IF THERE WAS ONE THING ABOUT HAYDEN, IT WAS THAT SHE WAS PERSISTENT WHEN SHE WANTED TO BE.

She hadn't heard from Logan in a few days. She'd been avoiding her calls, not answering her texts, not even talking to their mom.

So she showed up at Logan's doorstep.

Hayden hesitated before knocking on Logan's apartment door, her knuckles hovering just inches from the peeling paint. She hadn't seen Logan in a couple of days, not since she lost her job, and something in her gut told her things weren't okay.

She knocked twice. No answer.

"Logan, it's me," Hayden called, her voice steady but firm. After a few moments, she heard shuffling from the other side, followed by the sound of locks clicking.

The door opened slightly, revealing Logan's face. Her hair was messy, her eyes tired and ringed with dark circles. She looked like she hadn't slept in days.

"Hayden," Logan said, her voice hoarse. "What are you doing here?"

Hayden pushed the door open wider, her gaze sweeping the room. Clothes were strewn across the couch, empty takeout containers covered the small coffee table, and a couple of beer bottles sat precariously close to the edge.

"What happened here?" Hayden asked bluntly, stepping inside.

Logan shrugged, stepping back and letting the door close behind her. "Just got... a little behind on things." She tried to sound casual, but her voice wavered.

Hayden turned to face her, her eyes narrowing. "You've been drinking?"

Logan immediately shook her head. "No. Those aren't mine. I swear."

Hayden stared at her for a long moment, her silence heavy. Then she walked past Logan, moving toward the kitchen. She opened the cabinets and scanned the countertops. No liquor bottles, no pills. Her jaw relaxed slightly, but the tension in her shoulders didn't ease.

"I didn't relapse," Logan said quietly from behind her, as if reading her mind.

Hayden turned around, leaning back against the counter and crossing her arms. "Then what's going on? You're not taking care of yourself, your place is a mess, and you're dodging my calls."

Logan slumped onto the couch, burying her face in her hands. "I don't know, okay? I just... I don't see the point anymore."

Hayden's expression didn't change, but the words hit her like a punch to the gut. She walked over to the coffee table, shoving some of the clutter aside to sit down in front of Logan.

"That's not you," Hayden said firmly. "You're not the kind of person who gives up."

Logan laughed bitterly, lifting her head to look at her. "You don't get it, Hayden. Every time I try to fix my life, it falls apart again. I get a job, and I lose it. I try to get clean, and I relapse. It's like... it's like I'm stuck in this cycle, and I'm just waiting for the next time I screw it all up."

Hayden leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "You're not stuck. You're scared. And yeah, maybe things fall apart sometimes. But that doesn't mean you stop trying."

Logan looked away, her eyes glossy. "I don't even know where to start."

Hayden reached into her bag, pulling out a folded-up newspaper. She flattened it out on the coffee table, the jobs section already circled in red ink. "Start here," she said.

Logan stared at the paper, then at Hayden. "You... circled these for me?"

"I figured you'd need a nudge," Hayden said, her tone casual but her eyes focused. "Some of these places don't care about your record, and they don't need a college degree. It's not great, but it's something."

Logan was quiet for a moment, her fingers tracing one of the circles. "What if I mess it up again?"

"Then you mess it up," Hayden said simply. "And then you get back up, and you try again. That's what you've always done."

Logan's lip trembled slightly, but she nodded, a faint glimmer of hope breaking through her defeated expression.

Hayden leaned back, her voice softer but still steady. "You're not alone, Logan. I've got your back, okay? No matter what."

Logan nodded again, wiping her eyes quickly. "Thanks, Hayden. Really."

Hayden didn't respond, but the way she lingered, her gaze steady and unwavering, was answer enough. She stood, giving Logan one last look before heading to the door.

"Don't let that paper go to waste," she said over her shoulder.

Logan cracked a small, tentative smile. "I won't."

As Hayden stepped out into the hallway, she took a deep breath, shoving her hands into her jacket pockets. She wasn't sure if Logan would follow through, but for now, it was enough that she had tried.

That she had given Logan a reason to hope.

—

"Yo, guys!" Kyler approached the trio silently stretching.

Usually, Hayden would try and fill the awkward silence between Robby and Tory cause she could tell they didn't like each other. She didn't know why, they were two sides of the same coin. But today, all she could think about, zoned out, is the way her heart dropped, beating in her ears when she saw the state of Logan and her apartment.

The way her throat plugged up when she thought Logan relapsed, after all the promises she made.

"My boy, Rory, got some free tickets to the drive-in tonight. They're going old school, something called Bloodsport." He shrugged.

"I know that movies," Robby said, "My dad left an old VHS at our place. For a while, it was the only evidence I had that he existed."

"I heard its dope. So, if you guys are in, let's do this." Kyler glanced around the group.

"Depends on how late I have to work tonight. My new boss put me on the schedule for today." She looked down at the floor, voice lowering. "Guy's a total creep."

"You got a new job?" Hayden asked, looking at her.

Tory's heart stuttered at the sudden attention. It was pathetic, really—getting this excited just because Hayden acknowledged her. But it was the most she'd gotten from Hayden all week, so she clung to it.

"Yeah..." Tory tried to keep her voice steady. "It's the only place I could find on short notice that would hire a teen with a record."

Robby, however, caught the moment. He narrowed his eyes at Tory, his jaw tightening slightly as he studied her. Though they bickered constantly, Robby knew Tory was part of Hayden's life— her best friend, even. Despite the glaringly obvious fact that Tory wanted more with his girlfriend.

As a wave of awkward silence threatened to swallow them, the door opened, and Kenny walked in. Hayden immediately noticed the frown on his face and straightened.

"What's up?" she asked as he approached, sliding into the space between her and Robby.

Kenny's shoulders slumped. "I was at the high school yesterday, and these older kids started messing with me. One of them told me I should quit Cobra Kai."

Robby's jaw clenched. "Who was it?"

"I don't know his name," Kenny admitted. "He had spiky red hair."

A scoff escaped Hayden's lips as she shook her head. She hadn't given Hawk a second thought since the fight. Winning the All Valley occupied a hundred percent of her thoughts.

"We still owe that Judas some payback," Tory chimed in, her gaze flicking between Hayden and Kyler.

Kyler nodded in agreement. "Hell yeah."

"I'm in," Hayden added quietly, her voice low and calm, but there was a glint in her eye that Robby knew too well.

"Everybody fall in!" Kreese's voice cut through the chatter, commanding instant silence.

Hayden moved to her usual spot in the front row, settling between Robby and Tory. She rolled her shoulders, forcing herself to focus, though the strange knot in her stomach wouldn't go away.

Kreese paced at the front of the dojo, his steps deliberate, his gaze sharp. "As you know, our enemies are working together," he began, his voice low and controlled.

Hayden clenched her jaw, popping her neck.

"They are combining their styles to beat us. But they are destined to fail." Kreese's lips curled into a smirk, his confidence filling the room. "Because there is only one way. And what is that way?"

"The way of the fist, sir!" the class responded in unison.

Kreese nodded approvingly. "Exactly. However, that doesn't mean we can't double down." His smirk widened slightly.

Hayden exchanged a glance with Robby, her brows furrowed. On her other side, Tory mirrored the look.

Then Kreese stopped pacing and turned toward the door. "Class, meet Sensei Terry Silver."

All heads swiveled as an older man stepped into the room, his long silver ponytail slicked back perfectly. His posture was straight, his presence commanding, and his expression unreadable as he walked to stand beside Kreese.

"This man," Kreese continued, gesturing toward Silver, "is the co-founder of Cobra Kai and one of the most ferocious fighters in the history of the sport. Together, we built Cobra Kai from the ground up, and now he is here to help you prepare for the All Valley."

Hayden's eyes narrowed as Silver and Kreese exchanged a formal bow. Something about Silver's movements felt calculated—like every gesture was rehearsed, deliberate.

"Thank you, Sensei Kreese," Silver said smoothly, turning to address the class. His voice was deep, confident, and strangely charismatic. "It's an honor to be here."

Hayden's jaw tightened. She wasn't sure what it was—maybe the way he held himself, too polished, too perfect—but there was something off about him.

"With two senseis," Kreese continued, "you will receive twice the instruction. That means twice the work. If you're not prepared to give two hundred percent, you can leave right now."

No one moved. Hayden felt Silver's gaze sweep over the group like a spotlight, lingering just a second too long on her, Robby, and Tory.

"But," Silver added, his tone smooth as silk, "if you dig in and follow our lead, we're going to take you to the next level."

Silver's gaze settled on Hayden, his smile stretching wider. There was something almost predatory in it—like he was sizing her up, trying to figure out what made her tick.

Her gut twisted. She looked away, focusing on the mat in front of her.

Robby leaned in slightly, his voice low. "You good?"

"Yeah," she murmured, though the unease hadn't left her.

Tory nudged her other side, flashing a small smirk. "What's with the face? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Hayden shook her head, straightening her shoulders. "I don't know. Something about him feels... off."

"Off how?" Tory asked, her tone skeptical.

Hayden glanced toward Silver, watching the way he carried himself as he continued to address the class. "I don't trust people who smile that much," she said quietly.

Robby stifled a laugh, but his gaze flicked to Silver as well, his expression turning thoughtful.

Silver clapped his hands once, commanding attention. "Now, let's get started," he said. "I'll be watching each of you closely. Let's see if you have what it takes to make Cobra Kai the best it's ever been."

Hayden forced herself to nod along with the others, but the uneasy feeling wouldn't leave. Something about Terry Silver didn't sit right with her. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she'd learned to trust her instincts.

And her instincts were telling her this guy wasn't someone to be trusted.

-

Robby held up the padding on his arms for Kenny to kick, while Hayden stood beside him, making slight adjustments to Kenny's form.

"Are you guys gonna beat up this Hawk dude?" Kenny asked, glancing between Hayden and Robby.

The two exchanged a brief look, the unspoken understanding passing between them. Robby shook his head. "Don't worry about it," he answered curtly. "Focus on your combos. Really use that speed. Let's go, come on."

"Yeah, you're still not torquing. Keep your elbows in," Hayden added, moving Kenny's arms into position.

Kenny smirked. "I told you guys I've been practicing. Got all the moves down."

Hayden blew out a short raspberry, shaking her head as Robby dropped the cushions. "Oh, really?"

Kenny barely had time to process her words before Robby swept his legs out from under him. Kenny hit the mat with a thud, groaning as the air rushed out of him.

"Ooof," Hayden winced through her teeth, crossing her arms as she watched Kenny sit up.

Robby held out a hand to Kenny, pulling him to his feet. "Over at Miyagi-Do, I was taught you can learn all the moves, but none of that matters unless you have balance," he explained. "Understood?"

"Yeah,"

Hayden crossed her arms, eyes flickering to the ground as Robby spoke. She remembered the lesson Mr. LaRusso had drilled into them. Her lips twitched at the memory, but the softness quickly faded.

That was a long time ago.

A low chuckle from the door snapped her back to the present. Hayden turned her head sharply, catching sight of Sensei Silver leaning against the frame, his presence immediately sending an uneasy chill up her spine.

"It's... it's a Cobra Kai lesson," Robby began quickly, gesturing to Kenny. "I was just using a Miyagi-Do—"

Silver cut him off with a dismissive wave. "It's okay," he said smoothly. "Balance is crucial. A man can't stand," he paused, stepping into the room, "he can't fight."

His gaze lingered on Hayden and Robby as he walked over. "Give Mr. Keene, Ms. Sanders, and me a moment alone," he said to Kenny without breaking eye contact.

"Yes, Sensei," Kenny said obediently before bowing and leaving the room.

The air seemed heavier once the door shut. Silver paced slowly, his hands clasped behind his back as he studied the pair. Hayden met his gaze head-on, her face unreadable, but her fingers curled tighter into her fists.

"Sensei Kreese has told me all about you two," he began, pacing slowly.

Hayden stood stiff, her hands resting behind her back as her eyes followed his every move. She felt the weight of his gaze, like he was stripping her defenses down layer by layer.

"You trained at Miyagi-Do, and now Cobra Kai. You'll have enough skills to kick all our asses." His words were calm, but his sharp tone carried an edge of challenge.

Hayden didn't flinch, though the intensity of his stare was suffocating.

"I'll do whatever it takes to win," Robby said firmly, stepping slightly closer to Hayden in an almost imperceptible gesture.

Hayden, silent as ever, kept her expression unreadable, but she could feel the way Silver's eyes lingered on her. She took a steadying breath, her instincts warning her that this wasn't just about their training.

Silver smirked, his amusement thinly veiled. "Good," he said. "Show me."

Hayden exchanged a wary glance with Robby, "Come on," Silver urged, motioning with his hand. "What's the matter? Afraid to hit an old man?" His tone was mocking, deliberately provoking.

Robby stepped forward first, but Hayden stayed rooted in place, her unease growing. She didn't like this. Something about Silver's tone, his demeanor—it felt off. Like this wasn't just about testing their skills.

Robby's strikes were fast but hesitant. Silver caught every blow with ease, barely moving from his spot. "Did I say take it easy? Come on. No mercy." he snapped, sending Robby stumbling back.

Robby attacked, starting with a sweep to Silver's legs, but Silver sidestepped effortlessly. Each of Robby's strikes—roundhouse kicks, punches—was blocked or countered with minimal effort. Silver was toying with him, like a predator playing with its prey.

When Silver slammed Robby onto the mat with a resounding thud, Hayden winced, a sharp breath hissing through her teeth. Robby groaned but managed to sit up, glaring up at Silver.

"Good, good." Silver turned to her, holding up two fingers and beckoning her forward. Hayden squared her shoulders, taking a deep breath. She was determined not to make this easy for him.

Hayden stared at him, her fists curling tighter. She didn't trust him—this wasn't about making them better fighters. This was a power play, plain and simple. He wanted them to know he was better. To fear him.

But backing down wasn't an option, so she stepped forward, forcing herself to meet his gaze.

Her approach was quick and calculated. She started with a feint, using a high kick as a distraction before throwing a punch at his chest. Silver caught her fist mid-air with ease, his strength nearly crushing her hand. Her heart pounded, but she refused to let fear show. Twisting her body, she delivered a swift left kick to his stomach, forcing him to release her.

Hayden noticed he wasn't attacking. Just defending.

She pressed the attack, refusing to give him time to regain the upper hand. But he was too fast, too precise. Every move she made, he was already a step ahead. When he finally swept her legs out from under her, sending her crashing to the mat, her head hit the ground with a jarring thud.

"Damn it," She groaned, slamming the mat under her and clutching her head as she forced herself back up, adrenaline drowning out the pain.

"My turn," Silver looked between the two teens who slowly got back up, eyeing each other. He didn't seem discouraged by the fact that it was two against one. If anything, it fueled his excitement.

Hayden shifted her stance slightly, her feet grounding into the mat. Robby mirrored her movements, a flicker of silent communication passing between them. They weren't stupid. Silver wasn't just testing them—he was proving a point.

"Ready?" Silver's smirk widened as he took one slow step forward. Then, with no warning, he struck.

A blur of motion—Silver lunged toward Robby first, his leg slicing through the air in a sharp roundhouse kick. Robby barely managed to block it, the impact forcing him back a step.

Hayden's eyes narrowed as she watched the movement. Fluid. Precise. No wasted energy.

Before he could recover, Silver spun and delivered a high, precise strike toward Hayden. She saw the kick coming—barely—and ducked in time. The air whistled above her head.

Fast. Too fast.

She knew she wouldn't be able to dodge everything, but she wasn't going to let him take her down easily.

When he twisted her arm mid-punch, pain shot through her shoulder, but she didn't let it show. She planted her feet, forcing herself to stay upright. Silver smirked. She hated that smirk, hated how sure he was that he'd win.

Hayden shot back up and attempted to counter with a punch aimed at Silver's ribs, but his hand snapped out, catching her wrist in a vice-like grip.

His grip on her wrist tightened, and for a moment, her mind raced.

He's testing me. Looking for the cracks. Don't let him see them.

"Too slow," he muttered before Robby came in fast to assist, sending a punch toward Silver's temple, but Silver sidestepped with almost inhuman ease, letting Robby's momentum carry him forward.

"Focus," Silver barked, landing a quick jab to Robby's ribs that left him gasping.

Hayden spun on her heel, her leg whipping toward Silver's torso in a perfectly aimed sidekick. But Silver was already anticipating the move, catching her ankle mid-strike. Before she could react, he yanked her leg forward, forcing her to stumble, and delivered a sharp palm strike to her shoulder that sent her reeling. "You should know better, Sanders."

Hayden barely caught herself, rolling to the side as Silver closed the distance again. She rose to her feet, breathing heavily, her fists up and jaw clenched. Robby joined her side, his hand rubbing at his ribs, but his expression was set in determination.

"Stick together," Hayden muttered under her breath, her eyes locked on Silver. She didn't trust the way he was sizing them up, like a wolf circling its prey. "We'll have to—"

Silver smirked. He saw the communication between them, the plan to work as a team. That was smart. But it wouldn't matter.

Hayden's muscles burned, but she forced herself to stay calm. Silver wasn't invincible—no one was. If she could predict him, even for a moment, she might have a chance to land something real.

But he didn't give her the time.

He launched forward with a ferocious combination of punches and kicks, his movements precise, almost too fast to track. Hayden and Robby scrambled to keep up, their defenses barely holding under the relentless assault.

Robby blocked one of Silver's strikes aimed at his chest but left his side vulnerable. Silver took advantage, slamming a fist into his ribs before pivoting toward Hayden.

She instinctively brought her hands up, blocking a series of rapid strikes. Wax on, wax off. Her arms burned with the effort, each block getting sloppier as Silver's attacks came faster, more deliberate, like he was testing her endurance.

"Not bad," Silver thought, a flicker of acknowledgment crossing his mind.

She was reading him better than he'd expected, adapting to his movements faster than most could. But she was still too defensive. He could see the cracks forming in her composure, the strain of keeping up with his relentless pace.

"Good," Silver taunted, his voice cool despite the heat of the fight. "But not good enough."

He feinted left, and Hayden fell for it, shifting her weight to dodge a nonexistent attack. By the time she realized her mistake, Silver was already behind her, his elbow coming down sharply into her shoulder blade. She hit the ground hard, gritting her teeth against the pain as her head spun.

"Hayden!" Robby called out, stepping in to cover her. He launched a series of aggressive strikes at Silver, his punches quick and deliberate. But Silver's defense was unshakable. He parried each attack like it was child's play, a small smirk playing at his lips.

"You're predictable, Mr. Keene," Silver said coldly, his tone dripping with mockery. He ducked under Robby's final punch, sweeping his leg out and taking Robby down in one fluid motion.

Hayden forced herself up despite the ache in her shoulder and the pounding in her head. Silver nodded, clearly impressed by her resilience. She could see it in the way his eyes gleamed. She could also feel his skepticism. He didn't think her heart was fully in this fight—not in Cobra Kai.

Hayden adjusted her stance, breathing heavily as she circled him. She could tell he was testing her, looking for cracks in her armor. And she wasn't about to give him any more than he'd already taken.

She rushed at Silver, her fists flying in a flurry of desperation. She pressed harder, feinting right and striking left. Her knuckles grazed his side.

Good. Keep going. Don't let him breathe.

She caught him off guard with a well-placed punch to his side, but the satisfaction was short-lived.

Silver spun around, his arm snaking out to lock around her wrist. He yanked her forward, pulling her off balance, and then delivered a swift knee to her stomach that left her gasping for air.

Her breaths came in sharp gasps, but she didn't let herself waver.

You don't give up. You don't stop. Not until you can't move.

She caught his smirk again as he advanced, and a flicker of anger ignited in her chest. He thought this was easy. He thought she'd fall just like Robby had. And maybe she would—but not without making him work for it.

Every move Silver made told her something—how he shifted his weight, how his eyes flicked to her shoulder before a strike. She tried to use it, predicting his next kick and blocking it in time. But even when she read him right, he was faster, stronger.

She struck out again, her fist aiming for his ribs, and he caught her wrist mid-punch. He yanked her forward, twisting her off balance. Before she could recover, his knee slammed into her stomach.

The air left her lungs in a painful rush, and her knees hit the mat. She clutched her ribs, fighting to breathe. The edges of her vision blurred, but she refused to stay down.

Get up. Don't let him win.

Silver smirked as he watched her roll in pain, as if her pain was his enjoyment. He was going to break her. Shape her into his champ.

Her hands pressed into the mat, shaking, as she pushed herself upright. Every muscle in her body screamed in protest, but she forced herself to stand. She didn't look at Robby. She didn't look at Silver. Her eyes stayed forward, focused, determined.

Silver's voice cut through the pounding in her head. "You're holding yourself back," he said. "Until you break past your own weaknesses, you'll never be a champion."

She clenched her jaw, her breaths ragged. She knew he was right, and she hated it.

She threw a right hook, a weak one. One she knew would never hold up on the mat. He caught it effortlessly, flipping her onto her back.

"You're both too focused on surviving," Silver said, his voice low as he stood over them. Robby lay on his back, trying to catch his breath, while Hayden knelt on the mat, clutching her ribs. "But defense can only carry you so far. You have to think five moves ahead. Strike first. Strike hard."

Hayden glared up at him, her breath shallow but steady. She didn't say anything—there was nothing to say. Her distrust of him had only deepened with every calculated move he'd made, every taunt, every blow that seemed designed not just to test their skill but to humiliate them.

Silver offered his hand to Robby, who hesitated before accepting it. He turned to Hayden, but she pushed herself up without his help, her expression stony.

His gaze lingered on Hayden as she pushed herself back to her feet. She didn't take his offered hand, instead rising on her own, her expression stoic despite the pain etched in her features.

Silver smirked. She didn't trust him—that much was clear. And he didn't mind. Distrust was often a motivator. But there was something in her eyes, something beyond the distrust. It was the fire of someone who refused to break.

"You've learned to channel your anger," he said, pointing at Robby. "But you're afraid."

"I'm not afraid of anything," Robby snapped, his jaw tightening.

"You lying to me or yourself?" Silver asked, raising an eyebrow. "If you want to be a champion, you need to dig out that fear and face it. Because if you don't, it's going to hold you back forever. Understood?"

Robby hesitated before nodding. "Yes, Sensei."

"Good." Silver clapped him on the back before leaving the room, pausing briefly to look at Hayden. "Give me and Miss Sanders a moment alone."

Robby hesitated, glancing at Hayden who was clutching her ribs, doing her best to hold in her breaths of pain. She glanced at him, at Silver, then back at Robby, like she were having a mental argument. Finally she gave him a reassuring nod.

And he left the room.

Silver studied Hayden for a long moment, his sharp gaze cutting through the room's silence. She stared back, unflinching, her chin raised defiantly as if daring him to try and intimidate her.

But deep down, she wasn't as unaffected as she wanted to appear.

"Hayden Sanders," he said smoothly, his tone laced with something almost like amusement. "I hear you're the one to beat. Cobra Kai's best chance at the All Valley."

Hayden said nothing, her fists clenched at her sides, her shoulders tight. She didn't trust him—not his words, not his polished demeanor, and certainly not the way he circled her like a predator sizing up its prey.

Her gut told her this wasn't about helping her improve. This was about control, about finding her weaknesses and exploiting them.

But she wasn't about to let him see her break.

Silver stopped a few feet in front of her, tilting his head as he appraised her. He could see it—her resilience, her potential. She was sharper than he'd expected, quicker on her feet, and unshaken by his presence in a way that most weren't. But there was something else, something holding her back.

"You're strong. Talented. But there's something... holding you back." he said, his voice calm, almost casual. "Talent alone doesn't make a champion. There's hesitation in you. A doubt you can't shake."

Her jaw tightened slightly, but her eyes stayed locked on his, hard and unyielding.

"You've got a fire in you, no doubt about that," Silver continued, circling her like a predator sizing up its prey. "But it's dimmer than it should be. It's not fear, exactly... no, it's something else." He paused, leaning in just slightly. "Or maybe someone."

Hayden stiffened, her eyes narrowing at him. "What are you talking about?"

Silver chuckled, the sound smooth but unnerving. "Miguel Diaz," he said simply, watching her reaction closely.

Her chest tightened, but she refused to look away. "What about him?"

Silver allowed a faint smirk to curve his lips. "You think I don't see it? Your connection to Diaz. Miyagi-Do. LaRusso." He paused, watching for a crack in her stoic mask. "You might wear the gi, but your heart isn't fully in this dojo, is it? I know all about your time with him. Your little... bond." His smirk widened. "It's sweet, really. But it's also a distraction. You're not fully here because part of you is still stuck there. With him. With Miyagi-Do. Miguel Diaz is your weakness."

"That's not true," she snapped, her voice sharper than she intended. "I'm done with that. I'm ready to win for Cobra Kai."

"Isn't it?" Silver countered, raising an eyebrow. "You're holding back because you're afraid to let go of who you were when you trained there. Afraid to fully commit to Cobra Kai, because that would mean leaving all of that— him— behind."

Hayden's fists clenched at her sides. She didn't know what was worse. The fact that he was pushing this theory on her or the fact that it might be true and she wasn't willing to admit that. "You don't know anything about me."

"I know more than you think," Silver said, his tone softening slightly, though the sharpness in his eyes never wavered. "And I know that if you don't figure out where your loyalties lie, you're never going to reach your full potential. You'll be stuck in this limbo, torn between two worlds. Is that what you want?"

She didn't answer, her heart pounding as his words hit too close to home.

"Think about it, Ms. Sanders," he said, stepping back. "Because in Cobra Kai, we don't do half-measures. You're either all in... or you're out."

"I'm here, aren't I?" Her voice was low and steady, but there was a sharpness to it, a quiet defiance.

"You are," he acknowledged, stepping closer, his voice softening. "But I've been around long enough to know when someone's holding back. You're trying to prove something—to Kreese, to Robby... maybe even to yourself. But deep down, you're still tethered to the past. And it's going to cost you."

Hayden held his gaze, her mind racing even as her expression remained unreadable. She could see through his polished facade— beneath the smooth words and tailored gi was a man who thrived on manipulation and control. But she couldn't deny the weight of his words.

He tilted his head at her. "And I know you're afraid to let go of who you were when you trained with LaRusso. Afraid to fully commit to Cobra Kai, because you know what that means. To admit who you truly are."

She stiffened, her breathing steady but shallow.

Silver crouched slightly, bringing himself closer to her eye level. "You can't win if your head's not in the game," he said, his voice almost gentle, but Hayden could feel the venom beneath the surface. "And you can't trust anyone who isn't fully committed."

The way he said it made her stomach twist. He didn't trust her—that much was clear. And she didn't trust him either, not for a second.

Her eyes hardened, the faintest twitch of her jaw betraying her irritation. "If this is supposed to scare me, it's not working."

Silver smirked, straightening up. "I'm not trying to scare you. I'm trying to prepare you. Because unless you let go of that baggage, you'll never be Cobra Kai's champion. You want to win at All Valley? Let go of the past, or it'll drag you down faster than any opponent ever could."

Hayden clenched her fists at her sides, her eyes narrowing as she met his gaze. She didn't trust him—not his words, not his motivations, and certainly not the smug smile he wore as he turned and left the room. Her gut told her Silver wasn't training them to make them stronger. He was testing them, measuring how far they could be pushed before they broke.

And Hayden wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of seeing her break.

—

The movie flickered on the big screen, but Hayden wasn't paying attention.

Her eyes stayed fixed on her lap, her thumb absently tracing the ridges of her leather bracelet. Silver's voice echoed in her mind.

You're still tethered to the past.

Miguel Diaz is your weakness.

Afraid to commit to Cobra Kai.

Her thoughts were a tangled mess, racing too fast for her to pin any single one down.

Not to mention her body ached entirely, from her ribs to her head to her legs. Everything hurt, and it was thanks to Silver.

"Not into the movie?" Robby's voice broke through her spiraling, soft and careful.

She glanced at him, finding his dark eyes watching her. He gave a small smile and dipped his head, trying to meet her gaze, and despite herself, the corner of her mouth twitched upward.

"It's... cool and whatever." She forced her attention to the screen, her eyes widening at the sight of one wrestler delivering a questionable move on another. "Sort of," she added, the dryness of her tone earning a chuckle from him.

"What's on your mind?" Robby asked gently, draping his arm around her shoulder and pulling her closer.

Hayden sighed, scooting into him and leaning her head against his shoulder. Her body relaxed slightly as she lazily slid an arm around his torso, letting his warmth ground her.

"I just had a shitty day," she murmured, the exhaustion clear in her voice.

He hummed, rubbing slow circles on her arm. "Tell me about it."

Hayden hesitated, the words forming and dissolving in her throat. She didn't know where to start—or if she even wanted to. But the way his hand moved over her arm, the quiet way he was just there, made her thoughts soften, the noise in her head growing quieter.

She hummed softly. "I just wanna be here right now. With you. I don't want to think about anything else."

Or anyone else.

Her voice was barely above a whisper as she burrowed into his chest, closing her eyes and exhaling deeply. She couldn't see it, but Robby's lips curled into a soft smile. He tightened his arm around her, his gaze full of unspoken affection as he looked down at her.

The moment, however, was shattered by Kyler's loud voice from the next car over.

"Yo, Kenny! Two buckets of popcorn with butter, four large cokes, two hot dogs, no ketchup, extra mustard. And, uh... a pretzel."

Kenny stammered, "But I can't—"

"And nachos with extra cheese! Don't forget the jalapeño poppers!" Kyler barked.

Hayden let out a low, irritated sigh, sitting up. "How does he not choke on his own voice?" she muttered, running a hand through her hair.

Robby shook his head, getting out of the car before Kenny could get far. "Hey, don't worry about him." he said, clapping a hand on the younger boy's shoulder. "He's just hazing the new guy. It's a good thing."

"It is?" Kenny asked, his doubt written all over his face.

Robby chuckled. "Yeah. Trust me, it's a lot less dangerous than what we had to do." He glanced back at Hayden, who gave a small nod of agreement, her arms crossed. "Just keep your head up. You'll earn respect. Got it?"

Kenny hesitated but finally nodded, looking slightly more at ease.

"Oh, and get me a Butterfinger while you're at it," Robby added with a grin, nudging Kenny's arm lightly. The kid cracked a faint smile before heading off.

Hayden leaned against the car, her arms still crossed as she watched.

"Where are you going now?" Robby asked as she straightened up.

"Bathroom. And maybe I'll grab some popcorn while I'm at it."

"Hey, Sanders!" Kyler shouted from the next car over. "I've got popcorn right here for you!"

She didn't even look his way, lifting a hand in a mock wave as she called back, "Choke on it."

Kyler's friends erupted into a mix of laughter and groans.

Robby leaned back in the driver's seat, eyes fixed on the movie but not really seeing it. Tory climbed into the passenger seat with a huff, slamming the door shut behind her.

"Mind if I join? Kyler's loud mouth is about to give me a migraine," Tory said, crossing her arms. She didn't wait for a response.

"Not like I had a choice," Robby muttered, side-eyeing her.

"Relax, I'm not here to steal your precious popcorn." She grabbed a piece from his lap anyway, popping it into her mouth.

Robby sighed, shaking his head. "You ever not take what's not yours?"

"Nope," Tory said around the popcorn, flashing a grin.

Silence fell between them, broken only by the sound of the movie and Kyler's obnoxious laughter from the next car over. But Robby's jaw tightened, his thoughts loud in his head.

"How long do you think you can keep this up?" he asked suddenly, his voice low.

Tory's smile faltered. "What are you talking about?"

"You know what." He turned to look at her, his gaze sharp. "How long are you gonna act like nothing's wrong?"

Tory scoffed, leaning back. "Oh, great. Therapy hour with Robby Keene."

"I'm serious."

"Yeah, no kidding." She rolled her eyes, looking out the window. "What do you want me to say? That it sucks? That every time I see you two together, I feel like someone's twisting a knife in my chest? Congrats, you figured it out."

Robby blinked, taken aback by her bluntness. "Tory—"

She cut him off, her voice rising slightly. "But hey, it's fine, right? Because you're happy. And Hayden's happy. And I'm just... collateral damage or whatever."

His brow furrowed, guilt flickering across his face. "I didn't know—"

"Yeah, no shit, you didn't know," she snapped, turning to glare at him. "You're too busy playing perfect boyfriend to notice anything outside your little bubble."

"That's not fair."

"What's not fair is me having to sit through this crap twice. First with Miguel, now with you."

Robby froze, her words cutting deeper than he expected. "You... felt this way back then too?"

Tory laughed bitterly. "You think this is new? I've been in this stupid triangle so long, I should charge rent." She shook her head, her voice quieter now. "But I'm not gonna mess it up for you. I'm not her happiness, Robby. You are."

Her words hung in the air, heavy and raw, but her tone stayed sharp, like she refused to let him see how much it hurt.

He stared at her, unsure of what to say. "Tory—"

"Don't," she said quickly, cutting him off again. "I don't need your pity. I'm not gonna ruin what you guys have. Just... leave it alone, okay?"

Robby let out a slow breath, leaning back in his seat. "Okay."

Tory nodded, turning her gaze back out the window. But as the silence settled between them again, her fingers gripped her knees tightly, the only sign she was holding it together by a thread.

And Robby? He stared at the windshield, his thoughts circling back to Hayden, to everything he hadn't noticed. For once, he didn't know what to say.

—

Hayden wiped any remaining dampness from her hands on her jeans as she stepped out of the girls' bathroom, her head down.

When she looked up, she spotted Kenny struggling to balance an impossible stack of snacks and drinks in his arms, wobbling but somehow keeping it together.

She chuckled softly to herself and took a few steps forward, ready to help.

But she froze in her tracks when she saw Hawk, Nate, and Bert closing in on Kenny, surrounding him like vultures. Kenny's snacks tumbled to the ground, scattering everywhere.

"You should really watch where you're going, kid," Hawk sneered, smirking as he towered over the younger boy.

Hayden's fists clenched at her sides, her eyes narrowing as she stormed forward, but before she could say anything, Robby's voice cut through the tension.

"Same goes for you," he said, strolling up with his hands shoved casually into the pockets of his jean jacket.

Hayden and Robby reached Kenny's side at the same time, exchanging nods without a word.

"Get lost, Hawk," Hayden said, her voice cold as she crossed her arms.

Hawk's smirk didn't falter. If anything, it grew. "Well, look who it is." His gaze zeroed in on Hayden, his ex-best friend.

Their eyes locked, and the tension between them felt heavy, bitter, and unsaid. Hawk couldn't fully hate her, not even after everything. Deep down, he knew that if karate had never come into their lives, they'd still be friends. Maybe even like family. But here they were—on opposite sides of a war that had twisted everything.

"You guys betrayed Miyagi-Do," Nate spat, his glare shifting between Robby and Hayden. "Traitors."

"Oh, there's a traitor here for sure," came a voice from behind them.

Tory.

She strode forward, Cobra Kai trailing behind her like a shadow. Her gaze locked on Hawk, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "And he's gonna get what he deserves."

Hayden didn't react outwardly, but as Cobra Kai spread out around her, a flicker of warmth pierced through the icy walls she'd built around herself. It wasn't the time to dwell on it, but she couldn't deny that, for all their flaws, Cobra Kai had been there for her. They'd given her a place, something solid to hold onto when everything else fell apart.

Not like Miyagi-Do.

She pushed the thought down as quickly as it surfaced.

"Well, well," came another voice. Hayden turned her head just as Sam LaRusso and the rest of Miyagi Do emerged from the crowd, venom dripping from her words. "If it isn't the princess of Cobra Kai."

Hayden's lips twitched into a slow, mocking smile. "A term you're pretty familiar with, aren't you? Little Miss Never-Worked-A-Day-In-Her-Life."

Sam's glare sharpened, and the tension skyrocketed.

"You guys, stop," Miguel's voice cut through the brewing storm. His gaze flickered between the two groups. "We can't do this. We'll settle it on the mat."

Hayden's heart twisted at the sound of his voice, but she kept her face blank, refusing to look his way.

But Miguel was already looking at her.

Their eyes met for the first time in what felt like forever. The air shifted, and suddenly, it was like everything around them faded away. His breath caught as he took her in—her familiar, stoic expression, the way her hair framed her face, the coldness in her eyes that still made his pulse quicken. He almost forgot how to breathe for a second. Time stood still, but only for him.

For a moment, he thought he saw something—something soft in her gaze. Maybe it was just a flicker, a reflection of the bond they once shared. Whatever it was, it hit him like a punch to the gut, and it took everything in him to stay grounded.

But as quickly as it had come, the moment passed. Hayden turned away, her gaze falling to the floor, her walls instantly returning to their rigid, impenetrable form.

Miguel stood frozen, his heart still racing, as he tried to collect himself. He hadn't expected to feel this way, to be so... lost in the way she looked at him, even if it was only for a brief second.

Robby's voice snapped her back to reality.

"Oh, really?" he said, amusement flickering in his tone as he addressed Miguel. "You remember what happened the last time we fought, right?"

Miguel's expression darkened, but he masked it quickly, his focus darting between Hayden and Robby. He could see that her silence was just as telling as his own unease.

"Fine," Miguel said, his voice tight. "Meet us at the baseball diamond in thirty minutes. No weapons." His gaze flicked to Tory.

Tory smirked coldly. "We won't need them."

Miguel's eyes returned to Hayden, watching as Cobra Kai began to disperse.

Hayden felt his gaze burning into her, and she finally glanced up, her brows furrowed.

"Don't go," he mouthed, his eyes wide with urgency.

Hayden blinked, confused.

"Do. Not. Go," he repeated silently, enunciating every word.

She tilted her head, her brows knitting tighter. Whatever he was trying to say wasn't clicking.

"Miguel, come on!" Hawk called, his voice breaking the moment.

Before Hayden could make sense of anything, she felt an arm drape over her shoulders.

"C'mon," Robby muttered, steering her away. "Let's go."

Hayden didn't resist, but as they walked back to the car, her mind was racing.

-

The Cobra Kais stepped onto the baseball field, their footsteps crunching against the dry dirt as they spread out, each one scanning their surroundings. The air was cold and still, almost too quiet.

"You guys see anything?" Kyler asked, his voice breaking the silence. His eyes darted around the empty field, suspicion clear in his tone.

"They'll be here," Robby replied, his voice steady. He stood at the front, calm but focused, his sharp gaze sweeping across the darkened expanse of the field.

"They better be," Tory muttered, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She cast a brief glance at Robby before looking ahead, her jaw set with determination.

The words barely left her mouth when, without warning, the field lights snapped off.

The sudden plunge into darkness hit like a shockwave, and a ripple of unease spread through the group. Cobra Kai froze in place, their breaths visible in the chilled night air.

"What the hell?" Theo muttered, squinting as if his eyes would adjust faster.

And then, chaos.

The sprinklers sprang to life with a sharp hiss, spraying cold water across the field in harsh, relentless bursts. The sound of it echoed loudly in the silence, mingling with gasps and startled yelps from the group.

Hayden flinched as the icy spray hit her back, her shoulders snapping up instinctively. A small gasp escaped her lips before she clenched her teeth, throwing an arm over her face to shield herself from the assault of freezing water. Her boots sank slightly into the dampening grass as she adjusted her footing, her jaw tightening in frustration.

"Are you kidding me?!" Kyler shouted, stumbling back a step as he waved his arms uselessly to block the relentless jets of water.

Hayden wiped water from her face, her dark hair now plastered to her cheeks and neck. Her annoyance simmered, but she didn't say a word. Her eyes scanned the field, sharp and calculating, searching for any sign of movement.

"We can't let them get away with this!" Kyler yelled again, shaking water from his arms like it would somehow help.

"We won't," Robby said, his voice low and dangerous.

The rest of the Cobra Kais fell in line behind him, their unease giving way to simmering anger. Their eyes gleamed with determination under the faint glow of the sprinklers' mist.

Hayden remained quiet, standing slightly apart from the group. Her arms fell back to her sides as she straightened, water dripping from her jacket and soaking into the grass beneath her boots. She let out a slow, controlled breath, willing the chill to fade as her focus sharpened.

If Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang thought this was some kind of joke, they'd find out soon enough it wasn't.

authors note
8k words guys dayummm i wrote this high im ngl so if there's spelling mistakes IGNORE THEM and this took em forever to write bro