𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄. big feelings

THE SUNLIGHT FILTERED THROUGH THE branches of ancient trees that settled at the dojo, casting a dappled pattern of light and shadow on the ground. The scent of pine and fresh earth mingled with the faint sweetness of blooming flowers, creating an intoxicating perfume that clung to the air. The rustling leaves whispered secrets of tranquility and resilience, a testament to the enduring wisdom of nature.

Jieun stood amidst this serene backdrop, her presence a quiet contrast to the bustling activity around her. The sounds of their practice — sharp exhales, the soft thud of feet against the grass— formed a rhythmic symphony that filled the space.

Eyes closed, Jieun began the Miyagi-Do kata, her movements fluid and deliberate. Each gesture was a brushstroke on the canvas of her mind, painting a picture of internal peace and unwavering focus. Her arms swept gracefully through the air, fingers tracing arcs that spoke of both defense and serenity. She shifted her weight with the elegance of a dancer, grounding herself with each step, her feet connecting deeply with the earth beneath her.

She needed this peace.

The tumult of recent events had left her soul weathered and raw, and the quiet discipline of Miyagi-Do offered a balm to her frayed nerves. Yet, the unfamiliarity of the practice gnawed at her.

She was used to the explosive ferocity of Cobra Kai, and the relentless aggression of Scorpion's Eye. In battle, she wielded these techniques like a secret weapon, a wild card that turned the tide in her favor time and again. But here, among these tranquil warriors, she sought something different.

Her muscles remembered the violent elegance of her old moves, the way she had always fought with a calculated unpredictability that left her opponents reeling. It was her edge, her silent declaration that she was not to be underestimated. Yet now, she longed to belong to this community, to embrace the ethos of Miyagi-Do even if it meant stepping out of her comfort zone.

Her movements continued each kata a step deeper into the labyrinth of her thoughts. The transition was not easy; it was like trying to teach a river to flow backward. But with each breath, she felt a sliver of the dojo's spirit seep into her. The kata was a meditation, a communion with the essence of what Miyagi-Do stood for — balance, harmony, and the quiet strength that lay beneath the surface.

As Jieun moved, her body flowed through the kata with an understated elegance, each motion a seamless continuation of the last. Her hands, delicate yet precise, carved through the air like blades through water. She extended an arm slowly, fingers splayed wide as if to catch the sunlight itself, then pulled it back to her center, gathering invisible threads of energy.

Her breathing was steady and rhythmic, a metronome that kept time with the cadence of her movements. Inhale. Her arms rose gracefully, embracing the sky, fingers brushing the intangible. Exhale. Her hands descended in a sweeping arc, grounded and deliberate, as if to draw strength from the earth. The motion anchored her, a reminder of the solid foundation beneath her feet even as she reached for the ethereal.

Her feet slid across the ground with the softness of a whisper, toes gripping the grass with each step. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her balance unwavering, embodying the harmony of motion and stillness. The transition from one stance to another was fluid, a seamless blend of strength and grace. She turned, pivoted, and flowed into the next position with a natural ease, her body a vessel of mindful intent.

The scent of pine needles and fresh earth enveloped her, grounding her in the present moment. The dojo's backyard, a cocoon of tranquility, seemed to pulse with a gentle energy that resonated with her own heartbeat. Each movement was an offering to this sacred space, a gesture of respect and gratitude.

Her mind drifted, thoughts ebbing and flowing like the tides. She reflected on her journey, the battles fought with the ruthless precision of Scorpion's Eye. She recalled the fierce satisfaction of victory, the thrill of outmaneuvering her opponents.

In the heart of the Miyagi-Do dojo, Jieun found a quiet strength, a resilience born not from aggression but from understanding. Her movements, once sharp and unpredictable, became a dance of unity and peace. As she completed the kata, she felt a sense of belonging, a connection to the legacy of Miyagi-Do, and to the profound wisdom that lay within its practice.

Jieun's tranquility was shattered by Johnny's sharp call, slicing through the serenity like a knife. "All right, all right. You got the kata down. Let's see you use it." Her eyes fluttered open, the peaceful haze of her practice dissipating. Nearby, Sam and Tory had been practicing too, their movements now stilled, attention diverted by Johnny's command.

"Fighting positions," he ordered, a gesture summoning Jieun to join him at the side. Sam and Tory bowed to each other, a prelude to their sparring. "Ready?" Johnny's voice cut through the anticipation, and with a curt nod, he declared, "Fight!"

The two girls hesitated, their initial movements tentative and uncertain. Tory threw a half-hearted kick, a gesture more symbolic than aggressive. Jieun watched, noting the awkwardness in their stances, the reluctance in their actions.

It was evident — they no longer harbored animosity towards each other. Friendship had replaced their old enmity, leaving them no real desire to harm one another.

Johnny's frustration was palpable. "What is this, ice capades? That's enough." He turned to Jieun, his expression a blend of impatience and expectation. "TicTac, replace Nichols."

Jieun stepped forward, bowing to Sam with a mix of respect and apprehension. As she assumed her stance, she too felt the weight of hesitation. They were all friends now — Sam, Tory, herself. The battles they had fought were no longer driven by hatred or rivalry.

The thought of fighting Sam, of possibly reigniting old wounds, filled her with unease.

The dojo was quiet, some of the other students' eyes on them, a silent audience to this unexpected drama. Jieun's mind raced, the tranquility of her kata practice slipping away. She did not want to fight with hatred; she did not want to risk breaking the fragile bond she had just mended with Sam.

Jieun took a deep breath, centering herself, drawing on the peace she had found in the kata. She moved forward, her actions deliberate yet gentle, a dance of non-violence. Her movements were fluid, a continuation of her earlier practice, embodying the principles of Miyagi-Do.

Sam responded in kind, their sparring becoming a dialogue of mutual respect rather than a contest of strength. Each block and each strike was measured, carefully, and designed to avoid harm. They moved together in a graceful ballet, their actions synchronized.

Jieun and Sam stood poised, ready to continue their sparring. They began to move, but their strikes and blocks lacked the intensity and conviction expected in a dojo. Each punch was hesitant, each kick restrained. They were careful, too careful, their actions imbued with a sense of reluctance that was palpable.

Johnny's frustration simmered, evident in his furrowed brow and the tight set of his jaw. "What the hell are you two doing?" he barked, his voice echoing off the dojo walls. "This isn't a ballet recital! Throw a real punch, for crying out loud!"

The girls tried again, but the hesitation remained. Their movements were cautious, their strikes lacking the power and precision that usually defined their practice. Jieun could feel the weight of Johnny's gaze, the disappointment radiating from him like heat.

"Come on, ladies!" Johnny shouted, exasperation coloring his tone. "I've seen more action in a chess match. You think your opponents are gonna stop and have tea with you? Hit like you mean it!"

Despite his insults, the hesitance persisted. Jieun's mind was a swirl of conflicting emotions. The kata had brought her peace, but now, that peace seemed at odds with the aggression required here. She glanced at Sam, seeing her own uncertainty reflected in her friend's eyes.

Jieun tightened her fists, trying to summon the intensity Johnny demanded. She launched a punch, but it was still tempered by caution, her desire not to hurt Sam overriding the need for force. Sam mirrored her, their sparring a dance of restraint rather than the fierce battle Johnny expected.

"Is this a sparring match or a game of patty-cake?" Johnny's frustration boiled over. "I've seen toddlers in a sandbox with more grit than this! What are you afraid of?"

The dojo was silent save for Johnny's outbursts and the muted sounds of their sparring. Jieun felt the pressure mounting, the weight of expectation pressing down on her. She wanted to prove herself, to show that she could embody the spirit of Miyagi-Do and still fight with determination.

"Stop holding back!" Johnny roared. "If you can't fight each other, how are you gonna fight anyone else? This isn't a picnic, it's a dojo! I want to see some real fighting, not this half-assed shit!"

Despite his words, Jieun found it difficult to summon the aggression needed. She glanced at Sam, seeing the same conflict in her eyes.

From a distance, Devon Lee approached Miguel and Robby, a smirk playing on her lips. The two boys stood side by side, watching the spectacle of Jieun, Tory, and Sam's failed sparring session, punctuated by Johnny's frustrated shouts. Devon's amusement was evident as she glanced at them.

"They're broken," she said, chuckling. "What the hell did you guys do?"

Robby shrugged, his eyes never leaving Jieun. She moved with a careful grace, her hesitance clear as she faced Sam. Robby's heart swelled with a mixture of love and concern. He admired her in her uniform, the way it highlighted her strength and determination. But the conflict gnawed at him. If they couldn't fight each other properly in practice, what hope did they have for the tournament?

"We didn't do anything," he replied, his voice tinged with both pride and worry. "They're just friends now."

Miguel sighed, his gaze shifting between the sparring girls. "Yeah, they went from war to cold war to peace."

Devon laughed, the sound light and mocking. "Yeah, piece of crap fighting."

As she left to join Johnny, Robby exchanged a look with Miguel. The two boys shared a silent understanding, their thoughts mirroring each other's concerns. Robby's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He loved Jieun's gentle spirit, but he knew the tournament demanded a fierceness she seemed reluctant to summon against her friends.

Miguel shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "This is gonna be a mess."

Robby nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, but we've got to trust them. They'll find a way."

Devon approached Johnny, her amusement fading into a more serious demeanor. She leaned in, whispering so the girls wouldn't hear. "Sensei, I get that Miyagi-Do is about avoiding conflict, but if they're not gonna go hard during training, how are they gonna lead us to victory at the tournament?"

Johnny sighed heavily, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He turned his gaze to the three girls, their sparring now a tentative dance rather than a fight. He shook his head slowly, frustration and resignation mingling in his eyes.

"They're not," he said, his voice low and somber. "They're gonna get their asses kicked."

Devon's eyes widened slightly, her amusement replaced by concern. Johnny's blunt assessment hung in the air, a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. The dojo's backyard, once a haven of tranquility and discipline, now seemed fraught with uncertainty.

THE SKY WAS A VELVET EXPANSE dotted with glimmering stars. Jieun parked her car in front of Devon Lee's house, its headlights briefly illuminating the manicured lawn and the neatly trimmed shrubs that bordered the walkway. She sighed, a mixture of weariness and anticipation weighing on her. Devon had insisted she come over and bring a change of clothes, and though Jieun wasn't quite sure what to expect, she obliged.

Grabbing her duffle bag from the passenger seat, Jieun stepped out of the car, the cool night air brushing against her skin. She took a moment to survey the house. It stood proud and welcoming, a two-story structure with large windows that glowed softly from the lights inside. The porch light cast a warm, golden halo, inviting her forward.

As she made her way up the stone path, the gravel crunched softly under her feet. The path was flanked by meticulously maintained shrubbery, the leaves glossy and dark in the moonlight. Tall hedges provided a sense of privacy, their shadows merging with the night, while small, delicate flowers peeped through the foliage, their subtle fragrance mingling with the cool air.

The house itself exuded an understated elegance. White siding contrasted with dark shutters, and the front door, deep mahogany, stood as a centerpiece. Soft light spilled out from the windows, casting gentle patterns on the lawn and giving the house a cozy, lived-in feel.

Before Jieun could knock on the door, it swung open, revealing Devon's wide, eager smile. She grabbed Jieun by the arm and pulled her inside, the warmth of the house enveloping her as they hurried down the hallway.

"We're going to the basement," Devon said, practically dragging Jieun along.

Jieun barely had time to take in the cozy, tastefully decorated interior before they descended the stairs. As they reached the bottom, she was greeted by the sight of Tory and Sam lounging on a plush couch. The basement was surprisingly well-furnished, a haven of comfort with pink streamers and balloons hanging from the ceiling, casting a festive air.

Standing in the center of the room was Johnny Lawrence, his arms spread wide in a gesture of grand welcome. Jieun grimaced inwardly at the sight of him.

"Welcome to Miyagi-Do After Dark!" Johnny exclaimed.

Sam and Tory shivered, Sam muttering under her breath, "We told you not to call it that."

Jieun finished descending the stairs and took a moment to inspect the room. A coffee table was the centerpiece, laden with various bowls of chips and a tray boasting an array of nail polishes. Light music played from hidden speakers, adding a soft, cheerful ambiance. She admired the effort that had been put into whatever this gathering was meant to be.

"Wow, this is... something," Jieun said, her voice trailing off as she absorbed the scene. "I mean, I would have brought something, you know, for a girls' night. Maybe some face masks, or —"

Her gaze slid to Johnny, standing incongruously in the middle of the pink-adorned room. She raised an eyebrow at him, a silent question hanging in the air, "Why the hell are you here?" She let out an exasperated sigh.

Johnny puffed out his chest, a look of determination crossing his face. "I'm a girl dad now. I've got to be prepared for everything. I even bought cookies and tampons and everything!"

The room fell silent for a moment, the absurdity of the situation settling in. Jieun couldn't help but chuckle, the tension easing slightly. She looked around at her friends, each of them caught between amusement and bewilderment, and felt a surge of warmth. This unconventional gathering, with its mix of awkwardness and genuine effort, was oddly endearing.

"Okay, then," Jieun said, a smile tugging at her lips. She dropped her duffle bag by the couch and turned to Johnny, a playful glint in her eye. "So, 'Miyagi-Do After Dark,' huh? Did you come up with that name all by yourself?"

Johnny grinned, undeterred by the teasing. "You bet I did. Catchy, isn't it?"

Sam groaned from the couch, covering her face with her hands. "We told you, it sounds like some weird late-night infomercial."

Jieun picked up a bottle of nail polish from the tray, examining the color. "So, what's the plan here? Are we doing nails, gossiping, and then fighting to the death, or what?"

Johnny leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "Nope, tonight's all about bonding. And then some."

Tory snorted, shaking her head.

The night unfolded with the carefree activities typical of a slumber party. The girls painted each other's nails, tried out face masks, and shared stories that brought fits of laughter. But amid the lighthearted fun, Jieun, Tory, and Sam couldn't shake the feeling that Devon and Johnny had ulterior motives.

It started innocently enough when Johnny suggested a pillow fight, a gleam of mischief in his eyes. The girls exchanged skeptical glances but picked up the feather pillows, ready for a bit of harmless fun. What began with tentative, playful hits quickly escalated. Feathers flew as the girls let loose, their laughter mingling with the music and creating a warm, joyful atmosphere.

Amid the chaos, Johnny's presence became more assertive. He nudged the girls into more aggressive swings, their playful hits gradually transforming into powerful strikes. Tory and Sam, catching onto Johnny's intention, exchanged knowing looks but continued, their movements; soft and careful.

Jieun, absorbed in the fun, was caught off guard when a particularly hard hit landed squarely on her face. She stumbled, disoriented, as feathers exploded around her. Johnny, trying to hide a smirk, pointed at Sam, but Jieun's instincts kicked in. She turned to Johnny, eyes narrowing as realization dawned.

With a determined resolve, Jieun gathered all her strength and swung her pillow with precision. The impact was powerful, the pillow practically deflating upon contact. Feathers burst into the air, floating down like snowflakes. Johnny grunted, staggering back, clearly not expecting the force behind Jieun's strike.

For a moment, the room was silent, save for the gentle rustle of settling feathers. Then, laughter erupted once more, the tension dissipating into shared amusement. Jieun stood tall, a small smile playing on her lips as she looked at Johnny, who was now rubbing his neck, a look of grudging respect in his eyes.

As the night progressed, Devon pulled out an old Ouija board, its edges worn from use. Everyone gathered around, their fingers hovering just above the planchette as the game's instructions suggested.

Devon began with a mischievous grin, "Will Mitch ever win the All Valley?"

Johnny scrunched his eyebrows, genuinely puzzled. "Who the hell is Mitch?"

Tory didn't miss a beat. "Penis Breath."

At this revelation, Johnny's face cleared up, and he immediately directed the planchette to 'no'. Jieun rolled her eyes, unable to help herself. "That's not how you play the game."

Johnny shot back, his tone dripping with mock seriousness. "Hey, I'm just channeling the spirits here. And they clearly think Penis Breath doesn't stand a chance."

Devon snickered, and the group moved on to the next question. Johnny's eyes twinkled with mischief as he asked, "Does Tory want Sam to fall down a flight of stairs, breaking every single bone in her little body?"

Tory gave Johnny an incredulous look, muttering, "What?"

Johnny shrugged, feigning innocence. "Well, let's see what the spirits have to say." He tried to direct the planchette towards 'yes,' but the girls resisted, their fingers pushing against his strength.

Despite their combined efforts, Johnny's strength prevailed, and the planchette slid to 'yes.' He leaned back, triumphant. "There it is. That's ugly."

Johnny's eyes gleamed with mischief as he posed his next question, the planchette poised above the Ouija board. "If Sam could describe Tory in one word, what would that word be?"

Jieun, now thoroughly exasperated with Johnny's antics, decided to let him have his fun. She leaned back, letting Johnny manipulate the planchette. He moved it deliberately, his expression one of exaggerated seriousness.

The planchette glided to the first letter. "B..." Johnny's grin widened as he guided the piece to the next letter.

"I..."

He continued with theatrical precision. "T..."

The girls, recognizing Johnny's game, exchanged glances of shared frustration. They rolled their eyes collectively, leaving Johnny to maneuver the planchette alone. Johnny's voice cut through the room, a mix of mock indignation and playful outrage.

"What? It could've said 'bitchin'!"

As the night deepened and the candles flickered low, Johnny leaned in again, unwilling to let the opportunity for chaos slip away completely. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he tapped the Ouija board.

"Okay, last question," he announced, barely containing his grin. "Spirits, does Nichols secretly want to steal Robby and leave TicTac heartbroken?"

The room fell silent, the air charged with anticipation. Jieun rolled her eyes dramatically, but her lips twitched into a smile. "Seriously?" she said, her voice a blend of disbelief and amusement.

The girls joined in, each putting their fingers lightly on the planchette. But Johnny, refusing to be outdone, subtly applied pressure, trying to guide it toward 'YES.'

"Quit trying to play ghost!" Jieun teased, feeling the slight resistance as the planchette wobbled unsteadily across the board.

Johnny feigned innocence, eyes wide. "Me? Never. I'm just channeling the spirits."

They decided to test Johnny's meddling, each of them exerting gentle force to steer the planchette in the opposite direction.

The girls gave up as the planchette settled firmly on 'YES.' and Johnny threw his hands up sucking in a breath, "Yikes. Keep Robby close, TicTac."

Jieun shook her head, her eyes twinkling. "Nice try, but you're going to have to do better than that."

Johnny leaned back, frowning. He sighed, feigning disappointment. "You guys are no fun. Back in my day, this would've started a brawl."

Jieun chuckled, her gaze softening as she looked at Sam and Tory. "Sorry to disappoint, but we're kind of over all that."

"Yeah," Tory chimed in, "we've moved on."

The Ouija board lay forgotten in the center of the room, a relic of Johnny's failed attempts at stirring the pot. Jieun announced she needed to use the bathroom, leaving her phone behind on the coffee table. Johnny seized the moment, glancing at Devon with a conspiratorial wink as he picked up Jieun's phone, tucking it stealthily into his pocket.

Devon leaned against the wall, observing the scene with a mix of amusement and disbelief. Sam and Tory were huddled on the couch, giggling over funny videos on their phones, their laughter punctuating the warm, cozy ambiance of the room.

"This night really took a turn for the worse," Devon remarked, shaking her head. "Literally, there's no drama."

Johnny grinned, a gleam of determination in his eye. "Have faith, Lee. I know how girls think. It just takes one little spark."

Just then, Sam's phone rang, interrupting the moment. Tory leaned over, curious, and saw the name 'Robby Keene' flashing on the screen.

Tory arched an eyebrow, glancing at Sam with a hint of suspicion. "Why's Robby calling you?"

Sam sighed, trying to keep her voice even. "I don't know. Probably just a butt dial."

Meanwhile, across the room, Devon watched Johnny with growing suspicion. She saw him slip a phone into his pocket and narrowed her eyes. "What did you do?" she whispered, leaning closer.

Johnny shrugged nonchalantly. "I stole Robby's phone. It's a nuclear option."

Devon's eyes widened, a mix of horror and amusement dancing in her expression. "Johnny, that's insane!"

Back on the couch, Sam tried to brush off Tory's scrutiny. "Honestly, it's nothing. Robby's probably trying to reach Jieun and got confused."

Tory's skepticism was evident in her sideways glance. Before Sam could say more, Tory's phone chimed with a new message. She read it, furrowing her brows in confusion.

"What is it?" Sam asked, her curiosity piqued.

"It's a text from Miguel," Tory replied, hesitation in her voice.

Sam's heart sank slightly. "What does it say?"

Tory hesitated, then read aloud the unexpected message. It was something about Miguel wanting Tory back, asking if she wanted to be his side piece.

Sam scoffed, crossing her arms. "That's ridiculous. Miguel would never—"

Her own phone buzzed, interrupting her. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from Jieun, proclaiming that Sam was her "bestest friend." Sam's irritation softened into a smile, but only for a moment.

Tory furrowed her brows again. "Jiji sent me the exact same text."

Sam looked at Tory, confusion clouding her features. "What?"

Tory nodded, showing Sam the screen. The message was identical, only declaring Tory as Jieun's best friend.

The room was suddenly filled with an awkward silence, tension creeping in like an unwelcome guest. Johnny and Devon watched from the sidelines, Johnny's expression smug and satisfied.

Johnny turned to Devon, unable to suppress his snickering. "I stole TicTac's phone too," he admitted, his voice barely a whisper.

Devon smirked, unimpressed. "Yeah, it's not that hard to follow."

The bathroom door creaked open, and Jieun rejoined the group, her curiosity piqued by the sight of Sam and Tory crossing their arms as they closed in on Johnny. The atmosphere was tense but charged with a sense of camaraderie that even Johnny's schemes couldn't erode.

"Hey, hey, what's going on?" Johnny's voice wavered slightly, though he tried to mask it with feigned nonchalance.

Sam's eyes narrowed with playful suspicion. "What's behind your back?"

Johnny shrugged, maintaining his innocent facade. "My hands. Nothing. Just my hands."

Tory rolled her eyes, tapping her phone to dial Miguel's number. The sudden ring from Johnny's hands betrayed him. Sam's knowing glance prompted her to call Robby's phone, which chimed in harmony behind Johnny's back.

"Oh, wow, multiple lines. I didn't know you were such a social butterfly," Johnny quipped, trying to maintain his composure.

But Jieun moved swiftly, spotting her phone and deftly retrieving it from Johnny's grasp. Tory sighed deeply, shaking her head at the absurdity of it all. "You're catfishing us."

Johnny feigned ignorance, eyes wide in mock innocence. "I don't know what that is, but catfish is gross."

Jieun and Tory exchanged exasperated looks, the humor of the situation not lost on them. Sam pressed further, her tone a mix of annoyance and amusement. "You've been messing with us all night. Now you're trying to get us to start fighting."

Devon stepped forward, her voice rising in Johnny's defense. "We just wanted to help you get your edge back so things can go back to the way they used to be."

Tory shook her head, her eyes narrowing with skepticism. "You think things were better when we hated each other's guts?"

Jieun chimed in, her voice firm but tinged with empathy. "I don't miss that part."

Johnny hesitated, searching for the right words. "No. Maybe just south of that, like a really strong dislike."

Sam crossed her arms, her expression challenging. "I thought you were Miyagi-Do now."

"I am Miyagi-Do!" Johnny protested, gesturing around the room. "Look, we're inside with pillows, chocolates, and air conditioning. I want you to hate each other but in a friendly way."

Jieun shook her head, disappointment etched in her features. "You can't force us back to where we were. We've grown past that." Jieun crossed her arms, staring at Johnny with a mixture of amusement and irritation. "This is your master plan? It's almost impressive in its stupidity."

Johnny tried to laugh it off, but there was a flicker of discomfort in his eyes. "Come on, I thought you guys needed a bit of the old fire."

Jieun rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh sure, because nothing says 'fun' like stirring up old rivalries."

Devon stepped in, trying to diffuse the tension. "You've been going easy on each other in practice, and Sensei thought..."

"Sensei thought," Jieun interrupted, her tone cutting, "that we'd be better off if we were still at each other's throats? The edge was exhausting."

Inside, Jieun wrestled with a familiar frustration. She knew the others had been holding back during their sparring sessions, their punches lacking the force they once carried. In the beginning, it had been awkward, the muscle memory of animosity still fresh. But as they grew closer, Jieun realized how draining it had been to fight with such intensity, driven by anger and rivalry.

The old way had been a constant battle, physically and emotionally. Each sparring session had been a struggle not just against her opponent but against the part of herself that thrived on conflict. It was an energy that burned brightly but left her feeling hollow and depleted. She had no desire to return to that place, no matter how much Johnny seemed to think they needed it.

Johnny watched Jieun, his smirk faltering. "You guys were unstoppable when you were fired up."

"Yeah, fired up and miserable," Jieun shot back, her eyes blazing with a mix of humor and irritation.

Devon leaned in, her voice conciliatory. "We didn't mean any harm. We just wanted to help."

Jieun sighed, her expression softening slightly. As the night drew to a close, Jieun grabbed her duffle bag, her irritation still simmering beneath the surface. She watched as Sam and Tory lingered by the doorway, waiting for their Ubers. She hesitated, part of her wanting to offer them a ride, but Sam spoke before she could find the words.

"I can't believe he stole their phones," Sam said, shaking her head in disbelief.

Tory nodded, her eyes still reflecting the absurdity of the situation. "He actually thought we would fall for that."

Jieun paused, her offer unspoken, as the conversation between Sam and Tory took an unexpected turn. The air was charged with a mix of unresolved tensions and unspoken truths.

Tory shrugged, her voice carrying a hint of accusation. "I don't know, it's not like you haven't tried to steal my boyfriend before. Stealing Jiji's wouldn't exactly be out of the question."

Sam, caught off guard, faltered. "I was drinking. And... and regardless, I... I know that was a huge mistake. But it was like, over a year ago."

"So, what, that makes it okay?" Tory's voice was sharp, each word a needle in the fabric of their fragile peace.

"The shit you pulled after wasn't," Sam retorted, her voice rising defensively.

"Oh, yeah, here it comes. Little Miss Perfect LaRusso."

"You attacked me at school!"

"You attacked me at prom!"

"You broke into my house. You... you put me in the hospital."

"I tried to make things right, and you attacked me again."

"No, you started this whole thing."

"I did?" Tory's voice cracked, raw and exposed. "Because the first time we ever met, you accused me of stealing your mom's wallet. And even after you learned that it wasn't me, you never apologized. I was already the new kid with no friends. And then as soon as I connected with someone, you had to come in and ruin that."

The weight of their shared history hung in the air, thick and heavy, like the stillness before a storm. Jieun stood silently, feeling the gravity of their words but knowing this was not her battle to join.

The silence stretched, taut and uncomfortable, until Sam nodded slowly, her voice softer now. "You... you're right. I'm sorry. I was jealous and distrustful, and I made a really shitty call, and I should have apologized. Long before now."

Tory's anger ebbed, replaced by something softer, more vulnerable. "Yeah, well... I'm sorry too. Things went too far. And if I'm being honest, it was my fault. I can't believe what I did to your arm."

Sam's voice wavered, tears brimming in her eyes. "It's not that bad actually. It's pretty much faded. A lot like this thing between us, right?"

"Yeah. I really am sorry," Tory echoed, her voice filled with sincerity.

"Me too," Sam replied, and they embraced, the hug a balm for old wounds.

Jieun, standing slightly apart, felt a swell of warmth at the sight. She clapped her hands together in appreciation of the moment's heartwarming resolution before stepping forward to join the hug herself, enveloping them in a shared sense of renewal.

Sam and Tory giggled, the sound light and full of promise, and Jieun smiled, grateful to be part of this moment of healing. The night had been a testament to their strength, their ability to confront their pasts and find forgiveness in each other. As they pulled apart, Jieun felt the weight of old conflicts lift, leaving behind a sense of peace and unity that filled the space between them.

In the quiet that followed, Jieun offered a tentative smile. "You guys know I'm here, right? And I can still give you a ride."

Sam and Tory exchanged a glance, their expressions softening with gratitude. "Thanks, Jiji," Sam said, and Tory nodded in agreement. "Yeah, thanks."

As they gathered their things and prepared to leave together, Jieun felt a sense of contentment settle over her. The night might have been filled with unexpected twists, but it had ultimately brought them closer together, reminding them of the strength they found in each other and the bonds that time and understanding had woven between them.

As they stood together in the gentle aftermath of their reconciliation, a quiet understanding settled between them. Jieun felt a mix of relief and gratitude, a warmth spreading through her chest as she reflected on the journey they had taken to reach this moment. The weight of old rivalries and past hurts seemed to dissipate, leaving behind a sense of peace and acceptance.

Sam, too, felt the tension that had lingered between them for so long begin to ease. She had carried the guilt of her actions like a shadow, and now, finally, she could feel the sun breaking through. The apology she had offered was long overdue, and in its wake, she found a lightness she hadn't realized she'd been missing. Her heart swelled with appreciation for Tory's willingness to meet her halfway, to let go of the past and embrace a new beginning.

Tory's emotions were a whirlwind, her heart racing from the intensity of their confrontation but now slowing to a steady rhythm of calm. She had been afraid to trust, afraid that the fragile peace they had built could be shattered with a single misstep. But Sam's sincerity had pierced through her defenses, and she realized that their bond was stronger than the conflicts that had once divided them. A tear slipped down her cheek, not of sadness but of release, and she let it fall, embracing the catharsis it brought.

The air around them felt different now, lighter and infused with possibility. The streetlights cast a gentle glow over the sidewalk, illuminating their path forward. Jieun knew that this moment would linger in her memory, a testament to the resilience of friendship and the healing power of honest communication.

In the quiet of the night, as they moved towards Jieun's car, each carried with them the knowledge that they had emerged from this experience not just as individuals, but as a united force. It was a beginning as much as an ending, a moment that marked the closing of old chapters and the opening of new ones filled with hope and the promise of lasting friendship.

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄

why was the sleepover the funniest and best part of all of part 1

like that shit had me CRACKING UPPPPP

sorry there hasn't been much robby x jiji moments, s6 was kinda filler for the most part and there's only so much i can come up with that makes sense timeline wise, also i have to start wrapping up jiji's whole plot with her dad and ben so I've been struggling a bit, especially bc netflix is putting this shit out in 3 parts SMH !!

also I've been so active on tiktok i forgot how fun it was to make fic edits, if u don't follow me its @ togeez.wp !!!

i don't ask this much but is there anything you guys want to see in regards to jiji and robby??? any requests on cute scenes or angsty ones?? I'm not running out of ideas but i also want to cater to u guys too, without u i would've never made it this far and I'm so incredibly blessed to have so many people reading this book. i truly love u guys <3

much love,