#kwon

The empty dojo was dimly lit, shadows stretching long across the polished wooden floor. The distant hum of the city buzzed through the open windows, but inside, only their breaths filled the space—quick, measured, and charged.

Kwon’s eyes locked onto yours, his stance solid and poised. “One more round,” he said, a hint of challenge lacing his voice. “Or are you scared of losing?”

You smirked, your hands tightening into fists. “Only if you’re ready to taste the mat.”

You circled each other, feet gliding silently. The tension between you was electric, your movements sharp, each strike and dodge a dance of precision. Kwon lunged, but you deflected—his forearm brushing yours, sending a jolt through you both. You spun, narrowly missing his sweep, your eyes meeting again, closer this time.

For a moment, you froze, breathless. His hand hovered near your waist, your face inches from his. Heartbeats thundered in the silence.

“Adrenaline rush enough for you?” Kwon whispered, voice low, eyes intense.

You didn’t step back. “Not even close.”

You pressed forward, launching a swift kick he barely dodged. Your spar continued, more heated, more intense. Each strike was sharper, each dodge tighter. You weren’t just fighting now—you were feeling. Testing limits, pushing boundaries.

Kwon pinned your arm against the wall, your bodies almost touching. His breath was ragged. “You’re holding back.”

“Maybe,” you shot back, eyes flicking to his lips for just a second. “Or maybe I’m saving the best for tomorrow.”

Silence stretched between you, heavy with unspoken words. Slowly, Kwon released your arm, fingers lingering a little too long. You didn’t move away.

“We’ll win tomorrow,” he said finally, his voice softer. “But right now…”

You leaned closer, eyes blazing. “Let’s finish this.”

Your breath mingled in a narrow space between you, eyes locked. Kwon's hand slid slowly down from your wrist, his touch leaving a trail of heat. Your chest rose and fell, marching his rhythm. The dojo was silent, but the air between you crackled.

"Kwon..." Your voice was barely a whisper, but it held weight.

He leaned closer, his fingers brushing a strand of hair from your face, lingering at your jawline. His voice was low, rough. "This what youneeded to feel alive?"

You didn't answer with words. You closed the distance between you. Your lips meeting his in a slow tentative kiss that quickly deepened. It was a collision-fierce, desperate and charged with everything unspoken between you. Kwon's hand slid to the small of your back, pulling you closer, the heat of his body searing through the thin fabric of your gi.

The world outside the dojo disappeared. It was just you two-every touch, every breath, igniting something raw and uncontrollable. Your hands found his shoulders, fingers digging in as you melted into him. Kwon pressed you gently against the wall, his mouth moving from your lips to your jaw, then lower, each kiss deliberate, each pauseheavy with intention.

You whispered his name again, your voice softer now, laced with need. His response was a low, approving murmur, his eyes dark with intensity

"Still holding back?" You teased, breathless.

He smiled against your skin, the edge of his teeth grazing your neck. "Not anymore."

Kwon's lips traced a slow path along Your neck, each kiss sending a shiver through you. Your hands slid beneath his gi, fingers grazing the hard lines of his back, feeling the tension in his muscles. He groaned softly against your skin, the sound vibrating through you.

Your movements were deliberate every touch heavy with meaning. Kwon's fingers found the knot of you rbelt, pausing just long enough to meet your eyes-a silent question.You nodded, your breath catching as hetugged the fabric loose, letting it fall away. The weight of their gazes, the slow, deliberate pace-it was more than physical. This was trust, raw,and unfiltered.

Your hands moved to Kwon's belt,mirroring his actions. Each layer removed was a barrier falling, an unspoken promise. When you finally stood bare before each other the moment stretched, heavy with anticipation

He reached for you, his touch softer now, reverent. "You're incredible," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.

Your lips met again, the kiss deeper, more urgent. You moved together every touch a conversation, every breath a confession. It wasn't just about desire; it was about knowing each other completely, without walls.

You bit your lip, once you pulled away, holding back any moans that wanted to escape. Your arms wrapped around his neck, wanting him closer to you.

Kwon's smirk widened as he felt your arms wrap around his neck, pulling him even closer. He pressed his body flush against yours, the heat between you almost unbearable. He trailed his lips up your neck, nipping and sucking on the sensitive skin as he went, marking you as his.

"You're being awfully quiet..

He murmured, his breath hot against your ear. You stayed quiet, looking at the mirror that was besides you.

Kwon followed your gaze, his eyes locking onto the mirror beside you. He smirked as he saw your flushed face and swollen lips, his grip on your hips tightening possessively. "Look at you..so beautiful, all marked up and needy for me"

Whimpers escaped this time. Kwon chuckled as the whimpers slipped past your lips, his eyes darkening with desire as he ran his handsown your bare arms, his touch leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.

"That's it, baby... don't hold back,Let me hear those pretty little sounds." "Kwon.." Your breath hitched, making you breathless from his cold touch. Kwon shushed you softly, his hands sliding down to your waist as he leaned in to whisper in your ear again.

"Shh, relax... 'll take care of you, princess." You couldn't help but look away from shyness when he pulled Your bottom part of your gi down, showing a wet spot between your thighs.

You gasped as he touched your pussy, sensitive from his tender touches. Kwon smirked at your gasp, his fingers tracing slow, teasing circles around your sensitive flesh "You're so wet for me, princess. All for me, and no one else. "

He whispered, his breath hot against your ear as he continued to touch you, his fingers getting closer and closer to where you wanted them most.

He pushed against you, teasing and touching your clothed pussy."Kwon-" Kwon chuckled, enjoying the way you were practically begging for him, the sound of his name on your lips like music to his ears. "What is it, princess? Use your Words. "

He said, his fingers still moving in slow, teasing circles, never quite touching where you needed him most.

"Please... Need you so bad." You whined, bucking your hips to into his hand. "I'II take anything..." Kwon smirked wider at your words, his eyes dark with lust as he watched you buck your hips desperately against his hand. "Anything, huh? You're being a greedy little princess, aren't you?"He teased, his fingers finally slipping under the waistband of your panties, gently tracing your folds.

You gasped loudly, turning to the side to see your naked body in the mirror. "What if someone walks in-" Kwon chuckled, his fingers continuing to tease your folds as he looked at you in the mirror "Then they'll see you all pretty and marked up, and they'll know you belong to me." He said possessively, his other hand gripping your chin and forcing you to look at your reflection.

You nodded slowly, staring into his eyes, and biting your lip. "Please Kwon..." Kwon smirked at your submission, his eyes filled with dominance as he slowly slid a finger inside you "Good girl. so obedient for me"bHe whispered, his other hand still gripping your chin, forcing you to watch yourself in the mirror as he started to move his fingerinside you.

You moaned into his neck, pulling him closer. "oh fuck!-" Kwon chuckled lowly as you moaned into his neck, the sound going straight to his head. He started to move his finger faster, his free hand moving down to grip your hip, holding you in place against him. "Shh, baby... we have to be quiet" He whispered, nipping at your ear lobe as he added a second finger, stretching you out.

"Fuck..." You whimpered. Even his fingers were huge. Kwon smirked, enjoying the way your body was responding to his touch. He curled his fingers inside you searching for that sweet spot. "God, you're so tight... taking my fingers so well." You gripped onto the wall, bucking your hips more into his hand and attempting to rub your clit with his palm.

Kwon chuckled at your desperate attempts to find relief, his palm rubbing against your clit with each movement of his fingers. "Needy little princess, aren't you? Can't even control yourself." "Please! Keep going... Almost there-" You keep doing little gasps in between, your eyes closing.

Kwon increased the pace of his fingers, his movements becoming more rough and relentless as he continued to work you closer to the edge. "Open your eyes, princess..want you to look at yourself when you cum." You nodded tiredly, your jaw slightly dropping with a moan as you came undone in front of him.

Kwon watched intently as you came undone, his eyes filled with a possessive hunger as he felt your body tremble against him. He slowly withdrew his fingers,bringing them up to his mouth and licking them clean. "Good girl...you look so beautiful when you cum, princess" You stumbled in his arms, breathing heavily from the harsh orgasm.

Kwon chuckled softly as you stumbled into his arms, holding you close to his chest. "Easy there, princess... I got you" He said gently, wrapping his arms around you and rubbing your back soothingly "Want more..." You begged softly.

Kwon's eyes darkened again at your plea, his grip on you tightening as he felt his own desire reignite. "Yeah? You want more, princess?Greedy little thing, aren't you?" "Please?... I can take your cock now." You pleaded as he held you in his arms. Kwon's breath hitched at your words, his resolve weakeningas you begged for him sodesperately. He looked at you,seeing the need in your eyes and he couldn't deny you any longer

"Such a desperate little thing...you want my cock that badly?" You nodded frantically. Kwon chuckled at your frantic nodding, his hands moving down to grip your thighs as he lifted you up, wrapping your legs around his waist. "I'm gonna ruin you, princess... make you mine in every way possible."

You bit your lip, watching his cock dissappear in your pussy. Kwon groaned as he slowly pushed inside you, his head falling back as he felt your walls clench around him. "Fuck..you're so tight, baby...so perfect for me." You gasped loudly, not expecting the huge stretch, despite being stretched from his fingers before."Shit wait!Slow slow..."

Kwon stopped immediately, his grip on your thighs tightening as he heard your gasp of pain. "Shh, baby.. breathe for me." He said softly, gently rubbing your thighs in an attempt to soothe you. You closed your eyes, adjusting to him. "Mkay.. Move..or are you even fully in yet.." You whimpered in fear and opened one eye to look down.

Kwon chuckled lowly his gaze following yours down to where you were joined together. "Almost...you're taking me so well,princess...just a little bit more. " You nodded slowly.

Kwon gently continued to push inside you, slowly flling you up until he was fully sheathed inside you. "God..you feel amazing princess. You feel so good wrapped around me." You let out a moan in relief, happy he was finally in.

Kwon groaned in response to your moan, his hands moving to grip your hips as he held you still, letting you adjust to his size. "Such a good girl, taking all of me..you're mine, princess. You belong to me and no one else."

Kwon let out a low growl, his grip on your hips tightening as he slowly started to move, pulling out of you almost completely before slamming back in again. Kwon's thrusts became more intense, each one hiting deep inside you as he buried his face in your neck, leaving a trail of bites and hickeys.

"Fuck, princess... you feel so good...you take me so well. You're so perfect.. all mine.."

"Yeah? Fuck all for you!-" Your moans were breathless. Kwon let out a low growl, his thrusts becoming more rough and desperate as he pinned you against the wall. "That's right, princess..all for me... no one else gets to touch you, understand? You're mine to use, mine to claim, mine to own..."

You nodded fast, drool coming out of your mouth from all the pleasure.Kwon smirked at the sight of you drooling, enjoying the fact that he was the one causing you to feel this way. "Look at you, so pathetic and needy... completely at my mercy"

"Want your cum!.. Want it so bad.." You whimpered. Kwon's thrusts became more erratic as he listened to your whimpers, feeling himself getting closer to the edge. "Yeah? You want me to fill you up, princess? Want me to claim you from the inside out?"

you nodded, your mind fogging up and not being able to use words. Kwon groaned at your inability to speak, his grip on you becomingbalmost bruising as he pounded into you. "Fuck... I'm gonna cum soon, princess... gonna fill you up until it's dripping down your thighs.. gonna make sure everyone knows you're mine. " Nothing came out of your lips but moans and whimpers.

Kwon's head fell against your shoulder as he continued to thrust into you, his breathing becoming more ragged as he neared his release. "Shit...gonna cum..gonna fill you up.." You arched your back, legs shaking as you came undone before him. Kwon groaned loudly as he felt you clench around him, your orgasm sending him over the edge as he slammed into you one final time, releasing himself deep inside you.

You opened your mouth to moan loudly, squirting on him and drenching him with your juices. Kwon was taken aback by thesudden squirting, but he smirked and continued to thrust slowlybthrough his orgasm, his eyes locked on the mess you made on him. "Such a dirty girl, princess... Iook at you... squirting all over me..."

You breathed heavily, realizing what you did. You've never done that before until Kwon. He made you feel things no one else had. Kwon pulled out of you slowly, watching as a mixture of his cum and your juices dripped down your thighs.

"Look at that...look how messy you are for me...all because of me." You hummed softly, falling into his arms again. Kwon caught you easily,wrapping his arms around you and holding you against his chest as he pressed a kiss to the top of your head. "You did so good, princess...you were perfect for me." You closed my eyes and nodded.

Kwon gently rubbed your back, holding you close as he sat down on the couch, pulling you onto his lap. You rested on the couch as Kwon cleaned you up and put on your clothes.

Kwon carefully cleaned you up,taking his time to make sure he got every last bit of the messoff of you. Once you were clean, he helped you into your clothes before pulling you back onto his lap, wrapping his arms around your waist and holding you close.

"Hmmm.. Good adrenaline rush?" You said, tired. Kwon chuckled and nodded, running his fingers through your hair as he held you.

"Definitely..."

You smiled and kissed his cheek before resting in his arms again. Kwon smiled at the kiss, gently squeezing your waist as he looked down at you, his expression softening.

"...and..Hey, Y/N! Are you even listening?"

Sam's voice cut through your train of thoughts, snapping you back to reality as you turned to face the captain, who held a disappointed expression. "I..uh..I was—" you trailed off, mind blank as you tried to come up with an excuse. "no.." You mumbled in embarrassment.

The girl sighed, sitting down next to you on the bench. "What's going on with you? Don't tell me– is it him?" She asked, sending a look over her shoulder in the direction where the Cobra Kai members were standing, Kwon being with them.

You hesitated for a second before nodding.

"You can't let him keep distracting you. You already know how that keeps ending." Her tone became stern, blunt. It was like a punch as she referred to your losses ever since Kwon talked to you at the bar.

"Don't start with this again. You know I was doing well but–" You tried to defend yourself before she cut you off.

"But what? Y/N, you changed. All you focus is on Kwon and not on your team– this tournament. Does it even matter to you?" Sam asked, standing up. "It might not be important for you, but to me, Miguel and the others–it is." She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing, "So..it's your decision if you make the most out of this opportunity, or leave it." Without giving you a chance to reply, she left.

── ⋆ ──

Hours passed. As you were walking around, you felt a hand on your shoulder. You turned– and as expected, it was Kwon. "Did you make it a mission to follow me around everyday?" You asked, stepping back as you glared at him.

Kwon chuckled, his expression turning serious. "We need to talk."

"Again? No."

He took a step closer to you. "Just for a minute."

"Time's running."

"You're distracted, Y/N,—" He began, when you interrupted him. "I wonder why." Kwon ignored your remark, "—I see it. You don't belong with them anymore, you belong with me, with Cobra Kai."

You shook your head. "No."

Getting closer, his tone dropped to a softer one. "Don't you see I need you by my side?"

"You made your decision, Kwon. I can't betray my team just because you want to get back together." Your chest tightened as you spoke. It was all coming back again, the memories filled with pain.

Kwon fell silent for a few seconds, debating what to say. "I get it," He finally said. "Loyalty. But think about it– what have they given you? I've seen LaRusso and the rest doubt you. They're holding you back."

You didn't reply, the words lingering in the air.

"I'll give you time to think," he continued, keeping his gaze on you. "When you've made your choice, you know where to find me."

── ⋆ ──

You were going back to your room, the weight of Kwon's words still there, the decision tugging in your chest. The closer you got, you felt the cold tension between you and your team– the distance. Just as you were about to pass the boy's room, you heard Miguel's voice cut through the silence.

"..She's been so distracted lately. I just don't get it." he said with concern, but also frustration.

There was some muffled movement when Demetri spoke up. "All I'm saying is– if we keep going like this, we'll lose. It's better if we keep her back, Sam and Devon are enough anyway."

Your heart sank at their comments, the guilt crushing you. It was finally clear what you had to do. That night, as you opened the door to find Kwon, you got surprised at seeing that he was already there, leaning against the wall outside of your room, as if he knew you would come. Pushing away your pride, you went up to him.

"I've thought about it," you said quietly. "I'll join Cobra Kai."

“and smile” your cheeks ache as you attempt to keep the corners of your mouth lifted, posing against robby, the other captain of miyagi do. the sekai taikai was a prestigious world championship where only the dojos of highest talent, skill and agility were able to compete, fighting for the chance for their name to be plastered with honour as the #1. the camera clicked as your shoulders sag with relief, the smile dropping off your face immediately. 

“and one more” the photographer murmured.

“or not” he mumbles as Tory stalks away, the serpent logo prominent on her back. Cobra Kai. the words felt bitter in your mind, slimy and sour. they brought back memories that you often tried to bury within the depths of your mind, pained and broken memories, reflecting a person you were proud you weren’t anymore. your gaze traces her retreating figure, until they linger on her team. and their other captain. his dark hair that is free but styled aloofly, giving him a mischievous sort of charm, sits upon his headband, bearing the crest of a leader. you let your eyes wander his well built figure and tailored gi, until finally they land on his face. his lips that look pillowy and soft, and cheekbones that highlight the crevices of his face, until you’re met with his eyes. that are staring straight into yours. they’re dark and not soulless but have a sort of emptiness to them, danger and curiousity are evident as he studies you. you feel his gaze, hot and heavy, tracing the curves of your own gi, and the hair that flows of your shoulders in carefree waves. his eyes snap away, and you feel the pink in your cheeks dwindle away as you realise that you both had been openly ogling at each other. you can sense it, his lips curling up into a smirk as if he had won some sick little mindgame. you let your mind drift, walking back to where the rest of your team stayed huddled, letting Miguel ruffle your hair in a brotherly way. Sam begins to whisper to you, but you feel it. his stare, on your back, probably on the bonsai that bares the crest of his enemy, his opponent, his rival. so why was he so interested? you turn to the group of contestants suddenly tuning into what was going on. a challenge. you stare at the dolphin, marking the line with your eyes, calculating the height and judging the kick you would need to make. hawk steps forward, smirking as he takes in the cobra kai. 

“we’ll do it. but if we win, we want your room.” the other guy seems to size hawk up. 

“deal.” you tug hawk back into the group you and the other miyagi dos had formed. 

“hawk?! what the fuck?!” hawk rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. the Korean boy jeers, the crowd joining in with him. 

“are you americans gonna back out? that’s what you always are, cowards,” he sneers, his accent thick. your brow furrows as you take on a defensive stance. 

“the only things good about you are the pretty girls.” his eyes land on you and you feel your body tense. 

“don’t talk about y/n” Robby scoffs.

“y/n huh? pretty name for a pretty girl,” despite yourself, the words elicit a tumbling stomach of butterflies, hearing your name roll of his toungue like butter. Robby clenches his fists stepping forward. you watch as he performs a powerful double-legged kick, marking above the line by quite a bit. but you know it isn’t his best, but still you cheer and clap for him. it’s silent, as the opponent looks at the chalk, whistling slowly under his breath.

“good americans. just not good enough,” a slow chant begins to build.

“Kwon! Kwon! Kwon!” Kwon. that was his name. you supposed it suited him, watching as he circles it predatorily, feeling the support feed his probably inflated ego already. there is a blur of gi and movement, and suddenly there is a new line, and you sigh in disappointment because it is clearly inches higher than Robby’s. Kwon saunters over, holding out his hand, before you block him. 

“let me try.” kwon scrutinises you for a minute looking at your determined face and a smirk curves at his lips, one you take note that is often present on his mouth. he simply nods in reply. you take a deep breath, before taking a few steps back c providing yourself with a running start. 

“AIS!” you shout, jumping and drawing a harsh line on the dolphin with your foot. you look up as murmurs begin to arise. your line was identical to kwon’s, and the space between then sort of blurred.

“I would say that’s a tie.” Hawk’s voice rang out. you expect kwon’s face to be in a scowl as you shift your focus to him, but instead his expression is smug, and…proud? 

“well then, I guess we share the room.”

“wait what?” your voice was loud as everybody seems to nod in agreement. you catch onto Sam’s arm as she turns to leave. 

“Sam?! what-“ your so called best friend gives you a helpless shrug.

“I’m sorry y/n, I don’t want to cause any more problems with Cobra Kai.” you scoff as she shoots you a cheeky wink.

“i’m sorry…” quickly, she darts away, leaving you alone with kwon, who you are intent on avoiding his eye. his teasing tone sends shivers down your spine. 

“c’mon princess, let’s go get your bags.”

as you swing open the room door, you’re greeted with a shirtless kwon who lays lazily on the bed, opening an eye at your arrival. his bare torso sends blood straight to your face, as you splutter a greeting. 

“put on a shirt will you?” kwon lets out a rich, deep chuckle raising a challenging eyebrow at your flushed figure.

“what, can’t handle this?” you roll your eyes, dumping your bags down as he gestures to his chiseled chest, the muscles contracting and expanding with each breath. 

“you’re too egotistic for your own good,”

“and you’re more beautiful than you realise” the retort slips off his lips, flirty and charming, as he rolls over on the double bed in the centre of the room. the realisation sets in. you were sharing a bed. kwon smirks at your lack of response. a smile finds it way to your face as you sit on the bed, studying him. 

“what are you playing at?” the dark-haired boy’s face adapts into an innocent expression. 

“nothing.” you narrow your eyes, watching as kwon smirks.

“i’m going to take a shower,” he stands, collecting his clothes and towel slowly, as if teasing you, tempting you. 

“you’re welcome to join if you want,” he winks at you, leaving you a stuttering mess as you hear the water turn on. leaning back into the cool of the bed sheets you bury your head into the pillow, letting out a frustrated scream before grabbing your phone and dialing a number.

the shower steam billows out of the door, the glass and mirror fogged up as kwon emerges, towel wrapped around his waist. you can’t help but stare. his tanned abs glisten with moisture, and a toned v-line leads down and disappears under the towel, letting you use your imagination. his hair has strands astray and drips onto the carpeted floor, and leaves a small trail where he walks. kwon feels your stare, and gives it right back. you had changed into pyjamas while he was gone, tiny pink silk shorts that curved with your ass and wore a thin white singlet that didn’t leave much to the imagination, showcasing your round tits behind the cotton. There’s a thick silence that surrounds the room, tension pulsating within it, an alluring sort of tension that makes you want to pull him close. but you don’t. you restrain yourself. because no matter how attractive he is, kwon is still cobra kai. The very dojo that made your life hell. You clear your throat, and kwon regards with an amused smile that he hopes covers the blush on his cheeks, the obstruction in the middle of the bed.

“and what is this?” you point at the barrier of pillows you had constructed.

“this is a pillow wall. we each have our side.” you smirk triumphantly. kwon groans.

“fine. have it your way american.” you turn around, settling into your side, and feeling the mattress dip as kwon lays down, clearly still sulking about the separation.

“goodnight kwon,” you say. there’s a pause, almost as if he is tossing up between replying.

“goodnight princess.”

you wake up to the murmuring of kwon beside you, his eyes squeezed shut and sweat beads upon his forehead. he whimpers and rocks against the pillow, his moans of pain echoing into the night sky. the realisation is cold as you begin to shake him. kwon is having a nightmare, a situation you are far too familiar with. 

“kwon,” you shake his sleeping body, feeling his body tense but then relax into your hold. his eyes flutter open, meeting yours. an emotion passes through them, something you’d never thought you would see in his eyes. fear. 

“you were having a nightmare,” you say quietly. the warmth radiates from his chest as you subconsciously lean into it. you settled into silence, before starting to shuffle away as kwon offers no response. you freeze as you feel a hand grip around your wrist, pulling you into his chest, a position far too intimate but it felt so right.

“in my dojang we are taught to not show mercy. to not feel anything. to not show weakness.” he rubs his thumb against your hand. 

“how do they teach that?” kwon faces you, your question lingering in the air between you. 

“they make it so we can’t feel anything.” and slowly, he raises his fringe, showing you a scar that lines his upper right forehead. you take his head within your hands, gasping silently.

“how did you-“

“I was 12 when I received this.” his voice is hushed.

“it was by my sensei. he beat me with a cane until I could no longer stand.” he shuddered, as your face falls. 

“why?”

“because I was not perfect.” your breath is on his face, soft and hot, as your eyes search his. vulnerability. that’s what you find. it’s bored heavy on you, tired and sad as he stares up into your face. 

“I get nightmares about it sometimes.” you watch as he swipes his hair over it, covering the scar once more. he holds you in his arms, feeling the way you slot into him. you offer an ear to listen to his problems, to his struggles. it felt nice. he watches as your eyes droop and your mouth stretches into a yawn. you know this is wrong. but you can’t help it. 

“tired?” you nod slowly, your mind threatening to take you into slumber. Kwon smiles, before leaning in and brushing his lips against yours. It shouldn’t have the effect it does, its a graze to your mouth, a passing touch but your body shudders against his skin. kwon grins as red flames your cheeks. 

“goodnight princess,”

Warnings ; mention of alcohol & alcohol usage

Pt. 4

୨୧・・・・♡・・・・୨୧

‘Oh my goodness, yes!’ Sam cried out, bursting into our room with uncontainable energy. Startled by the sudden commotion, I stood up quickly, my gaze darting around the space as golden sunlight poured through the window, illuminating everything in its path and landing squarely on my face.

‘What’s going on?’ I asked, my fingers absentmindedly combing through my tousled hair, still heavy with the haze of sleep.

‘They’ve rescheduled the semi-finals—by two whole days!’ she exclaimed, gripping my shoulders with unrestrained enthusiasm. Her excitement was palpable as she began to shake me, almost as though trying to transfer her joy through sheer force.

A laugh escaped me, light and unguarded. I felt as if I had awakened from the most peaceful, restorative rest I could remember, and her jubilant announcement only elevated the sense of ease and delight lingering in the air.

‘So, what’s the plan?’ I asked, sitting upright in bed, my fingers lightly brushing over the edge of the blanket as I smoothed it out. My mind wandered to my wardrobe, already strategizing the perfect outfit for the day. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Sam at her vanity, meticulously applying her makeup. Her movements were quick but precise, the kind of efficiency that came with years of practice.

‘Breakfast, beach, bonfire, and then sleep,’ she replied, clapping her hands together in satisfaction as she stepped out of the bathroom, her beach outfit perfectly chosen and accessorized. It suited her effortlessly confident demeanor. ‘Tomorrow, we’ll explore Barcelona. Properly this time.’

‘Sounds perfect,’ I said, standing and stretching with a calm, deliberate movement. I wandered to the window, briefly letting the sunlight warm my face, before turning my attention back to my bedside table, tidying the few things that were out of place.

A knock interrupted the moment, and I turned my head toward the door. Sam shot me a glance, with a quick nod, she strode to the door.

I couldn’t hear the conversation clearly, but the tone was unmistakable—coolly polite, with an undertone of tension. When Sam returned, Tory and Kwon followed closely behind her, their presence instantly changing the energy in the room.

‘Tory!’ I greeted warmly, my voice genuine as I crossed the room to hug her. Though our dynamic had been competitive lately, I still couldn’t help but feel a soft spot for her charm.

‘Whoa, hey, Y/n,’ Tory said with a light laugh, hugging me back tightly before stepping away. Her ever-sunny demeanor masked the sharpness in her eyes, which flicked around the room as if cataloging every detail.

I turned to Kwon next, his tall figure leaning casually against the doorframe as though he owned the space. His expression was as smug as ever, and in his hand, he held a small paper bag, which he tossed onto the nearby table with a calculated nonchalance.

‘For you,’ he said, his tone dripping with arrogance. ‘You went a little overboard last night. Figured you’d need this to recover. Electrolytes, aspirin, green tea. You’re welcome.’

I arched a brow, stepping forward to inspect the bag. ‘Thoughtful of you,’ I replied, my tone measured and neutral, refusing to rise to the bait. ‘Though I’m perfectly fine this morning, thank you.’

He let out a quiet scoff, his smirk widening. ‘Right. Because chugging cocktails like they’re water doesn’t have consequences. Try to pace yourself today, or are you planning to make a habit of needing my help?’

‘Don’t flatter yourself, Kwon,’ Sam cut in, her voice sharp as she moved to my side. Her gaze was icy as it flicked between the two of them. ‘We’re perfectly capable of managing our day without your… oversight.’

I could see Tory nudge Kwon lightly with her elbow, clearly trying to break the tension. He merely rolled his eyes, the picture of indifference.

‘Don’t mind him, Y/n. He’s just trying to be helpful… in his own special way,’ she said with a grin, her voice carrying that easy charm she always relied on to smooth things over.

‘I’m glad we caught you before you headed out,’ Tory added cheerfully, brushing her hair over one shoulder as she surveyed the room.

I offered a calm smile, effortlessly dismissing Kwon’s air of arrogance. ‘It’s always a pleasure to see you both,’ I replied smoothly, maintaining my composure.

My gaze shifted to the clock on the wall before I turned back to them. ‘Have you eaten yet? If not, you should join us for breakfast. We’re heading out soon.’ I reached for my bag and began pulling out my neatly folded clothes, carefully laying them on the chair beside me.

Tory’s face lit up as she nodded enthusiastically. ‘Breakfast sounds perfect!’ she said, her energy contagious as always.

Kwon, on the other hand, gave a dismissive shrug, his posture still lazy and unbothered as he leaned against the doorframe. ‘Sure, why not?’ he muttered, though his tone made it sound like he was doing us a favor by agreeing.

I raised my eyebrows slightly at his nonchalance but didn’t comment. Instead, I gestured toward my clothes with a small smile. ‘Give me ten minutes to change, and we can head out.’

Tory sat down on the edge of my bed, making herself comfortable as she kicked her legs lightly. ‘Take your time, Y/n. We’re in no rush,’ she said, her tone warm and inviting.

Kwon, still stationed at the doorframe, crossed his arms and watched the room with that same unreadable expression. His eyes lingered on my methodical movements as I gathered my things, but his expression betrayed nothing beyond his usual air of aloofness. I ignored him, focused on maintaining the order and ease I carried through my morning.

As I stepped toward the bathroom, I glanced over my shoulder at Tory. ‘Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be ready soon.’

‘Always do,’ she replied with a wink, and I couldn’t help but chuckle softly before disappearing behind the door to change.

—

After stepping out of the shower, the faint sound of Tory and Sam talking drifted through the door. Their voices were surprisingly calm, and I couldn’t help but smile at the thought. The tension between them had been far from positive for a while now—ever since Tory joined Cobra Kai. But seeing them exchange words without hostility gave me a glimmer of hope.

I wrapped a towel around myself, wiping the steam from the mirror as I thought about Tory. Despite everything, I understood her choices. Her life hadn’t been easy, and joining Cobra Kai must have felt like her only option at the time. Still, it had put a rift between her and the rest of us.

I was happy to see Sam, in her own way, making an effort to bridge the gap. I knew it wasn’t easy for her. Sam had been hurt too, in ways that she didn’t often talk about, and trusting Tory again wasn’t something that could happen overnight. But even this small conversation felt like progress.

After Tory left our dojo, I had tried to reach out to her more times than I could count. Texts, calls, even dropping by her place—most went unanswered. For days, it had felt like she’d shut me out completely. I told myself it was just her way of coping, but it didn’t make the silence sting any less.

Hearing her voice now, though, talking with Sam instead of arguing, gave me hope. Maybe this trip was a chance for all of us to start over—not perfectly, not easily, but step by step. I smiled to myself as I slipped into my clothes, feeling a flicker of optimism.

By the time I opened the door and stepped back into the room, the air felt lighter. Tory was perched on the edge of my bed, gesturing animatedly as she spoke. Sam, leaning casually against the window, listened with a look of cautious interest. The sight made me pause for a moment, appreciating the delicate balance we were all trying to maintain. Maybe today would surprise us all.

I let Tory and Sam continue their conversation, their voices blending into the background as I shifted my attention toward Kwon. He stood near the doorframe, his posture as casual and self-assured as ever, his arms loosely crossed. As I moved about the room, gathering a few essentials into my bag, I decided to make an effort at small talk, even if Kwon’s usual attitude made it a challenge.

Leaning lightly against the wall beside him, I turned my head and smiled politely. ‘So, Kwon, are you excited for the semi-finals?’ I asked, keeping my tone warm and conversational.

His eyes flicked toward me, the familiar glint of arrogance unmistakable as he smirked faintly. He leaned slightly closer, as if to make his next words more pointed. ‘Excited?’ he echoed, his voice dripping with condescension. ‘More like prepared. Excitement’s for people who aren’t confident in their chances.’

I raised an eyebrow at his response but kept my expression composed, refusing to let his bravado faze me. ‘Well, confidence is a good thing,’ I said smoothly, tilting my head slightly. ‘But even the most prepared fighters can use a little excitement to keep them sharp. Don’t you think?’

He gave a quiet scoff, his gaze briefly flicking to Sam and Tory before returning to me. ‘Maybe for some. But I don’t rely on adrenaline to win.’

I smiled faintly at his predictable response, adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder. ‘Good to know,’ I said lightly. ‘Though I’d say a balance of both doesn’t hurt. Keeps things… interesting.’

Kwon’s smirk deepened, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me. ‘Interesting, huh? You seem awfully calm for someone who’s about to face some serious competition.’

I straightened up and met his gaze, my expression unshaken. ‘Calm doesn’t mean unprepared,’ I replied with an even tone. ‘It just means I trust in the work I’ve put in. There’s no need to overcompensate.’

The faintest flicker of something unreadable crossed his face, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by his usual air of superiority. ‘We’ll see about that,’ he said with a shrug, his voice low.

I simply nodded, a serene smile tugging at the corners of my lips as I stepped away to give him space. As I moved toward Sam and Tory, I couldn’t help but feel a small sense of satisfaction. Kwon’s arrogance might be his armor, but I wasn’t about to let it pierce through my calm.

After joining Sam and Tory, I exchanged a few pleasantries before we all left the room together. The morning sunlight streamed through the hallway as we walked, chatting about our plans for the day. It was decided that after breakfast, we’d split up to enjoy the day in our own ways and regroup at the bonfire that evening. Apparently, one of the teams eliminated from the Sekai Taikai had decided to host a massive gathering on the beach—a gesture to let loose and connect after all the intensity of the competition.

At breakfast, we found a table near the window. I slid into the chair closest to the sunlight, with Sam taking the seat next to me. Across the table, Kwon sat directly opposite me, while Tory casually took the spot across from Sam. It was a comfortable arrangement, though Kwon’s piercing, ever-analyzing gaze was hard to ignore.

I pulled out my phone, letting the easy banter around me fade into the background as I scrolled through my notifications. Nothing unusual caught my eye at first—just the usual updates and a few texts—until a new one popped up, stopping me mid-scroll. It was from Axel.

I tapped on it hesitantly, the memory of last night already creeping back into my mind. The message was simple but sent a wave of unease and something unspoken through me: Meet me after breakfast?

I stared at the words, my thoughts racing. The events of the previous night rushed back with startling clarity—the way Axel had put me to bed after my near-embarrassing state, the softness of his voice, the warmth of his touch as he made sure I was comfortable. My cheeks grew hot at the thought, and I could feel my heartbeat quicken.

Glancing around the room, I scanned for him, unsure of whether to respond right away. It didn’t take long to spot him—sitting a few tables away, hunched slightly as he poked at his food. His expression was unreadable, his focus firmly fixed on the table in front of him. Next to him, Zara appeared to be in the middle of a rant, her voice just loud enough to carry snippets of complaint. She waved her phone in his face, rolling her eyes dramatically, but he didn’t seem to care.

I bit my lip, feeling a mix of embarrassment and curiosity as my gaze lingered on him. For a moment, I wondered if he even remembered everything from last night. Did it mean anything to him? Or was it just a matter of responsibility, making sure a opponent didn’t pass out on the spot?

The sudden snap of fingers jolted me out of my thoughts. My eyes darted up, meeting Kwon’s expectant, mildly annoyed expression.

‘You awake over there, or did your phone just suck your soul out?’ he asked dryly, leaning back in his chair with a smirk that bordered on condescending.

I blinked, tucking my phone away quickly to hide the message. ‘Sorry,’ I replied smoothly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear

His smirk was as insufferable as ever, one eyebrow raised in mock concern. ‘Are you going to join us, or are you plotting your next move over there?’

My posture straightened, offering him a calm smile despite his condescending tone. ‘Just catching up on a few things,’ I replied evenly.

‘Must be important,’ he quipped, loosens up in his chair

‘I like to stay prepared,’ I said, keeping my voice light.

His smirk deepened, but I didn’t give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Instead, I turned my attention back to Sam and Tory, who were now discussing the best way to navigate the city.

But as I reached for my cup of tea, my thoughts drifted back to Axel. He had already made it clear that this competition wasn’t just about skill for him—it was personal. And whether I wanted it or not, we were locked in a rivalry that neither of us could walk away from.

The question now was whether meeting him after breakfast was worth the risk.

—

After breakfast, Kwon and I were walking behind Sam and Tory as we left the cafeteria, still laughing about Kwon’s ridiculous plans for what he would do if he won Sekai Taikai. His ideas were completely over the top, imagining himself hosting grand celebrations and making impossible demands. I couldn’t help but laugh along, even though part of me knew he was just being his usual, confident self.

But then, I felt a slight tap on my shoulder. I turned around, and there he was—Axel. A mixture of stress and a strange happiness washed over me at the sight of him. I couldn’t help but feel both uneasy and relieved. I wasn’t sure if it was the nervousness from our rivalry or just his presence, but something about him always left me feeling conflicted.

I sighed softly, forcing a smile, and waved at Kwon and Tory, signaling I’d be stepping aside for a moment. Kwon, not looking thrilled at the interruption, offered me a small, almost reluctant smile in return before turning his attention back to Tory.

Sam, sensing the tension, had already made an exit. ‘I’ll give you two some time,’ she said casually, heading for a nearby convenience store to grab snacks for the beach. It was almost as if she knew I’d need some space to handle Axel, though I wasn’t sure if I was ready for whatever conversation was about to unfold between us.

With Sam and Tory gone, it was just me and Axel now, and I couldn’t deny the mix of emotions bubbling up inside me.

Axel stood there in silence for a moment, his gaze fixed on me, and I could feel the familiar tension hanging in the air. Though on the outside I tried to appear calm, inside I was anything but. My heart raced, and my thoughts were a whirlwind, but I kept my posture relaxed, my expression composed.

‘So… what’s up?’ I asked, offering a soft smile, hoping to sound as casual as possible. I folded my arms gently, but there was a nervous flutter inside me that I couldn’t quite shake.

Axel raised an eyebrow, taking his time before responding. He looked around briefly, almost like he was deciding whether or not to speak at all. When he finally did, his voice was steady, though there was an edge to it. ‘We need to talk.’

His words hit me with a jolt, and despite the calm tone, I felt a knot form in my stomach. It wasn’t the friendliest invitation, but it wasn’t exactly a confrontation either. With Axel, it always felt like there was something unsaid lingering between us, and I couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking now.

I took a deep breath, trying to stay composed. ‘About what?’ I asked, my voice as steady as I could manage.

Axel exhaled sharply, his eyes narrowing for a moment before softening slightly. ‘About what happened yesterday.’

The mention of yesterday made my pulse quicken, but I forced myself to remain outwardly calm. The memory of what had transpired was still fresh—unclear and confusing—and I had hoped we could just move past it without bringing it up. But now that he’d said something, I realized there was no easy way around it.

‘I’m not sure there’s much to say,’ I replied softly, trying to keep my tone light yet truthful. ‘I remember how you helped me get home safely, and I’m grateful for that. But the words you said a few days ago still sting. You said I’m your opponent, and that there’s nothing between us.’ As soon as the words left my mouth, I instantly regretted them.

He didn’t respond immediately, his expression growing more intense. I knew that was probably not the answer he wanted to hear, but I wasn’t about to add fuel to a fire that didn’t need to burn.

‘It’s not that simple,’ Axel said, his tone firm, but there was something in his eyes that made it hard to ignore. He took a step closer, his presence unavoidable, and I could feel the tension between us rise. ‘You can’t just act like the last few days didn’t mean anything,’ he said, his voice carrying an edge of frustration.

I took a moment to collect myself. Though inside, my mind was racing, I remained still on the outside, careful not to let him see how affected I was. I didn’t want to make this more complicated than it had to be.

‘I’m not pretending anything,’ I said softly, meeting his gaze with calm clarity. ‘I just don’t think we need to make a bigger deal out of it. We’re rivals, Axel. It’s complicated enough as it is.’

Axel studied me for a long moment, his gaze unwavering. He seemed to be searching for something, trying to figure out if I was hiding something or if I truly meant what I was saying. But no matter how hard he looked, I didn’t let him see the storm brewing inside me.

The silence stretched between us, thick with unsaid words. Then, Axel spoke again, his voice quieter this time, but still resolute.

‘I think we both know this isn’t just about being rivals.’ His words hung in the air, and despite my best efforts to remain composed, a part of me felt exposed.

Axel stood in front of me, his expression conflicted as the tension between us hung heavy in the air. His gaze flickered between my eyes and the ground, as if searching for the right words. The soft sounds of the world around us seemed distant, as though it was just the two of us in that moment, suspended in time.

He exhaled, his shoulders dropping as if he’d finally come to a realization. ‘Y/n,’ he began, his voice quieter, more vulnerable than I’d ever heard it before. ‘I regret what I said. I… I didn’t mean it.’

I blinked, unsure if I’d heard him right. My heart raced, a mix of confusion and hope swirling inside me. ‘What do you mean?’ I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, not sure if I was ready for the answer.

Axel took a step closer, his eyes locking onto mine with a level of sincerity I hadn’t seen from him before. ‘I said there was nothing between us. But that was a lie. I pushed you away, and I can’t stand the thought of you thinking that I didn’t care.’ His hand gently brushed against my arm, the contact sending a shock of warmth through me. ‘I care, Y/n. More than I should.’

The words hung in the air between us, and for a moment, neither of us moved. I was frozen, unsure of what to say or do, my emotions swirling in a chaotic dance. But his honesty left no room for doubt. I saw it in his eyes—regret, longing, something that was far beyond rivalry.

Before I could respond, Axel took another step forward, closing the distance between us. His hand reached up, cupping my face gently, as if afraid I might pull away. I didn’t. My breath caught in my throat as I looked up at him, my heart pounding.

‘I was scared,’ he admitted, his voice low and raw. ‘Scared of what it meant, scared of how it might change everything. But I can’t deny it anymore.’

I could feel the tension in the air shifting, the walls we’d both built around ourselves crumbling with every word. My chest tightened as his face drew closer, the heat from his body mingling with mine. Then, before I could think, Axel leaned in, his lips brushing against mine with a softness that took my breath away.

The kiss was gentle at first, like he was testing the waters, waiting for me to pull away. But I didn’t. Instead, I found myself melting into the kiss, my hands instinctively reaching up to thread through his hair as I deepened it. Axel’s arms encircled me, pulling me closer, and the world outside us disappeared completely.

In that moment, there was no rivalry, no past mistakes. There was only the warmth of his touch and the truth that had finally been spoken between us. And as we pulled away, I knew things between us would never be the same again.

Axel’s voice was a soft murmur as he spoke against my lips. ‘I’m sorry for pushing you away, Y/n. I should have never said that.’

I smiled, my heart still racing but my mind at ease. ‘It’s okay, Axel. We’re here now.’

Axel gave me a tight smile, his eyes softening, but there was still an unreadable edge to his expression. ‘I guess… I’ll see you later,’ he said quietly, his voice betraying a trace of uncertainty.

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat, unsure of how to respond. As Axel turned and walked away, my thoughts swirled—conflicted, confused, but somehow clearer. It was as though a door had cracked open, and I wasn’t sure what was on the other side. I stood there for a moment longer, watching him disappear into the distance, before I took a deep breath and turned toward the hotel’s main entrance.

The lobby felt quieter than usual as I walked through it, the weight of the conversation still lingering in my chest. I could hear the soft hum of distant voices, but they didn’t register, my mind too focused on what had just happened. I made my way to the exit, pushing the heavy door open.

As soon as I stepped outside, the warm air hit me, and I saw Sam waiting by the railing outside the hotel. She was casually leaning against it, a small bag of snacks in her hands, but it was the way she looked at me that told me she had already noticed something wasn’t quite right. Her eyes narrowed slightly, studying me, and I felt a twinge of guilt. She could tell something had happened, even if I hadn’t said a word yet.

‘Everything okay?’ Sam asked, her tone light but with a hint of concern.

I offered a small smile, still feeling the warmth of Axel’s words lingering in my chest. ‘Yeah, everything’s fine. Let’s just go to the beach,’ I said, not quite ready to dive into the details yet.

We walked side by side as we made our way toward the beach, the sounds of the bustling city fading into the background. The salty air filled my lungs as I tried to collect my thoughts, but it was hard to ignore the rush of emotions. Sam didn’t push me to explain right away, though I could tell she was waiting for me to speak.

As we neared the shore, the waves crashing softly in the distance, I finally spoke, my voice low. ‘I… talked to Axel,’ I started, unsure of how to put it all into words. ‘We cleared the air. Kind of.’

Sam raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. ‘Cleared the air? What does that mean exactly?’

I sighed, my fingers brushing through my hair as I looked out at the ocean. ‘He admitted he was wrong—about what he said a few days ago, how he acted. He regrets saying that there was nothing between us, that I’m just his opponent. It was… a lot, Sam. But I don’t know if I can believe everything he said yet. It’s confusing.’

Sam nodded, her expression softening as she gave me a sympathetic look. ‘That sounds like a lot to process. But, hey, at least he owned up to it, right? I guess it’s a step in the right direction.’

I nodded slowly, still unsure of what all of it meant. ‘Yeah, I guess. But I’m not sure what to do with it. I’m still trying to figure out where we stand—if things are even going to change between us at all.’

We reached the edge of the beach, the cool sand beneath our feet grounding me, though my thoughts were anything but calm. Sam walked beside me, silent for a moment, before she spoke again, her voice quiet but knowing.

‘You don’t have to have it all figured out right now, Y/n. Just take it one step at a time. And if Axel really means what he said, he’ll show it. Words are one thing, but actions speak louder.’

I looked over at Sam, her words offering a small sense of comfort. She was right, of course. I didn’t need to have all the answers right now. The future was uncertain, but for the first time in a long time, I felt like I could handle it. With the ocean in front of us and the warmth of the sun on our backs, I took a deep breath and let the moment wash over me. Whatever came next, I would face it head-on.

With a soft smile, I turned to Sam. ‘Thanks. Let’s just enjoy the day, yeah?’

We continued walking, the soft sand beneath our feet as we searched for a spot to leave our things. After a few moments, we found a quiet area near the shore, away from the crowds, where we could set our bags down. Sam quickly spread out a towel while I placed the snacks beside us.

Once our things were settled, we turned toward the water, the cool waves lapping at the shoreline. The weight of the conversation with Axel seemed to drift away with each step we took toward the sea. As we waded into the water, the salty breeze lifted my spirits, and the sound of the waves drowned out everything else. Whatever had happened with Axel, whatever came next, I knew I wasn’t alone in this. And that thought brought a quiet sense of peace, at least for now.

—

‘Hmm, actually, I’m craving some carbonara,’ I murmur, glancing at Sam. Her eyes light up immediately.

‘I was thinking about chicken Alfredo pasta!’ she says excitedly, clapping her hands together.

‘Oh my god, let’s go home, change, head to a restaurant, and then after dinner, we can go to the bonfire!’ She practically bounces up, her enthusiasm contagious.

‘Great idea!’ I smile, already standing and gathering my things. Together, we headed back, excited for what the rest of the day would bring.

—

As I stood before the mirror, meticulously blow-drying my hair and carefully placing each section into rollers to achieve the perfect blowout effect, Sam’s voice cut through the sound of the dryer. ‘There’s a rather upscale restaurant nearby. Should I secure a reservation?’ she inquired with an air of casual consideration.

I peeked my head from behind the bathroom door, offering her a warm smile and a thumbs-up in approval. Her eyes brightened instantly, and she clapped her hands together in delight before quickly retrieving her phone. The soft sound of her dialing the restaurant reached my ears as I turned my attention back to the task at hand, carefully selecting my outfit for the evening. I moved to the closet, my fingers brushing over the fabric of my beige trousers, before settling on the white off-the-shoulder long-sleeve top I had in mind.

Through the sound of Sam’s conversation, I could hear her thanking the restaurant and concluding the call with a polite farewell, placing the phone down on the nearby counter.

‘We have thirty minutes,’ Sam announced, her voice tinged with urgency as she hurriedly began to sift through her own wardrobe. She was clearly eager to be on our way.

In the meantime, I scanned the room for my brown leather bag, which I quickly located beside the dresser. I moved purposefully to grab it, my fingers instinctively reaching for a few essentials—lip balm, a compact mirror, and my phone—before stowing them away with precision. Every movement, though rushed, was deliberate, and the anticipation of the evening ahead added a sense of excitement to the otherwise ordinary act of getting ready.

—

‘Mmm, that was absolutely delicious,’ Samantha exclaimed, placing her fork and knife neatly on her plate. She leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. I was still savoring the last bite of my meal, enjoying every mouthful, but Sam was already thinking ahead.

‘I’m going for a tiramisu,’ I said, setting my cutlery down gently on the plate. Sam’s eyes lit up as she made a mental note of her own dessert choice.

‘I think I’ll go with the cheesecake,’ she replied with a grin, clearly excited about the sweet treat ahead. The waiter passed by, and Sam quickly flagged him down, placing our dessert orders with a touch of enthusiasm.

As we waited for our desserts, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. We discussed the things we might do when we returned to Los Angeles—the places we’d visit, the activities we’d try, and all the adventures we would inevitably have once we were back in familiar surroundings.

‘We should definitely go to the beach as soon as we’re back,’ Sam suggested, her tone dreamy as she stared out the window at the darkening sky. ‘It’s been way too long since we’ve just relaxed, you know? No schedule, no obligations… just the sun and sand.’

I nodded in agreement. ‘And maybe we can check out that new art exhibit downtown. I’ve heard great things about it.’

Sam tilted her head, tapping her chin thoughtfully. ‘That sounds perfect. A little culture mixed with some chill beach time… who wouldn’t love that?’

The waiter soon returned with our desserts, placing the rich, creamy tiramisu in front of me and the decadent cheesecake in front of Sam. We both smiled at the sight of our treats before diving in, the conversation briefly taking a backseat as we indulged in the sweet, velvety desserts. For now, there was no rush, no pressing plans—just the simple joy of good food and even better company.

—

After we ate, we didn’t head back to the hotel but instead made our way straight to the beach. The warm evening air felt refreshing, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore was calming. I found myself hoping that I might run into Axel again and get the chance to talk to him, to clear the air after everything that had happened.

As we walked, I suddenly felt a presence beside me, and before I could react, a familiar arm draped around my shoulders. I froze for a moment, instinctively recognizing the clean, woodsy scent of cologne I knew all too well. I turned to find Kwon smiling down at me, his face slightly flushed and his movements a bit unsteady. I could already smell the alcohol on him, and it made me wary.

‘Hey, Y/n,’ he said, his voice a little slurred. He stopped walking, and I followed suit, feeling Sam tense beside me.

‘Kwon, what do you want?’ Sam asked, crossing her arms over her chest, her tone already laced with annoyance. She had never been a fan of his presence, and it was obvious she wasn’t happy to see him now either.

Kwon ignored Sam’s cold response and focused his attention on me. ‘Y/n… I have a question…’ he said, his words dragging a little as he reached for my hand. His hands were warm and soft, but the unsteady way he held it made me hesitate for a moment.

I tilted my head slightly, waiting for him to finish.

‘Can you pleaseee give me a hug?’ he asked, his voice almost childlike. His words were slurred, but there was something in his expression that caught me off guard. It wasn’t the usual confident arrogance or teasing I’d seen from him before. No, this was different. He looked… vulnerable, maybe even a little desperate.

Sam burst out laughing, and I couldn’t help but giggle as well. Kwon’s face remained earnest, though, and despite the humor of the situation, I couldn’t ignore the underlying sadness in his eyes.

I softened, realizing that, despite his arrogance, he was in some kind of emotional state—one that probably wasn’t all that different from mine in moments like this. So, with a small smile, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him in a hug.

The warmth of his embrace was brief but surprising, and when I pulled away, Kwon didn’t say anything. He simply looked at me for a moment, almost as if he was processing something. Sam was still chuckling beside us, but there was a sense of quiet tension between Kwon and me, one that I wasn’t quite sure how to interpret.

‘Can we talk, please? Alone?’ Kwon’s voice was low, and he looked at Sam, almost pleading with his eyes. Sam, sensing the shift in his tone, raised her hands in mock surrender.

‘I’ll be by the bonfire,’ she said, pointing to a group of people gathered around the crackling flames a short distance away. I gave her a quick nod and a thumbs up, signaling that everything was fine. She walked off, leaving Kwon and me standing in the quiet space between the noise of the beach and the bonfire.

I turned my attention back to Kwon, who seemed less confident than usual. He was pacing slightly, his hands shoved into his pockets, eyes darting around as if he wasn’t sure what to say. There was an unusual tension in his posture, something different from the usual cocky swagger he wore so effortlessly.

‘So… have you ever heard of “drunk words are sober thoughts?”’ Kwon asked, his words slow and deliberate as if he was choosing each one carefully. There was a hint of vulnerability in his voice, something I hadn’t expected from him.

I nodded, unsure of what to say next. I had heard the saying before, but this time it felt different—more significant. Kwon wasn’t the type to share much, especially when it came to emotions. His usual bravado seemed to have taken a backseat, and for a moment, I could see the struggle in his eyes.

‘Yeah, I’ve heard of it,’ I replied, keeping my voice calm, trying to read him. ‘What does that have to do with this?’

Kwon took a deep breath, his gaze shifting to the sand beneath our feet. He seemed almost lost in his thoughts before looking back up at me. There was a quiet sincerity in his eyes now, something raw and honest that I hadn’t seen before.

‘By that, I really want to say that…’ Kwon trailed off, his words stuck in his throat as if he couldn’t quite find the right way to finish his sentence.

‘Fuck, Y/n, you’re making this extra difficult,’ he muttered under his breath, his frustration evident. He let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair, his gaze darting around as if looking for some kind of escape. It was clear he wasn’t used to being vulnerable, and it was making him uncomfortable.

I frowned, sensing the shift in his mood. He had always been so confident, so sure of himself, but now he seemed like he was struggling to find his footing. Before I could say anything, Kwon suddenly grabbed my shoulder, his touch firm but not aggressive. He looked at me, his expression tense but also filled with something else—maybe desperation, maybe hope.

‘Do you want to go for a walk?’ he asked, his voice quieter now, a hint of uncertainty in it that I hadn’t heard before.

I hesitated for a moment, but then I nodded. There was something about the way he was looking at me, something that made me want to hear him out, even if I didn’t entirely understand what was going on.

‘Yeah,’ I said softly. ‘Let’s go for a walk.’

He let out a breath of relief, as though my answer gave him a small sense of peace. Without another word, he guided me away from the spot we had been standing, the tension between us still lingering in the air but not as heavy as before. We began walking along the beach, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore filling the silence between us.

There was a long silence between us, a thick, suffocating pause that seemed to stretch on forever. The air between us felt charged, uncomfortable, like something unsaid was hanging there, waiting to be acknowledged. I could feel the tension in his posture, the way he was walking just a little too close, but not close enough.

Then, as if it couldn’t stay quiet any longer, Kwon broke the silence. His voice was low, almost hesitant, but there was an edge to it.

‘I hate the feeling when I see you with Axel,’ he said suddenly, his words slicing through the air like a confession he hadn’t meant to make.

I stopped walking, my heart skipping a beat. I turned to him, trying to read his expression, but it was unreadable—like he was fighting some internal battle, the one I hadn’t been prepared for. My stomach twisted as I tried to figure out what he meant, but before I could ask, he looked away, his jaw clenched.

And then, without warning, he took a deep breath and said something that completely threw me off balance.

‘I… I can’t just stand by and watch anymore.’

¡Important!

A/n : Sorry for the cliffhanger, everyone! I’m sad to announce that my posting schedule might become a bit less frequent in the coming weeks. With exam week just around the corner, I have a lot on my plate—I’ll be preparing for a total of nine exams, one for each subject, and I really want to do my best to pass them all.

But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean I’ll stop posting altogether! It just means updates will be spaced out a little more—probably every 4-5 days instead of the usual 1-2 days. I hope you can understand and bear with me during this time.

I’m excited to share that I’m now posting my story on Wattpad as well! You can find me there under the username @zochya. If you prefer reading on Wattpad, the story is available for you to enjoy there too!