𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄. it was warmer then

JIEUN STEPPED CAUTIOUSLY ONTO THE cracked asphalt that led to Miguel's apartment complex, the worn edges of her sneakers scuffing the ground as she walked. The buildings formed a 'U' shape around a clearing in the center, patches of green peeking through where the earth had resisted the encroachment of concrete.

Though the building was run-down, with peeling paint and sagging balconies, Jieun had grown to love this place. It was here, in the heart of this neglected courtyard, that she found solace from her own life.

Miguel's home was a stark contrast to hers. His apartment was always filled with laughter and warmth, a sanctuary where love seemed to seep from the very walls.

Jieun often thought of it as an oasis, a place where she could escape the oppressive gloom that hung over her own house. Her grandmother's presence was like a dark cloud, a suffocating weight that threatened to crush anyone who stayed too long.

But today was different. There was a buzz in the air, an electric anticipation that tingled along her skin as she approached the door. Miguel and Robby had taken over Johnny's apartment to throw a party, celebrating their dojo's entry into the tournament.

As she stepped into the courtyard, the familiar sounds of laughter and music greeted her. Miguel's voice rang out, warm and welcoming, a stark contrast to the eerie silence of her own home.

Jieun made her way up the stairs, each step echoing softly in the stairwell. The door to Johnny's apartment was open, light spilling out into the dim hallway. She could hear the chatter of voices, the clink of glasses, the rustle of movement.

The apartment was a riot of color and sound. Streamers hung from the ceiling, and a poorly handwritten banner proclaiming "Congratulations!" stretched across one wall. People milled about, talking and laughing, their faces glowing with excitement. In the center of it all stood Miguel, Eli, and Robby, their faces alight with pride and joy.

Miguel spotted her first, his face breaking into a wide grin. "Mousie! You made it!" He crossed the room in a few quick strides, enveloping her in a warm hug. She hugged him back, feeling the tension of the day melt away.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," she said, her voice muffled against his shoulder. Pulling back, she glanced around the room, taking in the scene.

Robby's eyes locked onto Jieun's, a silent understanding passing between them. Miguel and Eli, ever perceptive, exchanged a knowing glance and drifted away, their laughter fading as they grabbed another round of red Solo cups. The terrace outside was alive with the buzz of their classmates, everyone holding those iconic red plastic cups, symbols of youthful revelry and celebration.

"Want a drink?" Robby asked, nodding towards the keg stationed in the corner of the living room.

Jieun crinkled her nose instinctively, memories of the last time she drank flashing through her mind. It had been on her mother's birthday, a bittersweet attempt to feel closer to the woman she'd lost.

Then, only days later, her father was murdered, leaving her with a lingering sense of foreboding whenever alcohol was involved. She'd come to see it as a bad omen, a dark shadow over her attempts at celebration.

"Nah, I think I'll pass," she said, trying to keep her tone light. "I have a reputation to uphold."

Robby raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Oh really? And what reputation might that be?"

"The one where I'm not dancing on tables or making questionable life choices after a few drinks," she shot back, her eyes twinkling.

He chuckled, leaning in closer. "Well, I'll have you know, I make perfectly questionable life choices without a single drop of alcohol."

Jieun laughed, the sound mingling with the music and the hum of conversation around them. "Oh, I don't doubt it. But I think I'll stick to my non-alcoholic ways, thank you very much."

"Suit yourself," He winked, the flirtatious gesture sending a small thrill through her.

The moment stretched between them, delicate and electric, like the stillness before a summer storm. Jieun could feel her pulse quicken, a fluttering sensation in her stomach that felt both exhilarating and terrifying.

"Let's go somewhere else," Robby suggested his voice a soft murmur that sent shivers down her spine. "It's too crowded in here."

She nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. Without another word, he took her hand, leading her through the throng of their classmates. The hallway was a maze of bodies, couples leaning against walls and blocking their path with entwined limbs. They navigated the crowd with laughter and gentle tugs, the journey itself becoming a part of the evening's charm.

Finally, they reached Johnny's room, slipping inside and closing the door behind them. The noise of the party faded to a distant murmur, replaced by the relative quiet of the messy space.

The room was quintessentially Johnny Lawrence: the bed was unmade, a tangle of sheets and blankets that spoke of hurried mornings and late nights. Cans of Coors Banquet beer littered the floor and desk, their metallic gleam catching the dim light. Clothes were strewn about, a mix of jeans, T-shirts, and a lone leather jacket draped over a chair.

Jieun looked around, her eyes wide with curiosity. "This place is everything I imagined, and worse," she said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Without another word she walked off, waving and calling out "Let's snoop around!" As Robby knew she would, he didn't want to mention that he'd been here plenty of times before, nothing was new to him.

He followed her with his eyes and then he grinned. "You're impossible," he said, his voice filled with affection. "Wanna see something funny?"

"What?"

He kicks a book splayed on the floor, The Art of Rock 'n Roll. Pennies were scattered on the coffee table. Johnny had a habit of flipping coins in front of a bottle of beer and making decisions accordingly.

He then turned, holding up an old cassette tape. "Do you think it still works?"

Jieun took it from him, turning it over in her hands. "A cassette tape?" she questioned, there was a short silence, and then she began laughing, the sound filling the room and making Robby's heart swell.

He watched her as she moved, the way her eyes sparkled with each discovery, the way her smile lit up her face. He was hopelessly in love with her, and in moments like these, it felt like the whole world had narrowed down to just the two of them.

"I guess there's only one way to find out," she said, and Robby quickly found a tape player on the cluttered desk, its surface covered in papers and empty cans. He inserted the tape and pressed play, the room filling with the scratchy sounds of old rock.

He set the volume to just below the level of the party's muffled song around the place. There it sits at a jaunty angle, singing the most captivating song into the quiet room.

Jieun blinked and focused on her friend instead of the bottles of cologne she just had her hands on. Or her thumbs close to, anyway.

"How much you want to bet he's had this on loop for the past few decades."

Her face softened, and the smug smile she had turned gentle. Under all the piles of paper, covered in dust, hidden, was a Breakfast at Tiffany's cassette. "Oh my God," she said softly.

"What?" Robby asked, shifting his body closer to see what was in her hands.

She moved her hands up to his face, tape in hand. "Who would've thought your dad was a softie?" She got up to start it.

Robby took this time to admire her. She was the only person he'd ever gushed over, always. She had this angel face that could lure any girl or boy, and Robby bet she could still get anyone to do exactly what she wanted, even if her hair suddenly got entirely gray and her build changed.

He would remember Ms. Thatcher's store, where she visited to take Halloween props, and how his heartbeat always kept a steady rhythm until the thought of her arrived, then its tempo would rise into a new genre altogether.

Jieun had that intimidating look people would often wear, but it was never true. Always behind those slightly pursed lips was a smile just waiting to be tempted out.

Robby only liked her then, Sometimes she'd look his way and he generally pretended not to notice, too much interest and he thought she would have wrung his neck. But when he did glance at her, he didn't have to try to smile, it just came naturally.

In those moments he'd imagine her being his girl.

Robby watched her move to the music filling the room, crackling somewhat from the old cassette player. For the most part that ancient music machine was her only audience, watching her with his two dusty green eyes. As she turned her eyes caught him standing there, him less adept at hiding in the shadows than she.

He dropped his eyes momentarily before looking, her head tilted to one side and a hopeful smile playing on her lips. "Dance with me," she said sweetly, her hand outstretched.

"This isn't really my style of mu ―" She didn't care, cutting him off as she placed his hands on her body the correct way.

Jieun grew up in a household of people who danced. There was never a day that went by without her mother taking her by the hands to waltz or boogie around the room.

Music was on from first light to last.

They danced in the small, messy room, the music creating a cocoon around them. For a moment, everything else faded away — the party, their worries, the noise of the world outside. It was just them, moving together in the dim light, lost in the magic of the night.

Jieun placed her head on Robby's chest as they swayed to the soft, nostalgic strains of Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany's. The gentle melody wrapped around them like a comforting embrace, the music a delicate bridge between their hearts.

She could hear Robby's heartbeat, fast and strong, a rhythm that matched the butterflies fluttering in her own chest. It made her smile, knowing she had this effect on him.

"You know, I've always loved this song," Jieun murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Robby's hand rested gently on her back, his fingers tracing small circles. "Yeah? It suits you. Timeless and beautiful."

She blushed at his words, her heart skipping a beat. "You're pretty good with words, Hobbit."

He chuckled softly. "Only when I'm with you."

They continued to sway, the room around them fading into the background. It was just them, held in this moment that felt like it could stretch on forever. Jieun closed her eyes, feeling the steady rise and fall of Robby's chest, the warmth of his body against hers. She felt safe, and cherished, in a way she hadn't felt in a long time.

"Wanna know something?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Always," she replied, the corners of her mouth curving up.

"You know that move you pulled off in the dojo last week? The one that had everyone gasping?" he began.

"Yeah?" she said, curiosity piqued.

"I've been trying to replicate it ever since, and I just can't get it right," he admitted, a sheepish smile playing on his lips. "You make it look so easy."

She laughed, the sound light and free. "Maybe I should give you some private lessons."

Robby's smile widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'd like that. As long as it comes with more of these moments."

"Deal," she said, feeling a thrill run through her at the thought.

After a while, she lifted her head and looked up at him. His green eyes were already on her, filled with a tenderness that made her heartache. The connection between them was palpable, a current that seemed to flow through the air, binding them together.

Robby's voice was soft, almost hesitant. "Jiji... can I kiss you?"

A smile spread across her face, the butterflies in her stomach turning into a flurry of excitement. "Yes," she whispered.

Their hearts were beating so fast, a shared rhythm of anticipation and desire. As Robby leaned in, time seemed to slow. His lips met hers gently at first, a soft, tentative kiss that quickly deepened as they melted into each other. The world around them disappeared entirely, leaving only the sensation of their connection, the warmth of his lips, and the way he held her as if she were the most precious thing in the world.

Jieun's hands found their way to his shoulders, then to the back of his neck, pulling him closer. She could feel his heartbeat against her chest, matching the wild pace of her own. The kiss was everything she'd dreamed it would be and more, a perfect blend of tenderness and passion, of longing and fulfillment.

When they finally pulled back, they were both breathless, their foreheads resting together. She opened her eyes, meeting Robby's gaze. His eyes were bright, his expression one of awe and joy.

"Wow," he said softly, his voice tinged with wonder. "I've been waiting to do that for a while,"

She laughed lightly, her own voice a bit shaky. "Me too,"

They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms, savoring the connection that had just deepened between them. It was a promise, a beginning, a beautiful moment that neither of them would forget.

"Thank you," Robby whispered, his thumb brushing her cheek.

"For what?" she asked, her heart still racing.

"For being you," he replied, his voice filled with emotion. "For this moment. For... everything."

She smiled, her heart swelling with affection. The moment was perfect.

Until there's a crash behind Robby, pulling them abruptly back to reality. Startled, Jieun and Robby hurried outside, their hearts still pounding but for a different reason now. In the hallway, they saw Eli holding Miguel back, his voice urgent.

"Leave Sam alone, Miguel. Let her cool off."

Jieun and Robby approached them, concern etched on their faces. Jieun made their presence known. "What happened?"

Miguel sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Sam just saw me kissing another girl."

Jieun looked at him solemnly, the weight of the situation settling over her. She knew how much Sam meant to Miguel, and seeing the hurt in his eyes pained her. "I'll handle it," she said softly, feeling a surge of determination.

She would be the bigger person, even if it meant facing someone who harbored nothing but hatred for her.

She found Sam outside in a quiet part of the apartment complex, where the clearing was. The moonlight cast a soft glow over the scene, highlighting the raw emotion on Sam's face. Sam's quiet cries were a stark contrast to the noise of the party mere feet away, each tear a testament to her heartbreak. She sat on a bench, her shoulders shaking, lost in her own world of pain.

Jieun hesitated, the memory of Sam's disdain clear in her mind. Sam stopped being kind to her and had never offered a hand of friendship when Jieun needed it most. But Jieun knew that now was not the time for grudges.

She took a deep breath and approached slowly, her steps deliberate and careful.

"Sam?" she called gently, her voice barely above a whisper.

She looked up, her eyes red and swollen. For a moment, anger flashed across her face, but it quickly melted into a look of desolation. "What do you want, Jiji?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Jieun felt a pang of sympathy. She sat down next to Sam, leaving a respectful distance between them. "I just wanted to see if you were okay," she said softly. "I know you're hurting right now."

Sam sniffed, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "Why do you care?"

Jieun sighed, looking up at the sky for a moment before meeting Sam's gaze. "Just because we're not getting along doesn't mean I want to see you in pain." Sam raised an eyebrow, thinking of all the physical pain she had endured from Jieun's karate skills and matches they had, Jieun took knowledge of this, "That's not fair, okay, that doesn't count."

There was a long silence, broken only by Sam's occasional sniffles. Jieun felt the weight of her hesitation, the urge to turn away and leave Sam to her own devices. But she resisted, choosing instead to stay, to offer the comfort she had longed for during her darkest times.

"I know it's not much to you, but I'm here if you need someone to talk to." She said quietly.

Sam's eyes softened slightly, the hostility in her gaze diminishing. "Why are you doing this?" she asked, her voice small.

Jieun smiled gently. "Because sometimes, we just need someone to be there for us, even if it's unexpected. I know how much Miguel meant to you. You deserve to have someone on your side right now."

For the first time, Sam's defenses seemed to lower. She leaned into Jieun, her quiet cries resuming but with less intensity. Jieun wrapped an arm around her, providing a steady presence.

At that moment, under the moonlit sky, the animosity between them seemed to fade, replaced by a fragile understanding. Jieun knew that this might not change their relationship entirely, but it was a start. She had chosen to be there for Sam in her time of need, just as she had wished someone would have been there for her.

Sam remained hesitant, her body stiff as she leaned against Jieun. The silence between them stretched, filled with the weight of unspoken words and past hurts. Finally, Sam took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she spoke.

"Jiji, I owe you an apology," she began, her words slow and deliberate. "I've been so angry at you for so long, and I never gave you a chance to explain. I just assumed... And I thought you didn't need me anymore, that you moved on without me."

Jieun listened quietly, her heart aching for the misunderstanding that had driven a wedge between them. She stayed silent, letting Sam find her words.

"When I found out the truth, the reason why you were dealing with so much pain and loss... I didn't know what to do. I felt guilty for thinking the worst of you," She continued, her voice breaking. "And then you started dating Robby. It felt like another betrayal, even though I knew deep down it wasn't your fault. It was just easier to be angry at you than to face my own insecurities and pain."

Jieun's grip on Sam tightened slightly, her eyes filling with unshed tears. She had never known the extent of Sam's feelings, the depth of her hurt. "I never meant to hurt you. I was just... I was so lost after my dad died. I didn't know how to reach out, how to let anyone in."

Sam nodded, her tears falling freely now. "I know. I understand that now. After talking to my dad, I realized how unfair I've been to you. I've been holding onto this anger and letting it poison everything. I'm tired of it, Jiji." Her voice trembled, "I'm tired of being mad at my best friend."

The words hung in the air, a fragile bridge being built between their hearts. Jieun felt a profound sense of relief and hope. She took a deep breath, her voice filled with emotion. "I missed you, Sam. We were so close, and losing you on top of everything else..." A pause, "it was unbearable."

Sam sniffled, wiping her eyes. "I missed you too. More than I can say. And I'm sorry for everything. For not being there when you needed me, for letting my anger get in the way, for hurting you."

Jieun smiled through her tears, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Thank you. Your apology means more to me than you know. And I'm sorry too, for shutting you out, for not explaining what I was going through. Can we start over?"

Sam nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and hope. "I'd like that. I really would."

They sat there for a while longer, the night enveloping them in its quiet embrace. It wasn't an instant fix, but it was a start. A promise of healing, of rebuilding the bond that had once been so strong.

Jieun now stood in front of Sam, her eyes filled with determination and a touch of mischief. "Just say the words, Blossom," she said, a small smile playing on her lips.

Sam raised an eyebrow, a flicker of curiosity crossing her face. "What words?"

Her smile widened, her voice light but sincere. "That you want me to beat Miguel up for making you cry."

Her eyes widened in surprise before she let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "You'd do that for me?"

She nodded, her expression serious. "In a heartbeat. Anyone who makes you cry deserves a good talking to, at the very least."

Sam's laughter faded, replaced by a look of gratitude and something deeper — an understanding that transcended words. "Thank you, Jiji. You don't have to do that, but... it means a lot that you'd offer."

Jieun reached out, taking Sam's hands in hers. "You're my friend, Sam. I know we've had our differences, but I never stopped caring about you. And if beating up Miguel is what it takes to make you smile again, I'm all in."

Sam's eyes filled with tears once more, but this time they were tears of relief and appreciation. "I missed this. I missed us."

Jieun squeezed her hands gently, a warmth spreading through her chest. "Me too. Let's not let anything come between us again. We're stronger together."

Sam nodded, her grip on Jieun's hands tightening. "Agreed. And for the record, I'll hold off on the Miguel-bashing. For now."

They both laughed, the tension of the past dissolving in the shared moment of levity.

Tory's voice cut through the air like a knife as she called out to them, her presence both unexpected and unsettling to Sam. Immediately, Sam shifted into a defensive stance, her body tensed with old animosities.

"What are you doing here?" Sam questioned sharply, her gaze narrowed.

Jieun's face lit up with a smile at the sight of her friend, but before she could move closer for a hug, Tory raised a hand, stopping her. Jieun's eyebrow arched in surprise at the unexpected gesture.

Tory's lips quirked slightly, a hint of dry humor in her tone. "I'm not here to fight," she said, her gaze shifting between Sam and Jieun.

Jieun couldn't help but chuckle softly at the irony, but Sam remained wary, her guard still up. The tension in the air was palpable, the weight of their shared history hanging between them.

"I came to talk to the both of you," Tory continued, her expression serious.

Sam's fists slowly lowered, though suspicion lingered in her eyes. "About what?"

Tory glanced at Sam before turning back to Jieun, her voice tinged with something akin to fear. "You didn't lose the All Valley," she said, her words landing like a bombshell in the quiet night.

Shock etched across both Sam and Jieun's faces at the unexpected revelation. Jieun's mind raced, trying to make sense of Tory's words. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Tory took a deep breath, her gaze steady on Jieun. "Silver cheated," she explained, her voice low but filled with conviction. "He rigged the match to make sure I won against you."

The truth hung heavy in the air, sinking into their bones with a chilling clarity. Sam's jaw tightened, a mix of anger and disbelief crossing her features. "Why would he do that?" Jieun demanded, her voice sharp.

Sam's heart pounded, each thump reverberating with the intensity of her anger. She shoved Tory with a force that surprised even herself, yelling, "You knew all along that Silver cheated and you did nothing?" Her voice cracked with the weight of betrayal, each syllable drenched in years of pent-up frustration.

Tory stumbled but caught herself, her eyes wide with a mix of guilt and defiance. She didn't fight back, her hands clenched at her sides. Jieun stood frozen, her expression mirroring the shock that gripped her heart. The news Tory had just revealed hung heavy in the air, a volatile truth ready to explode.

"You don't know what it's like in there, what I've had to deal with," Tory shot back, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion. But Sam wasn't listening. Her rage took over, driving her to unleash a flurry of karate moves.

Tory dodged with practiced ease, her movements fluid and precise. It was a dance of anger and evasion until Sam's foot connected with Tory's stomach, sending her crashing into a large garbage bin with a metallic clang.

Jieun sprang into action, grabbing Sam's arm, her voice a desperate whisper. "Sam, you're making a scene." The crowd from the party began to circle them, phones held high, capturing every second of the unfolding drama.

"My entire family has suffered because of you!" Sam screamed, her voice breaking as she tried to land another blow. Tory backed away, her eyes pleading for understanding. Jieun tightened her grip on Sam, trying to pull her back.

"Listen to her, Sam. We have to listen," Jieun pleaded, her voice a soft counterpoint to Sam's fury. "I trust her, okay? We just need to hear her out."

But Sam was beyond reason. The betrayal, the years of resentment, the pain inflicted on her family — it all boiled over, blinding her to everything else. Her vision tunneled, focused solely on Tory, the embodiment of her anguish.

At that moment, amidst the chaos and the flashing lights of the onlookers' phones, time seemed to slow. The weight of unspoken truths, of shared pain and conflicting loyalties, hung in the air. Sam's breath came in ragged gasps, her anger a living thing, coiled and ready to strike again.

Sam's grip tightened, and she lunged once more, her determination to make Tory pay for the past driving her forward. But nJieun's hold never faltered.

Miguel and Robby burst onto the scene, their expressions frantic and filled with urgency. "No! Sam, that's enough!" Miguel's voice was desperate as he grabbed Sam, trying to pull her back. Robby positioned himself between the two girls, his arms creating a physical barrier to prevent further escalation.

"She's been working with Kreese this whole time." Sam's accusation hung in the air, sharp and accusatory.

The words struck like a blow, leaving Robby speechless as he turned to Tory, his face a mask of disbelief. "What?" he muttered, his voice barely audible.

Sam's voice cut through the charged silence once more, her tone laced with venom. "Why did you only come forward now? Huh? Because you're a coward." Her words sliced through the tension, each syllable dripping with contempt.

Tory scanned the scene, her eyes searching for solace in the chaos. Her gaze landed on Jieun, who stood rooted to the spot, torn between her loyalty to Tory and the unfolding drama. Tory's face fell, her expression a mix of sorrow and desperation. She looked to Jieun for comfort, her eyes pleading silently.

Jieun stepped forward, her voice firm despite the tremor in her hands. "Okay, stop. Tory isn't your enemy here. She's trying to do the right thing by telling us the truth now. It's not easy to admit something like this."

Sam's eyes blazed as she rounded on Jieun. "Why are you defending her? She just admitted you were supposed to win! She's been keeping secrets, you should be furious!"

Jieun held her ground. "This isn't about taking sides. It's about understanding what really happened and dealing with it together."

But Sam wasn't listening.

"Screw you, LaRusso," Tory finally spat, her voice shaking with suppressed emotion. She shook her head, her resolve crumbling. "I knew this was a mistake." With those words, Tory turned and ran, her figure quickly disappearing into the night.

Sam, her own emotions spiraling out of control, stormed off in the opposite direction. "Sam!" Miguel called after her, his voice filled with concern and helplessness. Robby and Jieun both called for Tory, their voices blending into the night, but she was already gone.

Miguel turned to Jieun, his eyes searching for answers. "Did you know anything about this?" His voice was strained, a mix of confusion and betrayal.

"No," Jieun replied, her voice barely a whisper. "I had no idea."

In the aftermath, the party crowd began to disperse, their phones still in hand, capturing the remnants of the confrontation. The weight of unspoken words and unresolved conflicts hung heavy in the air, a testament to the tangled web of their lives.

Miguel, Jieun, and Robby stood in the dim light, their expressions a mirror of the turmoil that churned within them. The night had taken an unexpected turn, and the path ahead seemed fraught with uncertainty. As the echoes of the confrontation faded, they were left with the stark reality of fractured friendships and the daunting task of navigating the complexities that lay ahead.

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄

don't worry im not gonna make sam and jieun fight again, its just sam is very emotionally driven, she doesnt have the character development like my girl jiji

im so glad they made up i was getting so sick of them fighting like damn yall get over it

do we like that robby scene hhehehhehe

he still gotta ask her to be his gf but im saving that for the last ep of this season

TWO MORE DAYS TILL SEASON 6 !!!! im literally knawing at the bars of my cage this is gonna be the worst 48 hrs of my lifeeeeee

also, i know we havent seen much of yujin or ben, but it mostly bc of course, i took inspiration for jiji's whole plot from the kdrama my name and thats literally one season so i've been extending it for literally 5 seasons of cobra kai, and with cobra kai ending, that means i'll finally be wrapping up jieun's story too.

oh that hurts to say. i can't believe i'll never write jiji's name ever again once it's over :(

so if u watched my name, u already know who's who.

can i get an rip in the chat

much love,