jaw was clenched tight, and her eyes were hard, betraying the irritation bubbling within her. She thrived on confrontation, but right now, the silence felt like a trap she couldn't quite break free from.

The knock at the door shattered the quiet like a sudden thunderclap. Both girls flinched slightly, their heads snapping toward the sound. Tory exhaled sharply, muttering something under her breath that was barely audible but steeped in annoyance.

"I'll get it," she said curtly, brushing past Marisol without waiting for a response. Her footsteps were quick and deliberate as she crossed the room.

Alessia paused mid-fold, her hands frozen on the fabric in her lap. Her breath hitched as a knot of unease coiled in her stomach. She watched out of the corner of her eye as Tory swung the door open, her heart sinking when she saw who was on the other side.

Sensei Kim Da-Eun and Sensei Kreese.

Kim stood with her arms crossed, her sharp, no-nonsense demeanor radiating authority. Her eyes scanned the room briefly, assessing the two girls with a single sweeping glance that made Alessia feel exposed. Kreese loomed just behind her, his calculating gaze flickering between the girls, as if already dissecting their weaknesses.

"The buses are leaving," Sensei Kim announced briskly, her voice clipped and commanding. "Get moving."

Tory's lips curled into a faint sneer, and she leaned against the doorframe, arms folded. "We're not here for a field trip," she shot back, her words laced with defiance.

Alessia felt a wave of unease ripple through her but forced herself to maintain a neutral expression. She dropped the shirt she was holding onto the bed and stood, trying to project an air of calm. Her pulse betrayed her, pounding in her ears as she fought to keep her nerves in check.

Kim's gaze shifted to Marisol, her dark eyes narrowing slightly. "Your team is waiting," she said pointedly, her words carrying the weight of an order.

Tory didn't flinch. Instead, her jaw tightened, and her posture straightened as she stared Kim down. "Yeah? Well, I'm not here for them either," she said sharply, her voice steady but venomous.

The room seemed to grow colder as Kim stepped forward, her presence dominating the small space. Without warning, she reached down and slammed Tory's suitcase shut with a single forceful motion. The sharp crack of the lid snapping closed echoed loudly, making both girls flinch despite themselves.

Kim's voice dropped to a dangerous low, each word deliberate and cutting. "Let me be clear," she said icily, her gaze shifting between Alessia and Tory. "I did not want either of you on this team. And I still don't."

Alessia's fists clenched at her sides, the initial pang of fear morphing into a spark of anger. She took a step forward, meeting Kim's glare head-on. "Well, we're here," she said evenly, her voice dripping with defiance. "Guess you didn't have any better options."

A faint, mocking smile tugged at the corners of Kim's lips. "Hm. I saw potential in you right away," she said smoothly, though her tone was anything but complimentary. "But I also saw weakness. Issues."

Alessia's chest tightened as the implication sank in. She knew exactly what Kim was referencing-her past struggles with drugs and alcohol, the mistakes she couldn't erase no matter how hard she tried. Her jaw tightened, and she forced herself to speak. "I'm fine," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her. "I'm not gonna get high."

Kim barely acknowledged her, her attention already shifting to Tory. "And you," she began, her words as sharp as a blade, "I saw promise. But you're too distracted. Too weak to lead."

Tory's hands curled into fists at her sides, her knuckles white from the strain. "And you broke my hand," she shot back, her voice brimming with fury.

Kim didn't flinch. "You broke your own hand," she said coldly, dismissing the accusation without a second thought. Her gaze swept back to Marisol, lingering for a moment before she delivered her final blow. "I should've made Alessia the leader. She's at least not as... broken."

Alessia's eyes widened, her gut twisting at the suggestion. "I don't want to be the leader," she said quickly, shaking her head. "Tory only took the spot so I can be the last one fighting. And I'm co-sensei in training."

Kim tilted her head, the corners of her mouth lifting in a faint, condescending smirk. "And you'll be the last one losing," she said simply, her words cutting deep before she turned on her heel and walked out. The click of her heels against the floor was the only sound as she disappeared down the hall.

Kreese lingered, his sharp eyes darting between the two girls. Tory refused to look at him, instead turning back to her luggage and yanking it open with a loud snap. Marisol sat heavily on the edge of the bed, running a shaky hand through her uneven bangs.

"I don't have anything to say to you," Tory said flatly, her back to Kreese, her voice brimming with irritation.

Kreese took a step into the room, his tone softer than usual but still carrying an edge. "I know you're both struggling," he began, his words deliberate. "But you made the right choice, even if you can't see it yet. You'll make them proud." His eyes flicked briefly to Tory. "Your mother. And your boyfriend."

Tory hesitated, her shoulders stiffening. After a long pause, she muttered, "I hope so."

"I know so," Kreese replied with quiet confidence. He glanced at Alessia, his expression unreadable but not unkind. "Sometimes you have to play the game to win. Even if you hate the team."

With that, he turned and left, the door clicking shut behind him.

The silence that followed was almost suffocating. Tory let out a frustrated sigh, slamming a drawer shut with more force than necessary. "I'm so sick of their bullshit," she muttered, breaking the quiet.

Alessia nodded absently, her mind still spinning as she stared at the door. For all her bravado, she couldn't shake the sinking feeling in her chest.

She was in too deep. And for the first time, she wasn't sure if she could fight her way out.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

splitting ep 6 into 2... but im so excited for part 2:)

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!
COMMENT AND VOTE! IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:)