THE SIGHT OF MIGUEL'S HEAD HANGING LOW MADE HER FROWN.

He neared the hotel exit, his head low, fingers clenched tightly around the strap of his bag. His jaw was set, his breathing uneven—like he was trying to keep himself together, but barely holding on.

Hayden had seen him upset before, frustrated, even angry. But this was different. This was fear.

She took a breath and stepped forward, gripping the bouquet of flowers in her hands. They weren't fancy—just something she'd picked up from the hotel gift shop, wrapped in cheap plastic—but they felt right in a way she couldn't explain.

His eyes lifted when he noticed her.

"Hey," she murmured.

Miguel forced a small smile, but it didn't fool her. "Hey."

She hesitated, then without another word, shoved the flowers toward him. He blinked, looking down at them, then back at her in disbelief.

"You—" His voice caught slightly. "You got me flowers?"

She rolled her eyes. "I got your mom flowers."

He stared at the bouquet for a moment, his thumb brushing over the petals. It was such a simple gesture, but coming from her—someone who wasn't exactly the sentimental type—it meant more than she probably realized.

His lips twitched, but his grip tightened around the bouquet, like he wasn't sure whether to laugh or let the weight of the moment sink in.

"She's gonna be okay, Miguel." Her voice was steady, confident. Like it wasn't even a question.

Miguel exhaled shakily, rubbing a hand over his face. "I just—I hate this. I hate not knowing if she's okay. What if something—"

Hayden stepped in closer, carefully placing a hand on his arm. "Don't do that. Don't go to the worst-case scenario. She's strong, just like you. She's gonna get through this. And when you come back, she'll be right there, probably scolding you for worrying so much."

Miguel let out a small, breathy chuckle, but his eyes were glassy, his guard slipping. "You really think so?"

"I know so."

They stood there for a moment, just looking at each other, like the rest of the world had gone quiet.

Then Miguel swallowed and nodded, gripping the flowers a little tighter. "Keep fighting. Keep winning. For us."

Hayden smirked faintly, but there was something softer in her expression, something unspoken. "Like I'd let anyone else take it."

Miguel smiled, shaking his head as he took a step back. "I'll see you soon?"

She nodded. "Yeah. See you soon."

Miguel hesitated, taking one step toward the exit before he paused. Then he turned, catching Hayden off guard with a tight hug.

Hayden stumbled a little at the sudden impact, eyes widening a bit. But the way Miguel had been holding onto her, she could tell he needed this.

And, maybe she did a little bit too.

When they finally separated, Miguel sent her a final look of appreciation.

And as he walked away, bouquet still clutched in his hand, Hayden swore she saw him glance down at them again, his smile lingering just a little longer than before.

—

Hayden hadn't been in a partying mood after saying goodbye to Miguel.

She wasn't even sure her senseis would allow it after almost getting eliminated their first day of events. But Eli insisted on celebrating her dominating win, informing her that he had gotten Chozen to agree letting them explore the lively streets of Barcelona.

And Eli was pushy. So Hayden agreed.

The attention was immediate.

The second Hayden stepped into the bar, the energy shifted. Heads turned, eyes followed, and hushed whispers spread like wildfire through the crowd.

Murmurs rippled across the room, a mix of awe, admiration, and maybe a little bit of fear. She caught snippets of conversation in different languages, her name bouncing between them.

"That's her—the one who destroyed Dublin Thunder."
"Did you see all the blood coming out of their mouths? She made that girl's nose bleed, too."
"She's fine as hell."

A heavy hand clapped against her back. "That's what happens when you annihilate an entire team," Eli grinned, clearly enjoying this more than she was. "You're kind of a big deal now, dude."

She exhaled through her nose, watching as Eli and Demetri slid into a booth.

"Not used to the attention?" Sam smirked as she and Robby flanked her, finding an open table.

Hayden exhaled sharply, sinking into her seat. "It's... new."

She could feel people still looking, still whispering. Robby didn't seem to care about any of it. His jaw was tight, his arms crossed over his chest, lost in thought. "I hope Carmen's okay," he muttered. Then, after a beat, his eyes flickered to her. "Did you talk to Miguel before he left?"

Hayden tensed. She felt like the question had layers—like no matter what she said, she couldn't win.

She kept her voice even. "Yeah. We said our goodbyes before he got on the plane. He'll keep me updated."

His gaze was unreadable, but she could feel something there. Hayden quickly shifted. "How are you guys feeling?" She asked, redirecting.

Robby huffed out a humorless chuckle. "Not great." He exhaled, running a hand through his hair, his frustration clear. "I've been fucking everything up since we got here."

Hayden and Sam exchanged a glance, and, like she could sense the moment about to shift, Sam stood up. "I'm gonna get a drink." She announced before disappearing toward the bar.

Hayden turned back to Robby, watching as he stared down at the table, his fingers tapping against the wood.

"Maybe Miguel was right," he muttered. "Maybe I'm not fit to be captain. He'd be doing a better job than me right now."

Hayden's brows furrowed. "Robby."

His jaw clenched. "I've been off since we got here. I lost focus in Captain's War, I lost the fight against Dublin Thunder, and now Miguel's gone and it feels like everything is falling apart." His voice was low, sharp, frustration bleeding into every word. "Maybe I shouldn't be here at all."

Hayden's fingers twitched. Her mind was a mess—her life was a mess—but this? This she knew. Fighting. Leading. Winning.

She reached forward, her hand gripping his forearm firmly, grounding him.

"Stop," she said, her voice steady. "You're not out. You're not losing. We're still in this." She met his gaze, holding it. "We've been through a lot. But I know we can do this, Keene. We need to get it together. You and me. Now."

Robby swallowed hard.

"With Miguel gone, we have to pull our weight," she continued. "We have to step up. Or we're done. And I don't know about you, but I didn't fight my ass off just to lose now."

Robby exhaled through his nose, something flickering behind his eyes. "You really believe I can do this?"

Hayden didn't hesitate. "I wouldn't have let you up on that platform if I didn't. You wouldn't have won captain, if you didn't."

The air between them felt charged. Like something unspoken hung between the words. Hayden wasn't soft—wasn't the kind of person to give easy reassurances or false hope. If she said something, she meant it.

And Robby felt that.

His gaze dropped for a second, flickering to where her hand still rested against his arm before he met her eyes again.

"I'm sorry I haven't been pulling my weight." His voice was quieter now, almost a whisper.

Hayden smirked faintly. "It's okay. I've been pulling it for us. But can you get it together so we can finish this together?"

Robby didn't answer right away. He just looked at her, really looked at her. There was a time when she would've turned away from that gaze, when she would've brushed off the meaning behind it, but now, she just held it.

The noise of the bar faded. The weight of the tournament, their history, the tension that had been brewing between them for months—it all simmered just beneath the surface.

Robby exhaled, his jaw unclenching slightly. He glanced away, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. Okay. Let's lock in."

Hayden nodded. "Let's lock in."

A beat of silence and then he began speaking again.

He exhaled through his nose, rubbing the back of his neck, looking frustrated with himself. "That night... when I said you don't trust anyone... I shouldn't have come at you like that." His voice was low, careful, almost hesitant. "It wasn't fair."

Hayden inhaled sharply, fingers tightening slightly against the glass in front of her. She had been thinking about that night more than she wanted to admit. About the way his words had hit a little too deep. About how she'd spent her whole life keeping people at a distance, only to let them in—only for them to leave.

"It's fine—"

"It's not." Robby cut in again, "I know you've been through a lot. And I know it's hard for you to trust, but..." He sighed, shaking his head. "I don't want to be just another person you shut out, Hayden."

Her breath caught in her throat.

He was looking at her now—not in frustration, not in annoyance, but in a way that made her chest feel too tight, like he was trying to see her. Like he was trying to get her to see him too.

Hayden swallowed, forcing herself to look away, but that only made things worse. Her eyes landed on his hand, resting on the table between them, fingers twitching like he was debating reaching for hers.

She should shut this down. Now. Before it got any deeper. Before she let herself get comfortable. Before she let herself believe—for even a second—that someone could stay.

But her body betrayed her.

Her fingers twitched too, just slightly, and for a brief, fleeting moment, her pinky brushed against his.

It was light. Barely anything. But she felt it. And she knew he did too.

Robby exhaled, tilting his head, his voice softer now. "You can trust me, you know."

Hayden almost flinched.

Because hadn't she heard that before?

Hadn't Logan said the same thing? Hadn't she made promises too? Promises that shattered the moment Hayden found her on the floor, cold and still and barely alive.

She could feel her throat tightening, the heat burning behind her eyes. She couldn't do this. Not now. Not when everything was already crumbling beneath her.

So, she did what she always did.

She pushed it down.

Hayden blinked, pushing the image out of her head before it could take hold. She forced herself to focus on the now—on Robby, on the way his eyes searched her face, like he wanted to say more but didn't know how.

For a moment, it felt too much. The look, the conversation, the weight of it all pressing down on her chest.

She needed air.

"Yeah," she said abruptly, nodding as she stood. "I just—I'm gonna grab a drink."

She didn't wait for a response. She just turned, making her way through the crowd toward the bar, weaving between bodies until she reached it. She exhaled slowly, gripping the edge of the counter, as if grounding herself.

The bartender barely had a chance to ask before she muttered, "Whiskey. Neat."

As she waited, she stared at the bottles lined up behind the bar, but all she could see was Logan.

Lying there. Still. Gone.

Hayden swallowed hard, pushing it down. Lock in. She had to lock in.

But, for the first time since she got here, she wasn't sure she could.

She hadn't realized that the people around her instantly recognized her, whispering and murmuring.

And that made someone just a little more mad than she wanted to admit.

The bartender slid her glass across the counter. "You wanna start a tab or—"

A sleek black card landed next to hers before he could finish. "I got this round. My sponsors are paying for this whole trip anyway."

Hayden didn't have to turn to know who it was. That voice had been grating on her nerves since the moment they met.

She glanced over anyway, locking eyes with Zara Malik's sickeningly sweet smile. The Iron Dragons captain was dressed effortlessly, like she hadn't just wiped the mat with another team hours ago. Hayden knew better. She saw the blood Zara had wiped from her lip after her last fight.

Hayden exhaled sharply through her nose. "Thanks." The word was clipped, dismissive. She took a sip from her drink, not offering another word.

Zara, of course, wasn't done. She leaned in slightly, her voice just low enough for only Hayden to hear. "I was just coming over here to congratulate you on your win against Dublin Thunder," the smile on her face told Hayden she wasn't done, "Not that it's really much of a win. Dublin Thunder's been going downhill for years now."

Hayden took a slow sip of her drink, setting it down carefully before turning to Zara with a blank expression. She wasn't in the mood for this.

"Then why bother coming over here?" Her voice was even, unimpressed.

Zara's smirk widened, tapping her manicured nails against the bar. "Just being friendly. Supporting my fellow competitors. You know, since we're all here for the same thing."

Hayden arched a brow. "Yet you're downplaying my win?"

Zara let out a small, breathy laugh, tilting her head. "I'm just saying, you haven't been tested yet. Not really. You're good, don't get me wrong. But you're not me."

Hayden didn't blink. There it was. Zara was used to being the best. She was used to being feared. And now? She wasn't the only one people were whispering about.

Hayden smirked faintly, shaking her head. "You really think I give a shit about proving anything to you?"

Zara's expression didn't falter, but the way she gripped her glass just a little tighter told Hayden she'd hit a nerve.

"You will," Zara said smoothly, lifting her drink. "When you're standing across from me in the finals."

Hayden held her gaze, letting the tension stretch between them.

Zara took a slow sip from her drink, eyes flicking over Hayden with that same smug, knowing look that made Hayden's fingers twitch with restraint.

"You're good, I'll give you that," Zara mused, setting her glass down with a soft clink. "But let's be real—fighters like you? You burn hot, but you burn out. No control. No precision. Just swinging until someone puts you down."

Hayden went still.

Zara smirked, leaning in just slightly. "And that someone is gonna be me."

Hayden exhaled through her nose, slow and controlled, rolling her shoulders back. Her grip on the glass didn't tighten, didn't tremble. She just stared, letting the silence stretch long enough for Zara's smirk to falter.

Then, with deliberate calm, Hayden turned her head, locking eyes with her.

"You talk too much," she said, voice quiet but razor-sharp.

Zara arched a brow, amusement flickering. "Oh yeah?"

Hayden tilted her head just a little. "Yeah. So at the finals? I'm gonna make sure the only thing coming out of your mouth is blood. When I slam you face first into the mat."

She took a menacing step forward, them being the same height giving Hayden the direct eye-to-eye view.

"I'm gonna take my time with you," Hayden murmured, voice low, deliberate. "Make it hurt. You'll wish I'd just end it already."

For the first time all night, Zara didn't have a comeback.

The tension crackled between them, thick and suffocating. Zara's fingers twitched at her side, like she wanted to throw a punch but knew better. Knew Hayden was waiting for an excuse to do something.

Hayden didn't blink, didn't break eye contact. Just waited, watching the way Zara tensed, the way her fingers curled against the bar like she was stopping herself from reacting.

The burn of the alcohol lingered on her tongue as she swallowed the rest of her drink in one go, ignoring the bitter, chemical-like taste it left behind.

"Thanks for the drink," she muttered without looking back, setting the empty glass down before slipping past Zara and heading straight for the door.

Zara watched her as she went, jaw clenched and tongue pressed against the side of her cheek. Then she trailed her gaze a little to the right of her, seeing Tory Nichols with a drink in hand, swirling it around in her cup. Then she looked to her left, seeing Robby Keene staring down at the table before moving over to the barstool next to hers.

She smirked. Because, just then, a plan formulated in her head.

Hayden almost made it to the door. Until a body stepped in front of her, making her chest press up against...

She rolled her eyes. "Move." She all but demanded.

Kwon's smirk only widened, his dark eyes gleaming with something that made Hayden's fingers twitch at her sides.

"What's the rush, Reaper?" he murmured, tilting his head slightly, his thick Korean accent coating every syllable. "Why don't you stay? Have a few drinks."

Hayden clenched her jaw. "Move."

Instead of stepping aside, he leaned in slightly, just enough to make it seem like an intimate conversation to any onlookers. "Why so hostile? We're just talking."

Hayden scoffed, glaring up at him. "No, you're running your mouth and wasting my time."

Kwon chuckled, shaking his head as he shoved his hands in his pockets. "I gotta say, your fights are fun to watch. No hesitation. Just pure, brutal instinct." His voice dropped just slightly, like he was letting her in on some secret. "I like that."

Hayden narrowed her eyes. "You like watching me fight? Cute. You'll love it even more when I knock you on your ass."

Kwon laughed, stepping even closer. To anyone else, it would look like he was flirting, but Hayden could see it for what it was—an attempt to provoke her.

"Funny, I was thinking the same thing." His eyes flickered down to the pulse jumping at her throat, his smirk deepening. "You fight like you've got something to prove."

Hayden's fingers twitched again.

"And you fight like you're trying too hard," she shot back, stepping in just enough to make it look like she was the one closing the space. If he wanted to play this game, she'd play it better. "Desperate to impress? Or just desperate?"

Kwon chuckled, but his eyes flashed with something sharper. "Oh, I'm gonna enjoy knocking that headband off your head."

Hayden smirked, voice dropping into something quieter. More dangerous. "You won't even get the chance."

Kwon just chuckled, finally stepping back, hands raised in mock surrender. "See you on the mat, Reaper."

Hayden didn't respond. Didn't spare him another glance as she brushed past him, heading straight for the door.

What she hadn't noticed was Robby watching from afar.

How he had been leaning against the bar, arms crossed, watching the entire exchange with a tightening grip around his glass.

From where he stood, it didn't look like an argument. It looked like Kwon was leaning in, smirking like he had the upper hand, and Hayden wasn't exactly pushing him away. She was standing her ground, staring up at him with that same fire in her eyes she always had when she was locked in.

But to Robby? It looked like something else.

The way Kwon's lips barely moved when he spoke, like he was saying something just for her. The way Hayden tilted her chin up, stepping in instead of stepping back. The way Kwon laughed, his hand flexing at his side like he was ready to reach for her.

Robby's jaw clenched.

He knew Hayden. Knew her better than most. If she was still standing there, still engaging, it meant something. Even if it was just to get in his head, to get the upper hand before they even stepped on the mat.

And then Kwon said something—something Robby couldn't hear, but he saw the way Hayden's lips curled just slightly, like she had the perfect response locked and loaded. And whatever it was, it made Kwon step even closer.

Too close.

Robby sat his glass down a little too hard.

He barely caught the moment Kwon finally stepped back, smirking like he'd won something. The way Hayden walked off without looking back.

And the way Kwon glanced in his direction, the smirk widening just slightly—like he knew exactly what he was doing.

Robby exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders back before pushing off the bar, his gaze flickering to the door Hayden had just walked through.

Zara pounced on that.

This tournament was starting to feel personal.

The second Hayden stepped outside, the cool night air hit her skin, and for a brief moment, it was almost enough to steady her racing thoughts. Almost.

She needed to breathe. To clear her head. To push everything down long enough to make it through the tournament. But the second she was alone, the weight of it all pressed against her chest, suffocating.

Logan.

She could still see her. Still hear her. The laughter in her voice when she told Hayden everything was going to be okay. The warmth in her hugs that made Hayden, for once, believe it.

And then the memory twisted.

Cold skin. Shallow breaths. Pills.

She squeezed her eyes shut, inhaling sharply through her nose.

Her fingers twitched at her side before she reached into her pocket, pulling out her phone without even thinking. She knew she shouldn't call. She knew Logan wouldn't answer.

But still, she dialed.

She wanted to hear her sister's voice. Make sure she was still here.

Each ring felt heavier than the last.

Pick up.

She closed her eyes, pressing the phone tighter against her ear as if that would somehow make a difference.

Just pick up.

The call went to voicemail.

Hayden swallowed, hard, pulling the phone away from her ear and staring down at the screen like it had personally betrayed her.

She exhaled sharply, running a hand down her face before shoving the phone back in her pocket and walking. She didn't know where she was going—she just knew she couldn't stand still.

The streets of Barcelona were still alive, the hum of the city buzzing all around her, but it all felt so distant. She moved through it like a ghost, hands stuffed deep in her pockets, shoulders hunched against the weight of everything she refused to let herself feel.

By the time she stopped, she was at the beach.

The waves crashed against the shore, a steady rhythm that should've been calming, but her mind was still too loud.

And then, she wasn't alone.

He moved effortlessly, each motion fluid and precise, completely unaware that he was being watched.

Hayden tilted her head slightly, arms crossed as she observed him from a few feet away. He was completely focused, every shift of his body deliberate, controlled.

And then, like he could feel her eyes on him, he turned. Their gazes locked.

He stopped moving completely.

"Don't stop on my account," she said, stepping closer, her tone light but curious. "I've never seen kata like that before."

Axel hesitated, his hands flexing slightly at his sides, like he was debating whether to answer. "I— I am not supposed to speak with opponent."

Hayden smirked. "I'm not trying to land any points right now." She pointed out. "I, uh, never got your name."

"Axel," he answered, watching her carefully.

"I'm H—"

"Hayden," he finished for her, the corner of his mouth twitching. "The crowd, they chanted your name. You are pretty..."

Hayden raised a brow. He trailed off, eyes flickering to the side as if realizing mid-sentence what he was saying.

"Pretty good," he corrected quickly, his accent thickening as the pink in his cheeks deepened. "You are a pretty good fighter."

Hayden let out a small laugh, tilting her head. "Thanks. So are you." She glanced around the quiet beach before tucking her hands in her pockets. "I was just about to head back to the hotel."

Axel hesitated for a moment, then straightened up. "Mind if I join?"

Hayden gave him a considering look before nodding. "Sure. Let's walk."

Axel turned to grab his shirt, leaning down to pick it up, and that's when Hayden saw them.

Dark red scars, deep and fresh, crisscrossing his back.

A sickening crack formed in her chest.

"Your back," she murmured before she could stop herself.

Axel froze, then quickly pulled his shirt on, like he hadn't meant for her to see. "They are from bo staff competition." The lie came too fast, too rehearsed.

Hayden scoffed. "No one's landed a point on you this entire tournament." She gestured to the scars. "And those are fresh."

Axel clenched his jaw, staring down at the sand as they walked in silence.

"They're from him, aren't they?" Hayden finally asked.

Axel exhaled through his nose, still not looking at her. "He wants me to be the best," he said, like he was trying to convince himself. "It's because of him I never lose."

Hayden sent him a sharp look. "It's because of you that you never lose. Fuck him."

Axel let out a low chuckle, running a hand through his hair. "You are very direct."

Hayden smirked. "Yeah, well. I don't like seeing bullshit get excused."

They walked in silence for a while, the rhythmic sound of the waves filling the air between them.

And then, Axel spoke again. "Why did you step in?"

Hayden glanced at him. "What do you mean?"

"Back in the training room," he clarified, eyes flickering to her, watching her reaction. "You stepped in for me. Stopped him. Why?" He hesitated. "Most people wouldn't."

Hayden was quiet for a moment, her gaze fixed on the ocean as they walked. "Because someone should have stepped in for me." Her voice was quieter than before, more honest. "And no one did."

Axel slowed his steps, processing her words, his brows knitting together. "You mean..." he trailed off, hesitation lacing his voice, like he wasn't sure if he was overstepping.

Hayden inhaled sharply, her gaze still locked on the waves. "Yeah."

A quiet understanding settled between them. The sound of the ocean filled the space where words failed, the waves crashing and retreating like an echo of something unspoken.

Axel exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "I didn't know."

Hayden let out a dry chuckle, glancing at him. "Most people don't." She kicked a loose rock on the path. "That's kind of the point."

He was quiet for a moment before murmuring, "Does it ever stop?"

Hayden turned her head slightly, raising a brow.

"The feeling," Axel clarified, his voice lower now. "Like it's still happening even when it's not."

Hayden clenched her jaw, staring ahead. "No," she admitted. "Not really."

Axel nodded slowly, his fingers flexing like he wanted to say something more but couldn't quite find the words.

"But you get better at living with it," Hayden added, glancing at him. "At making sure it doesn't control you."

Axel studied her, and for the first time since she'd met him, he looked a little younger. A little less like the unshakable fighter and more like a boy who had seen too much, too soon.

"That's what I'm trying to do," he admitted.

Hayden smirked faintly. "Guess you're stuck with me then."

Axel chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. "I could think of worse things."

They walked in comfortable silence for a few more minutes, the tension between them shifting into something lighter, something a little less suffocating.

"Hey," Axel said suddenly, nudging her shoulder slightly. "Thanks."

Hayden arched a brow. "For what?"

Axel shrugged. "For... being you, I guess."

Hayden rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. "Don't get soft on me now, Iron Dragon."

Axel smirked, glancing ahead. "No promises."

There was a small moment of silence where Hayden let herself breathe, where she didn't think about anything or anyone. Her mind was a clean slate for once.

Axel studied her, his expression unreadable. Then, after a beat, he said, "I think you are different from the others."

Hayden arched a brow, glancing at him briefly before turning forward again. "Yeah?"

He nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. "Yes. I think you are dangerous in the way that makes people admire you." His voice softened slightly. "And also fear you."

Hayden rolled her eyes, but she couldn't stop the smirk tugging at her lips. "Is that a bad thing?"

Axel chuckled, shaking his head. "No." His eyes lingered on her a second too long before he turned back toward the path ahead. "But I think it suits you."

Hayden exhaled, glancing over at him as they continued down the quiet beach and then eventually to a the pavement of a street, the city lights flickering in the distance.

For the first time in what felt like weeks, she felt the tension in her shoulders ease just a little.

"How do you like Barcelona?" Axel broke the silence, his voice softer than usual. He wasn't just making conversation—he wanted to peer into Hayden's mind a little more, see what was behind those sharp eyes and that unreadable expression.

Hayden exhaled, kicking at a pebble on the street. "I've never been outside of California," she admitted. "So, I guess that automatically makes this the coolest place I've ever been."

Axel's brows lifted slightly, surprised. "Never?"

"Nope." She popped the 'p,' glancing out at the buildings. "I mean, I always wanted to. Thought about it a lot, actually. Just never had the chance."

Axel hummed, tilting his head. "Where would you go?"

Hayden thought about it for a moment. "Everywhere," she said finally, and Axel smiled at the way her voice carried just a little more weight than usual, like she meant it. "Italy, Greece, Japan... Maybe South America. I wanna see everything, experience everything. Just—go."

He watched her closely, the way her eyes flickered with something almost wistful. "I have been to many places."

That caught her attention. She turned her head slightly, curiosity breaking through the guarded look on her face. "Yeah?"

He nodded, his hands sliding into his pockets. "Tournaments all around the world. Sekai Taikai is held many different places, too. I have been to Thailand, Japan, China... I have trained in Malaysia, India, every country in Europe." He shrugged. "The list is long."

Hayden's gaze flickered over him, suddenly seeing him in a new light. "That's insane."

Axel chuckled, and she could see the way his dimples barely ghosted his cheeks when he smiled. "It is not so exciting when you are the one packing your bags every year."

Hayden smirked. "I don't know. Sounds pretty exciting to me." She nudged his arm lightly, teasing. "You gotta have a favorite, right?"

Axel's expression softened, his gaze dropping briefly before he looked at her again. "Kyoto."

She arched a brow, waiting for him to elaborate.

"It is... peaceful," he said after a moment, his voice quieter, more thoughtful. "There are temples older than time itself, gardens that bloom like something out of a dream. The city moves slow. It feels like the past and the present exist at the same time there." He exhaled. "It is a good place to be still."

Hayden found herself watching him, the way his features softened when he spoke about it, like just remembering it brought him some kind of peace.

She never got to see that side of people—the way they talked about the things they loved, the places they belonged.

She liked it.

"That sounds..." she searched for the right word.

"Beautiful," Axel finished for her, and when she met his gaze, it was already on her, the warmth in it making her smile, nodding in agreement.

"Tell me about somewhere else," she murmured.

And he did.

As they walked, he told her about the streets of Paris, the hidden alleys of Seoul, the golden temples of Bangkok. And Hayden listened, really listened, taking it all in like she could see it through his words.

And Axel, for once, didn't mind the talking. Not when she was looking at him like that.

An aggravating voice cut through the moment like a blade.

"How cute," Kwon sneered as he and Yoon rounded the corner, his eyes locking onto Hayden with an amused glint. "Little rival team playtime, huh?" He let out a breathless chuckle, slow and taunting.

Hayden sighed, already annoyed. "Dude, back off." She moved to walk past them, not in the mood for whatever game they were trying to play.

Kwon and Yoon stepped in unison, closing the space, blocking her path.

"Say the magic words," Kwon taunted, smirk growing.

Hayden's eyes darkened. "Get the fuck out of my way before I make you." Her voice was low, lethal.

Kwon barely reacted. If anything, his grin widened like he enjoyed seeing the flicker of anger in her expression.

He tilted his head, gaze flickering to Axel before slowly dragging back to Hayden. "Wrong."

"What the fuck is your problem?" she snapped, patience wearing dangerously thin.

Kwon's smirk didn't waver. If anything, it sharpened. "Kreese speaks so highly of you." He began circling her, deliberate and predatory, like he was sizing her up. "Wanted to see what the big deal was."

Hayden stilled.

Kreese?

She had been sure he wanted nothing to do with her after she refused to rejoin Cobra Kai. She had thought he saw her as a disappointment, another lost cause.

So why the hell was he talking about her to Kwon?

Her jaw tightened, but she forced herself to keep her face neutral. "That so?" she muttered, eyes never leaving him.

Kwon leaned in just slightly, lowering his voice like he was letting her in on some inside joke. "Said you had potential. Shame you're wasting it."

Yoon scoffed from beside him, arms crossed. "Miyagi-Do's nothing but dead weight. You could've been something real."

Hayden's fists curled, but she refused to give them the reaction they wanted. Instead, she tilted her head, smirking coldly.

"Funny," she said, voice dripping with venom. "I don't remember Kreese ever hyping up losers."

Kwon's smirk flickered for half a second before settling back into place, but there was a flicker of something dangerous in his eyes now.

Yoon snorted, shaking his head. "You got a mouth on you, Sanders."

"You should see what else I got," she shot back, stepping forward just enough that Kwon had to shift slightly. "Now get the hell out of my way."

For a beat, no one moved.

Yoon's gaze flickered downward, catching sight of Axel's clenched fists. Without hesitation, he sprang into the air, twisting mid-flight, and sent a sharp kick straight to Axel's chest.

She glanced over, momentarily caught off guard—but then she saw it.

Axel had adjusted, his stance balanced, weight evenly distributed between both legs. When Yoon lunged, Axel didn't hesitate. He pivoted smoothly, delivering a devastating punch straight to the ribs, sending him stumbling back.

Hayden's lips curled into a small, almost imperceptible smile.

Kwon barely flinched, his attention fixed on Hayden. He tapped his cheek mockingly, a slow smirk spreading across his face. "Hit me," he taunted, tilting his head. "Come on, hit me."

Hayden knew better. Knew the second she took the bait, someone else would take the opening. She caught the faintest shuffle of footsteps rushing up behind her, perfectly timed.

But she was faster.

In one sharp motion, she spun, leg swinging around in a blur. Her foot connected hard with the Cobra Kai fighter's ribs, sending him sprawling to the ground with a pained grunt.

By the time she turned back, Axel was already moving. Yoon was down, groaning, and Axel was advancing toward Kwon with a slow, lethal intent.

Kwon's grin only widened as he squared up, rolling his shoulders back like he was getting comfortable. "Come on, I'll take you both." His fists curled, his weight shifting forward. "Let's go."

And then—

The wail of sirens split through the air.

Yoon was on his feet in an instant, grabbing Kwon by the arm, urgency lacing his voice as he muttered something rapid in their native tongue.

Kwon scoffed, but let himself be pulled away, tossing Hayden one last smirk over his shoulder. "See you on the mat, princess."

Hayden barely spared him another glance, lifting her middle finger up. She grabbed Axel's arm, tugging him back with her. "Come on," she urged, already stepping into motion. "Let's go."

They disappeared into the night, leaving Cobra Kai behind in the glow of flashing red and blue.

They ran until their legs burned, until their lungs begged for air, until they finally collapsed onto the sand, hands on their knees, struggling to catch their breath.

"Fucking Cobra Kai," Hayden muttered, shaking her head before lacing her hands behind it, inhaling deeply.

Axel let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "Nice round kick. You timed it perfectly."

She huffed out a small laugh, glancing at him. "Lots and lots of practice." Then, after a beat, she nodded toward him. "You took my advice, about the leaning thing."

Axel shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "It was good advice."

Hayden grinned, looking out at the waves. The moon reflected off the water, painting everything in a soft glow. It was one of those rare, fleeting moments of peace—a brief escape from everything weighing her down.

But when she turned back, her heart plummeted.

Axel's eyes were closed, his face inches from hers, leaning in, expectant, hopeful.

Shit.

She stepped back, her hands instinctively pressing against his chest. "Whoa, I—"

Axel's eyes flew open, realization crashing over him. He immediately straightened up, stepping back as if burned. "I'm sorry—I thought that—oh." His voice was quiet, almost embarrassed.

"No, no, I'm sorry," she said quickly, guilt tightening in her chest. "I didn't mean to give you the wrong impression. I just—" She exhaled sharply. "It's complicated. I have..."

"A boyfriend?" he asked, his voice flat, but there was no hiding the disappointment in his face.

"Something like that," she admitted softly.

For a second, neither of them spoke. The waves crashed, filling the silence between them.

Then Axel swallowed, nodding once, forcing a small, tight smile. "Already after curfew. I—I must go."

"Axel, wait—"

"Sorry. Bye."

And just like that, he turned and walked away, his shoulders tense, his hands clenched at his sides.

Hayden let out a slow breath, staring at the spot where Axel had just been. The last thing she ever wanted was to hurt him. She hadn't meant to lead him on, hadn't meant to give him the wrong idea.

She replayed their moments together—how they trained, how they talked, how she stepped in for him against his sensei. None of it had been with any hidden intention. She saw someone struggling, someone who reminded her a little too much of herself, and she wanted to help. That was it.

But maybe, to him, it had meant something more.

She ran a hand over her face, groaning internally. That was the problem with letting people in. Feelings got messy, people got hurt, and suddenly, there was another weight on her already-heavy shoulders.

Still, watching him go, she couldn't shake the feeling that she'd just hurt someone who didn't deserve it.

—

Hayden stepped into the elevator the next morning, her mind still swirling from everything that had happened the night before. She hadn't slept much, but her body had a way of pushing through fatigue, focusing on what was ahead—until the elevator stopped on the next floor.

The doors slid open, and right before her eyes, Robby stumbled out of Zara's room, his hair disheveled, his clothes from last night wrinkled. His eyes were half-lidded, clearly still waking up.

They had spoke a few words to one another, but Hayden wasn't close enough to hear what they were saying.

Zara stepped closer, placing her hands on his chest before leaning in and pressing a deep kiss to his lips. And he didn't pull away.

Hayden's breath hitched.

Robby didn't even notice Hayden standing there, just as he turned to walk, dazed, down the hall, trying to smooth his shirt out.

The breath caught in Hayden's chest, her gaze following him, heart inexplicably tight. Before she could process the mix of emotions flooding her, Zara turned to her, as if she knew she was there the entire time, leaning against the frame with an amused smirk plastered on her face, her eyes glittering with mischief.

Zara straightened up, tilting her head, and blew a kiss in Hayden's direction.

Hayden's jaw tightened, her eyes narrowing. She could feel the anger bubbling up inside her. The way Zara looked at her, like she had just won something—and Robby, clearly oblivious, walking away without a second glance. A rush of emotions hit her all at once. Betrayal, confusion, jealousy... and a deep, seething frustration she didn't know how to deal with.

She tried to shake it off, watching her disappear behind the elevators doors that were closing.

But the sting of that kiss, of Robby's careless exit, stayed with her, and she couldn't let it go. She was used to keeping her walls high, but this time? This time it felt personal.

With every step, the anger grew stronger, the desire to confront him pushing her forward—but for now, she kept it locked down, knowing that in this moment, she had a bigger fight to focus on.

And Zara had officially made her way to the top of Hayden's shit list.

And her name was bold and in red, underlined.

authors note.
pls this shits so messsyyyyy i love it sorry anywaysss pms is no joke i've cried at so many tory edits cause im so happy she got the ending she deserved i love her so much

yall be honest is "the reaper" cringe asf? I COULDNT FIND LIKE A COLD ASS NICKNAME I LIKED i was between like five
if its cringe ill own it 😤take the L
but like the reaper i feel like its cool as fuck CHILL ON ME LEMME COOK WITH IT FR