𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑. a car crash for two

TORY'S APARTMENT WAS A FAR CRY FROM her own meticulously organized space. It was strewn with trash, discarded medical supplies, and the unmistakable scent of illness. Tory had always been evasive about her home, insisting on spending time at Jieun's place, and now Jieun understood why. Tory's mother lay in a hospital bed in the adjoining room, her frail form barely discernible among the tangle of tubes and machines keeping her alive.

Jieun hesitated, not wanting to intrude on such an intimate and painful reality. But Tory, her face drawn and face red from anger, just nodded, inviting her in with a gesture that seemed to take all her remaining strength.

The tension between them, once sharp and insurmountable, began to soften. Jieun thought back to the fight with Sam, the words that had been exchanged, the bitterness that had lingered. It had been a catalyst, pushing Tory to let down her guard, to show Jieun the reality she had been concealing for so long.

"I'm sorry," Tory whispered, her voice breaking. "I've been such a mess. I didn't want you to see this side of my life."

Jieun squeezed her knee gently. "Honey Badger, we're friends, and that means we share the good and the bad."

She nodded, tears spilling over her cheeks. "It's just...it's been so hard. Taking care of my mom, trying to keep everything together. I didn't want you to think less of me."

"I could never think less of you," She said softly. "You're one of the strongest people I know."

For a moment, they sat in silence, the hum of medical devices and the distant sounds of the city outside creating a strange, comforting symphony. Jieun glanced around the apartment, her eyes settling on a framed photograph of Tory and her mother, taken long before illness had claimed their lives.

"Tell me about her," She said, nodding towards the photo. "Your mom."

Tory followed her gaze, a sad smile touching her lips. "She's amazing. Strong, kind, always putting others first. She loved to cook, and she had this laugh that could light up a room."

Jieun listened, her heart aching for her friend. She thought of her own family, of the laughter and love she found at Miguel's home, and of the grim silence that pervaded her house. She understood, perhaps better than most, the weight of carrying a family burden.

As they sat together in the cluttered apartment, Jieun felt a deep sense of connection and resolve. She had seen the worst, and she did not judge. Instead, she saw the strength it took for Tory to let her in, and she knew that they would face whatever came next together.

Time passed quietly in the apartment. The clutter remained, but Jieun had grown accustomed to navigating the space with care. Tory sat on the sofa with a pack of ice on her hand, a reminder of the strange practice their sensei had enforced earlier. She had been made to strike a stone brick during sparring, and while Jieun didn't understand the reasoning behind it, she focused instead on helping Tory tend to her injury.

"Does it still hurt?" Jieun asked, gently adjusting the ice pack.

Tory winced slightly but shook her head. "Not as much."

Jieun nodded, recognizing the telltale signs that Tory didn't want to dwell on it. She had learned over time to sense when someone needed to avoid a topic, and she respected those boundaries.

"So, what do you want to do now?" Jieun asked, trying to lift the mood.

Tory reached under the coffee table and pulled out an old, worn box. "How about a game of Life?"

Jieun raised an eyebrow, but a smile tugged at her lips. "It's been a while since I played that."

"Yeah," Tory said, setting up the board. "My brother and I used to play all the time before... well before things got bad with Mom."

They settled into the game, the familiar ritual providing a comforting distraction from the day's events. Tory spun the wheel, her eyes fixed on the board as she contemplated her next move.

"Tory, did you take your turn yet?" Jieun asked, glancing up from her cards.

"No," Tory replied, her eyes still glued to the board. "I can't decide between college or a career."

"Well, we can't start until you decide. So choose, or I leave," She teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"Hey, don't rush me. This decision's gonna affect the rest of my life," She shot back, a playful glint in her eyes.

Jieun sighed dramatically. "Go to college."

"Okay," She almost moved her piece, then hesitated. "But... what if those frat guys make fun of me? And try to beat me up... like fascists and stuff?"

"Well, then start a career."

"I can't let those frat guys get away with it."

"Oh my god, it's just a game," Jieun said, laughing.

"Yeah, life is hard," Tory replied, her voice taking on a more serious tone.

The game progressed, each move and decision a microcosm of the larger uncertainties they faced in real life. Jieun could see the weight of everything Tory had been carrying — her mother's illness, the stress of caring for her, and now the added pressure from the dojo. But here, at this moment, they could pretend that their choices were as simple as moving a plastic piece on a board.

As they played, Jieun found herself marveling at Tory's resilience. Despite everything, Tory maintained a sense of humor, a determination to push through. It was a strength Jieun admired deeply, one that resonated with her own experiences of balancing the harsh realities of life with the moments of laughter and love she found.

"Your turn," Tory said, nudging her gently.

Jieun spun the wheel, watching it click to a stop. She moved her piece, feeling a small surge of satisfaction at the progress. "You know," she said, looking up at Tory, "no matter what path you choose, you'll figure it out. You always do."

Tory smiled a genuine, warm smile that reached her eyes.

A sudden knock interrupted their game. Tory and Jieun exchanged glances before Tory reluctantly rose to answer the door. She opened it only to find Sam LaRusso standing on the other side. Without a word, Tory grimaced and shut the door in Sam's face, locking it firmly.

Moments later, the knocking resumed, accompanied by Sam's pleading voice. "Please. I just want to talk."

Jieun looked quietly at Tory, who shrugged but eventually gestured for Jieun to open the door. She hesitated, then turned the lock and faced Sam. Sam smiled softly at Jieun, who returned the gesture, albeit with a touch of wariness.

Tory began packing up the game, her movements brusque. "What are you doing here?" she demanded.

Sam started to speak but stopped mid-sentence as she noticed Tory's hand. "Oh my god! What happened?"

Tory scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Don't pretend like you care."

Sam faltered, and Jieun could feel the tension in the room thickening. She braced herself, anticipating another fight. But Sam took a deep breath and steadied herself.

"Look," Sam began, her voice soft but firm, "I don't want to be here any more than you want me to be. But if you're having problems with Cobra Kai, I'm willing to listen."

Tory's eyes narrowed her expression a mix of suspicion and exhaustion. She gestured for Jieun to let Sam in, and Jieun did, closing the door quietly behind her. Tory took a seat on the couch, placing the ice pack back on her hand with a wince.

"You want to listen?" Tory repeated, her tone incredulous. "Since when do you care about anything other than yourself?"

Sam bit her lip, clearly struggling to maintain her composure. "I care because I know what it's like to be hurt by them. And I know what it's like to be misunderstood."

Tory's eyes flashed with anger. "Misunderstood? You think that just because you had a few run-ins with Cobra Kai, you understand me?"

Jieun watched the exchange silently, her heart pounding. She knew how much pain both girls carried, and how deep their scars ran. She felt a surge of empathy for them, each trapped in their cycle of hurt and retaliation.

"Maybe I don't understand everything," Sam admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "But I'm trying to. I want to help, Tory."

Tory looked away, her jaw tight. "Help? You can't help me, LaRusso."

In Sam's mind, Tory had always been the embodiment of chaos and aggression, an antagonist fueled by rage and a refusal to change. Their past encounters had only reinforced Sam's belief that Tory thrived on conflict.

But stepping into Tory's apartment, and seeing the wreckage of her life firsthand, her perspective began to shift. The sight of Tory's mother, fragile and hooked to a myriad of medical devices, struck a chord deep within Sam. Tory wasn't exaggerating or fabricating her struggles. Her mother truly was deathly ill, and the weight of that reality was crushing.

Sam's thoughts swirled as she looked around the cluttered room. She still couldn't condone Tory's past actions, but for the first time, she could see the circumstances that had shaped them. Tory wasn't beyond redemption; she was simply a girl trying to survive under unbearable pressure.

Tory's voice broke the silence. "I wanted to win the All Valley more than anything." She paused, her eyes distant. "After the match, when they handed me that trophy... that was the best moment of my life."

Jieun, ever the steady presence, busied herself in the kitchen, cleaning lightly as Tory and Sam hashed out their issues.

"But then I saw Silver and that ref," Tory continued, her voice trembling with emotion. "And it just killed me. I felt like a fraud." She shook her head, the memory clearly painful. "I wanted to get back at Silver so bad. That's why I listened to Kreese, but then I got caught up in more lies. And now my life is a living hell."

Sam absorbed Tory's words, her own guilt surfacing. "I didn't know what you were going through," she began, her voice soft with regret.

"Yeah, that seems to be a habit of yours, huh?" Tory interrupted a bitter edge to her tone. The implication was clear: Sam had a history of assuming the worst, not just with Tory, but with Jieun as well.

Sam took a deep breath, acknowledging the truth in Tory's words. "But now that I do... maybe we can help each other."

She glanced at Jieun, who offered a small, encouraging smile before turning back to her cleaning. Sam continued, her voice gaining strength. "I tried to talk to Stingray. He basically admitted it was Silver who assaulted him in the old dojo. But he's too afraid to go to the police."

Tory's brows furrowed in thought. "I knew Silver was involved, but... I had no idea he did it with his own hands."

"The problem is we can't prove it," Sam said, frustration evident in her tone.

Tory's eyes lit up with a sudden idea. "If it happened at the old dojo, maybe we can."

Sam and Jieun both looked at her, a flicker of hope sparking between them. "What do you mean?" Jieun asked, setting aside her cleaning rag.

Tory leaned forward, her voice low and urgent. "There might be security footage or something that Silver overlooked. If we can find it, we'll have the proof we need."

Sam felt a surge of determination. For the first time, they were united in a common goal. "Alright. Let's do it."

Tory's eyes darkened, a steely resolve taking hold. "I'm done being scared of him. It's time to fight back."

Half an hour had passed, and the atmosphere at the apartment was thick with anticipation. Sam and Jieun had texted Miguel, Robby, Eli, and Demetri, declaring an emergency. When the boys arrived, they walked softly, their faces a mix of confusion and shock at seeing the three girls together and apparently getting along. It was an unusual sight, one that spoke volumes about the seriousness of the situation.

"Uh, hey guys... what's up?" Miguel started, his eyes darting between the girls. Jieun and Robby locked eyes, and Robby had to suppress a smile, feeling the tension in the air instead.

Demetri, his heart pounding, blurted out, "Is this an intervention? Look, I stopped sniffing Sharpies, okay? That was just one tough week."

Jieun blinked at him, momentarily thrown off by the confession. Sam shook her head, taking charge. "What? No. We think we have a way to prove Silver assaulted Stingray."

Tory nodded, continuing where Sam left off. "If the attack happened at the old dojo, it would have been after Silver installed security cameras."

"So maybe it's all on tape," Miguel pointed out, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

"No, but that place was cleaned out," Robby countered, frowning.

Demetri jumped in, excitement creeping into his voice. "That might not matter. I mean, the systems that we sell at TechTown all save the footage to a central server. When Silver moved out, he probably took the whole system with him."

Jieun's eyes lit up with realization. "If that's the case, then the footage could still exist. We just need to find a way to access that server."

Tory's face was resolute. "I think he did take it. There's a server in his office at the flagship dojo."

Eli, picking up the thread of the conversation, continued, "If we get access to it, we can definitely find that footage. We could even post the Stingray clip to their YouTube channel."

Sam nodded, her eyes steely with determination. "Get ahold of everyone else. Let them know that we're taking down Cobra Kai... tonight."

THE GROUP ARRIVED AT THE DOJO IN A somber procession, the weight of their mission hanging heavily in the air. Jieun had been elected to drive, much to her chagrin, but the journey had been safe and uneventful, despite Eli's occasional urging from the backseat for her to drive faster.

"You know, we'd get there quicker if you just floored it," Eli remarked, leaning forward between the front seats.

"Yeah, and we'd also end up wrapped around a tree," Jieun retorted, eyes never leaving the road.

The banter helped to ease the tension, each quip and counter-quip weaving a fragile net of normalcy over their shared anxiety. But as they pulled up to the dojo, the gravity of their task settled back over them like a heavy cloak. They piled out of the car, the night air cool against their skin, and quickly made their way towards the building.

Robby, however, lagged behind, gently grabbing Jieun's hand to keep her back. She furrowed her brows but didn't pull away, the warmth of his hand spreading through hers as he spoke.

"Be careful, okay? We don't know what might happen in there," he said, his voice low and earnest. "I know you can take care of yourself, but I can't help but worry. I just got you back, and I can't lose you again."

Jieun felt a rush of affection for him, the sincerity in his words warming her heart. She smiled, trying to lighten the moment. "You're the one who needs to be careful. Remember, I'm better than you."

Robby chuckled, the sound a brief respite from the tension. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Just promise me you'll be careful anyway."

She squeezed his hand, her smile softening. "I promise."

Before she could overthink it, Jieun leaned in and gave Robby a quick peck on the lips. His eyes widened in surprise, but then he broke into a broad, ear-to-ear grin that made her heart flutter.

"Let's go," she said, pulling him along as they rejoined the group.

They reached the front of the dojo, the building looming over them, its dark windows like eyes watching their every move. The group huddled together, a sense of solidarity and purpose binding them. Jieun glanced at Robby, who was still smiling, the joy in his expression a stark contrast to the seriousness of their mission.

The group stood outside the entrance, the dojo looming ominously in the dark. Robby broke the silence. "If it's the same alarm system, I should be able to bypass it."

Demetri chuckled nervously. "Spoken like a man that's done this before."

"Yeah, well, karate wasn't my first hobby. I fractured a law or two before we met." Robby's gaze drifted to the past, the days before he met Jieun. He could almost see those days as if they were shadows on the dojo walls.

Tory brushed past them, her expression firm. "Or we could just scan my key card." She pulled the red and black card out of her back pocket. "So that those of us on probation keep from, you know, violating it."

More members of their dojo arrived, each greeting them with a mix of curiosity and determination. Jieun scanned the growing crowd, noticing that Yujin was conspicuously absent. She found it odd, but no one else seemed to notice or care.

When they questioned what Tory was doing with them, Sam replied, "Don't worry, she's with us. For what we're about to do at least."

Mitch voiced the question on everyone's mind. "So what are we doing? All your text said is that we're gonna take down Cobra Kai. But how exactly?"

Miguel looked over, his eyes hard with resolve. "We're gonna show them who their sensei really is. We think we have proof he's a criminal."

Sam nodded, her voice calm but firm. "We're going upstairs to Silver's office. We need you downstairs as a lookout."

The plan was set, and the group moved with drive. Jieun felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her, each step a beat in a drumroll that led them closer to their goal. They entered the dojo, the cool air inside stark against the warmth of their shared determination.

The dim hallways of the dojo felt like a maze, each twist and turn disorienting under the harsh red and blue lights. Jieun's eyes ached, but she pressed on, her steps slow and deliberate. The group moved in a tight formation, their nerves frayed with tension.

Miguel suddenly stopped, his voice breaking the silence. "Guys, I hate to say this, but maybe we should split up, and cover more ground."

Jieun scoffed, the eerie atmosphere amplifying her reluctance. "Hell no, Scooby-Doo. It's creepy as fuck in here." She almost shivered at the statement. "Plus, we do everything together."

Miguel was silent for a moment, the group waiting eagerly for his response. "Yeah, you're right. I don't know why I said that."

With that, they continued their search, weaving through the labyrinthine hallways until they finally found the room they were looking for. They let Demetri do his thing on the computer, watching him with nervous eyes as he typed furiously.

The silence was thick, broken only by the clacking of Demetri's keyboard. Tory cut through it, her voice laced with a mixture of disbelief and hope. "I can't believe it's happening. We're really gonna take Silver down."

"I got it!" Demetri exclaimed. The video began to play on the computer screen, showing Silver and Stingray talking. But then, just as quickly, the video began to glitch.

"Shit," Demetri stuttered, his face paling as a window popped up, declaring that the file had been deleted.

"What happened?" Tory asked in disbelief, the hope in her voice shattering.

"That's all there is! The rest of it's been erased!" Demetri's frustration was palpable.

Robby shook his head, the weight of their effort sinking heavily. "Silver covered his tracks."

"Of course he did," Sam said, her voice edged with resignation.

"Okay, so... what now?" Miguel asked, looking around for answers.

Tory then spoke up, her tone determined. "I think there might be some other footage we can use."

"You wouldn't know the date and time?" Eli asked, his eyes flicking nervously around the room.

Tory took over the computer, her fingers flying over the keys as she input the information. As she pressed enter, they waited with bated breath for the footage to load.

"Okay, I think I got it. Is this the clip?" Demetri asked, the screen showing a new video.

"Yeah, that's the one," Tory confirmed.

Before they could watch, they heard their names being called out from outside the door. The sudden clutter of voices sent Jieun's heart rate skyrocketing.

Sam quickly took charge. "Demetri, Eli, stay back and wait for the footage. The rest of us, let's go see what's going on."

They rushed out of the room, their hearts pounding in unison. The sight that greeted them made Jieun's blood run cold. The Cobra Kai team stood before them, a wall of hostility. They had found out about their plan, and the group was completely outnumbered.

The air was thick with tension, each side sizing up the other. Jieun glanced at Robby, the worry in his eyes mirroring her own. They had come so far, and now, faced with this new threat, the stakes had never felt higher.

Jieun and the others stepped forward, making their presence known in the dojo. Devon Lee looked at Tory with disbelief, exhaling sharply. "So you're with them now?"

Kenny, once a weak boy who had been bullied until he joined Cobra Kai, spoke up next, glaring down Robby. "You knew what would happen if you and your friends ever stepped into this dojo again."

Sam, standing between Miguel and Jieun, whispered urgently, "How'd they even know we were here?"

Miguel shook his head, his brow furrowed. "I don't know."

Kenny and Kyler exchanged looks across the room, grinning at one another. Kyler called out, "Mitch, come on, get your ass over here where you belong."

Everyone tensed as Mitch, who had once been part of their dojo, walked over to the Cobra Kai group, unzipping his jacket to reveal a Cobra Kai-branded t-shirt. Bert's face fell in shock and betrayal. "Penis Breath, how could you?"

Mitch scoffed. "Gee, I don't know. Maybe 'cause they don't call me Penis Breath."

Jieun rolled her eyes, her sarcasm cutting through the tension. "Oh please, like that nickname was the worst thing that ever happened to you."

Mitch bristled but didn't respond to Jieun, fearing her sharp tongue and quicker fists. Instead, he redirected his anger towards Bert and Anthony. "You guys have been so dead set on taking down Cobra Kai. I didn't even want to leave in the first place. I mean, look around. They got snacks, swag, smoothies. Our dojo doesn't even have a roof. Or like, any chicks. No offense, Sam, Jiji."

"Alright, Penis Breath, shut up," Kyler interjected, cutting off Mitch's rant. Mitch furrowed his brows at the nickname, but Kyler pressed on. "We got a traitor, you got a traitor, so that cancels out. So are we gonna throw down or what? Let's go!"

Tory stepped forward, her voice firm. "I'm not a traitor. I'm just not buying what Silver is selling. And neither should any of you."

Robby followed up, his tone urgent. "Silver lied. To all of us."

Kenny took slow, deliberate steps towards Robby, attempting to look menacing. "What 'us'? The only person who lied to me is you."

Jieun moved directly in front of Kenny, her body a shield, her eyes blazing with a menacing intensity that made Kenny's heart pound. She had a terrifying presence, a power that had been unmatched since she had walked out alone at the All-Valley Tournament and taken down everyone by herself.

Kenny's breath quickened as he remembered that day. Jieun's sheer force and skill had been overwhelming, and now, standing so close, that same power radiated from her.

Kenny's bravado faltered under Jieun's unyielding gaze. He had never felt so small, so powerless. The memory of her decimating her opponents one by one played in his mind, her movements fluid and deadly. Despite his efforts to prove himself, he knew deep down that Jieun's power was something he could never match.

"Stay back," Jieun said, her voice low and dangerous. "You don't want to do this."

The room fell into a tense silence, the standoff teetering on the edge of violence. The Cobra Kai team hesitated, the weight of Jieun's presence causing a ripple of doubt among them.

Jieun stood at the center of the confrontation, her presence a force that seemed to bend the very air around her. Her aura was palpable, radiating a power that made the dojo's harsh lights seem dim in comparison. Her eyes, usually a calm and steady brown, now held an almost otherworldly depth.

If life were animated, her eyes would have glowed a dark, menacing red, piercing through a pitch-black room like embers in the night.

There was a stillness about her, a calm that belied the storm of energy roiling beneath her surface. Every movement she made, no matter how slight, seemed charged with purpose and precision. It was as if the very ground beneath her feet recognized her dominance and steadied itself to support her.

Her presence was a beacon, drawing the attention of friend and foe alike. Her posture was perfect, shoulders squared and spine straight, exuding confidence and readiness. The space around her felt charged, like the air before a thunderstorm, crackling with an intensity that was both exhilarating and terrifying.

As Jieun stood her ground, it was clear that she was more than just a skilled fighter; she was a force of nature. The raw power she exuded was not just physical but also emotional and spiritual. She was a warrior in every sense, her strength not just in her fists but in her very soul.

The moment Miguel made his presence known, Kenny's gaze flickered again, another spark of fear igniting behind his bravado. Jieun was formidable on her own, but with Miguel in the mix, the stakes were undeniably higher.

"Hey," Miguel's voice cut through the silence, firm but not unkind. "Robby's right. You don't wanna do this."

Kenny's eyes darted to his teammates, searching for strength in numbers before locking back onto Miguel. "Yeah, I do," he spat, the defiance in his voice masking the tremor of uncertainty beneath.

With a sudden, wild motion, Kenny's fist flew toward Miguel, who sidestepped with practiced ease. The tension shattered like glass, giving way to chaos as both dojos lunged at each other, the room erupting into a cacophony of shouts and the sharp sound of flesh meeting flesh.

A boy, his face twisted in determination, charged at Jieun. She moved with the fluid grace of a dancer, sidestepping his attack and sending him sprawling to the floor with a swift, precise kick. Another came at her from the side, but she pivoted smoothly, catching his arm and using his momentum against him, flipping him to the ground with a thud that echoed through the room.

Jieun's movements were a blend of power and precision, each strike calculated, each dodge executed with almost serene calm. She seemed to glide through the fray, an unstoppable force that drew the eyes of friend and foe alike. Her opponents came at her like waves against a cliff, and she repelled them with the same unyielding strength.

Another Cobra Kai student lunged at her, a flash of movement in her peripheral vision. She sidestepped, deflecting his attack with a sharp parry before delivering a swift, bone-jarring kick to his ribs. He crumpled to the ground, but another took his place almost immediately. Jieun spun, her fist connecting with his jaw in a blur of motion, sending him sprawling.

Amid the melee, Jieun's eyes caught sight of Kenny, his face twisted with a mix of determination and anger. He executed a move with ruthless efficiency, a heavy strike aimed directly at Robby's sternum. The impact was devastating, knocking the wind out of Robby and sending him to the ground, gasping for air.

Jieun's heart stopped. The scene before her blurred, melding with an image she had tried to bury deep within her. Her grandfather, a warrior in his own right, had fallen to a similar strike, his breath stolen from him in an instant. She could practically see her grandmother's eyes, the helplessness as she watched her loved one fall. The pain of that scene surged through Jieun, igniting a fire within her that burned hotter than the chaos around her.

Without a second thought, Jieun finished off her current opponent with a flurry of kicks and punches, her movements driven by a renewed sense of urgency. She broke free from the fray, her eyes locked on Kenny, who stood poised to strike Robby again while he was still down.

"Kenny!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the noise like a knife.

Kenny turned, a smirk curling on his lips, but it faltered as Jieun closed the distance between them with lightning speed. Her first strike was a fierce punch aimed at his jaw, which he barely managed to block. The force of it sent him staggering back, his confidence wavering.

Jieun pressed the attack, her movements a blur of fury and precision. She landed a series of rapid strikes, each one a testament to her training and raw emotion. Kenny struggled to keep up, his defenses crumbling under the relentless onslaught. She spun, delivering a powerful roundhouse kick that caught him in the ribs, eliciting a gasp of pain.

Kenny retaliated with a wild swing, but Jieun ducked beneath it, countering with an uppercut that snapped his head back. She followed with a swift kick to his knee, buckling his leg and sending him to the ground. But Kenny was tenacious; he scrambled to his feet, his eyes burning with defiance.

"You're not going to win," he spat, his voice edged with desperation.

Jieun's expression was a mask of determination. "This isn't about winning," she said, her voice low and fierce.

Jieun remained poised, her eyes locked onto Kenny's every move. Despite the devastation of her initial onslaught, Kenny refused to stay down, his resolve as tenacious as his fighting spirit. He lunged at her with renewed aggression, but she met his attack with an unyielding defense, blocking his strikes and countering with precise blows that rattled him to his core.

Yet, even as Kenny struggled, more Cobra Kai students joined the fray, their numbers swelling as they encircled Jieun. The odds shifted rapidly against her, turning the fight into a grueling test of endurance and skill.

Unfazed, she fought on, her movements a blur of disciplined ferocity. She absorbed hits that would have dropped a lesser fighter, her adrenaline muting the pain as she focused on the task at hand.

Robby remained hunched over on the ground, gasping for breath, his vulnerability gnawing at her concentration. Jieun's concern for him tugged at her attention, creating fleeting moments of distraction. One such moment was enough. A Cobra Kai student saw his opportunity and moved in to strike at her blind spot.

But before the blow could land, another figure intervened with fluid, precise movements. Miguel, his presence like a storm breaking, appeared at her side. He deflected the attack with a swift, decisive kick that sent the assailant sprawling. Their eyes met for a brief moment, a silent understanding passing between them. They were united by more than just training — they were bound by a shared sense of duty to protect their friends.

With Miguel now by her side, Jieun felt a surge of renewed strength. Together, they were a force of nature, their combined efforts creating a formidable barrier around Robby. Miguel moved with the grace of a seasoned fighter, his strikes powerful and deliberate, each one ensuring that no harm came to Robby.

Kenny, seeing his advantage slipping away, attacked with even more desperation. He aimed a wild punch at Jieun, but she dodged, countering with a swift uppercut that sent him reeling. Miguel immediately followed up, a roundhouse kick connecting with Kenny's side, forcing him to the ground once more.

More Cobra Kai students closed in, but Jieun and Miguel stood their ground, their synergy undeniable. They fought back to back, their movements perfectly synchronized, repelling the oncoming attacks with a ferocity that left their opponents scrambling. Miguel's fists flew with precise power, while Jieun's kicks and punches landed with bone-jarring impact.

Jieun took a hit to her shoulder, but the pain barely registered. Her focus was unwavering, her determination unyielding. She struck out, her knuckles connecting with the jaw of another Cobra Kai student, sending him to the floor. She could feel the fight taking its toll on her body, but the sight of Robby, now managing to stand, fueled her resolve.

Robby struggled to his feet, his breathing still labored but his resolve unwavering. Jieun caught his eye, giving him a nod of assurance before turning her attention to her next target. Across the room, she saw Tory engaged in a fierce battle with a woman who radiated a chilling aura of authority and menace. Tory had mentioned her before — Sensei Kim Daeun, a name spoken with a mix of fear and respect.

Sensei Kim moved with a fluid grace, her attacks precise and unrelenting. There was something hauntingly familiar about her to Jieun, a resemblance she couldn't quite place. She observed as Daeun executed a flawless jumping roundhouse kick, her movements a deadly dance of speed, agility, and raw power.

Jieun's heart pounded as she rushed to Tory's aid, intercepting an attack aimed at her injured hand. The pain shot through her like a bolt of lightning, but she gritted her teeth and stood her ground. Sensei Kim's cold eyes met hers, a smirk playing on her lips.

Sensei Kim's eyes gleamed with cruel amusement. "You fight well," she said, her voice as cold as her gaze. "Your technique is unique. It's almost as if I'm looking at a reflection of my younger self."

Jieun's heart pounded. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice laced with a mix of anger and confusion.

"Names are meaningless," Daeun replied, circling Jieun like a predator. "But you and I are more alike than you think. You see, I too once defied my family's wishes."

Jieun's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

Daeun launched into a series of rapid attacks, forcing Jieun to parry and counter with all her might. "We are cut from the same cloth," She said between strikes, Jieun's mind raced as she processed her words and the realization hit her like a tidal wave.

Daeun's next move was a brutal strike aimed at Jieun's injured arm. Pain exploded through her, and she stumbled, momentarily losing her footing. Daeun took advantage, twisting Jieun's arm behind her back and forcing her to the ground.

"You are strong," She whispered, her breath hot against Jieun's ear. "But strength alone isn't enough."

The chaotic battle raged around them, with shouts and cries echoing through the room. Jieun heard a desperate yell, "There's too many of them!" Her vision blurred as she struggled to regain her footing. Suddenly, the noise subsided, replaced by the sound of a television crackling to life. All eyes turned to the screen.

Tory's voice filled the room. "I need to talk to you," she was saying. The scene showed her confronting Sensei Silver.

"What's on your mind? Excited to take things to the next level?" Silver's voice was smooth, almost too calm.

"What's the point? You'll just pay to make me champion again." Tory's words hung in the air, heavy with accusation.

Silver nodded, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "So you know about the ref. Have you told anyone else?"

"Not yet," Tory replied. "So you don't deny it?"

"Not at all. I paid him off to make sure Cobra Kai won. It was an insurance policy. You still won the fight."

"Did I?" Tory's question was loaded with doubt and frustration.

The room fell silent, the implications of the confession sinking in. Suddenly, Silver's voice cut through the tension, but it was in the room this time. "That's it?" His appearance was disheveled, blood staining his face and his white hair in disarray. He stepped forward, glaring at Daniel LaRusso, who stood with his wife and Miguel's mother, Carmen, beside him.

"That was your big plan, LaRusso?" Silver sneered. "Breaking into my dojo to steal some footage that changes nothing?"

The room erupted in chaos once more as the Cobra Kai students began to disperse, the revelation of Silver's dishonesty shattering their resolve.

Robby hurried to Jieun's side, his touch gentle as he caressed her hand. He noticed an open wound on her arm and tore a piece of his shirt to wrap it carefully.

Jieun looked up at Robby, her vision clearing. She felt a surge of gratitude and strength from his presence. Despite the pain, she managed a small, reassuring smile.

Tory stepped forward, her voice clear and unwavering. "It wasn't his plan," she declared, drawing everyone's attention. Silver turned his head sharply toward her, eyes narrowing. "It was ours," she continued, her gaze unwavering.

"And it changes everything," Robby added, stepping up.

Silver scoffed a dismissive sound that echoed through the room. He turned to his Cobra Kai students, his expression hardening. "Our enemies think they can keep attacking us with no repercussions. And what does the enemy deserve?" He waited, but silence greeted him. The students, disillusioned by the revelation, offered no response.

Silver's eyes flashed with anger and contempt at their sudden hesitation. "You think I'm the only one willing to go to these lengths?" He pointed an accusing finger at the opposing group. "Their senseis broke into my home tonight. My home! Attacked me unprovoked! But here I am, the only one left standing."

The room was thick with tension, silence suffocating them all. Silver's voice rose in intensity, a harsh edge slicing through the stillness. "They think they're entitled to victory because their way is the 'right' way and our way is 'wrong.' But that's not how it works. There are no morals to the story, no happy endings. Life isn't a fairy tale. It's a competitive sport." His voice grew louder, more fervent. "Right and wrong, there's no such thing. There are only winners... and losers. Cobra Kai builds winners because we're willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top!"

His words hung in the air, charged with a fervor that had once inspired loyalty but now felt tainted with desperation and madness. The Cobra Kai students looked around, their faces reflecting a mix of confusion, doubt, and lingering fear.

Silver's laughter echoed through the dojo, a chilling sound that sent shivers down the spines of everyone present. "Everything you did to try and stop me amounted to nothing but pain," he sneered, his eyes locking onto Daniel. "You got your ass kicked, Danny-boy. Now, you can either accept that... or I can kick it again. Right now."

Amanda, Daniel's wife, stepped closer, her voice a quiet but firm whisper in his ear. "We're all with you, Daniel. Do what you have to do."

Daniel took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his family's support behind him. He stepped up slowly, every movement deliberate, the tension in the room palpable. The crowd parted, everyone backing away from the mat, their eyes fixed on the two men about to clash.

The fight began with a flurry of movement, each strike and counterstrike a testament to their skill and determination. Silver's attacks were brutal and unrelenting, his rage fueling his every move. But Daniel's resolve was unbreakable, his focus sharpened by the stakes of this confrontation.

Silver's laughter turned to grunts of frustration as Daniel matched him blow for blow. Their fight was a dance of power and precision, each man pushing the other to their limits. The room watched in breathless silence, the intensity of the battle drawing them in completely.

Finally, with a powerful roundhouse kick, Daniel sent Silver crashing into a glass screen. The impact shattered the glass, fragments scattering across the floor as Silver slumped to the ground, unconscious.

The silence that followed was deafening. Slowly, the Cobra Kai students began to move, their faces reflecting a mix of disillusionment and determination. One by one, they removed their Cobra Kai tees and threw them at Silver, their rejection of his twisted philosophy clear.

THE WAIL OF SIRENS FILLED THE AIR as the ambulance and police arrived, the flashing lights casting a surreal glow over the aftermath of the battle. Medics moved swiftly, tending to the wounded and taking statements. Jieun sat behind an ambulance, wincing slightly as one of the medics addressed her open wounds. She spotted Robby from afar, his worried gaze fixed on her.

Once they finished wrapping her arm, Jieun thanked them and made her way towards Robby. He met her halfway, his concern evident in his eyes.

"Hey," Jieun began softly, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Kenny... it's going to take time for him to come around. I know I wasn't his favorite person tonight, especially after... what happened."

Robby nodded, his gaze unwavering. "He'll come around. Deep down, he knows you did what you had to do."

"I hope so," Jieun murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I don't want him to hate me."

"He won't," Robby assured her, his voice steady and reassuring. "You showed tonight what you're made of, pretty girl. You're strong, and you did what was right."

She looked at him gratefully, a flicker of relief crossing her features. "Thank you, Robby."

He smiled warmly, his hand reaching out to gently brush a stray strand of hair from her face. His gaze was unwavering as he looked into her eyes, his voice carrying a tenderness that matched the intensity of his emotions. "Jiji," he began, his tone soft yet filled with conviction, "tonight has shown me more than ever that you're not just someone I care about... you're the person I can't imagine my life without."

Jieun's breath caught in her throat, her heart racing with a blend of anticipation and affection. She searched his eyes, seeing in them the depth of his feelings laid bare. "Robby..." she whispered, her voice barely audible over the distant sounds of the night.

"I love you," Robby confessed, each word spoken with a reverence that echoed through the space between them. "From the moment we met, you've been in my thoughts, in my heart... there was something that drew me in and made me want to be near you."

"Robby..."

He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch tender against her skin. "You don't have to say anything," he assured her, his thumb tracing a gentle path along her cheekbone. "I've known it in the way you look at me, in the way you've stood by me tonight."

She leaned into his touch, her heart overflowing with a mixture of gratitude and affection. "I want to say it," she insisted softly, meeting his gaze with unwavering sincerity. "Robby, I love you too. I've loved you more deeply than I ever thought possible. I just didn't know how to say it."

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, a testament to the joy and relief that flooded his being. "Pretty girl," he murmured, his voice filled with awe, "you've filled a part of my life that I didn't even know was missing. You've shown me what it means to be truly understood, to be loved."

They stood together amid the quiet chaos, their intertwined fingers a symbol of their newfound connection. Around them, the world continued to move, but for Jieun and Robby, time seemed to stand still. At that moment, amidst the remnants of their tumultuous night, they found solace in each other's presence, their love a beacon of hope and reassurance.

"Kiss me," She began softly, her voice a whisper that carried the weight of her longing and vulnerability.

Robby's heart skipped a beat at her request, the warmth of her touch and the sincerity in her eyes igniting a fire within him. Without hesitation, he closed the distance between them, his hands gently cradling her face as he leaned in to meet her lips with his own.

Jieun melted into his embrace, her hands finding their place on his chest, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as if anchoring herself to him. The world around them faded away, leaving only the echo of their heartbeats and the gentle rhythm of their breaths mingling.

As they broke apart, their foreheads resting against each other's, Robby spoke softly, his voice a whisper against her skin. "Jiji, I've never felt this way about anyone before. You've changed everything for me."

She smiled a radiant expression that lit up her features with a glow of contentment.

He kissed her forehead tenderly, savoring the moment. "I'll always be here for you, pretty girl. Through every storm, every triumph, I'll stand by your side."

Their embrace lingered, a silent promise of unwavering support and devotion. Around them, the world continued to move, but in that fleeting moment, they found eternity in each other's arms.

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄

FINALLY DONE WITH SEASON 5 !!!!!

and with one day to spare until s6 !!!!!!!

I'm so so so excited, and i hope u guys loved this ch as much as i did, it took me like legit.... 6 hours to write because i wanted it to be perfect.

jiji and robby finally said i love u EEEEEEEEE!!!

did we like the lil plot twist about sensei kim???? that was always the plan from the very beginning since she was introduced, I'll write more about her and her relation to jiji next season. and lowkey hoping shes not as bad in s6 so her n jiji become close but even if she is I'll always go around it or something LOL!!

i also figured that no one actually gives a fuck about her in the show that yall wouldn't mind, i think shes super cool so i wanted her involved in jiji's life

ben and yujin to make an appearance soon too !

much love,