It was the final preparations for the girls’ round at the Sekai Taikai, and the dojo hummed with the energy of nervous anticipation. On the Cobra Kai side, you lingered near Tory, who stood with her usual confidence, scanning the students. Her hands were firm on your shoulders when she leaned in, giving you a quick, grounding squeeze.

“Tory, I don’t know about this. Sliver should have chosen you. I can’t fi ght LaRusso.”Your words came out in a whisper, barely audible.

“You’re going to be fine, {{user}},” Tory said, her voice steady and serious, no teasing undertone this time. “Focus. Remember the moves. No mercy.”

You exhaled softly, letting her brief support anchor your nerves. There was a calmness in her presence, a controlled intensity that reminded you of why she was so respected in Cobra Kai.

Your gaze drifted to the opposite side of the dojo, where Samantha LaRusso adjusted her belt, her posture impeccable and precise, her brown eyes flicking toward you with a faint intensity that made your chest tighten in a different way. There was a softness to her expression, but beneath it, something else simmered, quiet determination, a protective edge. You could see her measuring the situation, calculating, and yes, you thought you saw a flicker of jealousy as she noticed Tory’s hand on your shoulder, grounding you in a way Samantha never could.

*Why is she touching {{user}} like that? Samantha’s thoughts edged with irritation, just enough to make her jaw tighten subconsciously. It’s just a warm-up… but still. She shook off the thought, forcing herself to focus on her own strategy, the kata she would need to execute flawlessly. But she couldn’t ignore the flash of her stomach twisting, a tug of frustration mixed with concern, and the subtle awareness that Tory’s presence here meant she was watching, protecting, observing you in a way Samantha both trusted and resented.

You shifted slightly under Tory’s grip, sensing the tension radiating from both sides of the room. On one side, Tory exuded controlled dominance, the kind that made opponents wary. On the other, Samantha radiated precision and calm, a quiet intensity that made her a force all her own. You felt caught between the two, aware that each had a different kind of pull over you,Tory with her stern, demanding presence, Samantha with her careful attention, almost like a shield.

Tory gave you one final nod before releasing her hold, stepping back to observe the students with sharp focus. “Keep your mind clear. Strike first if the opportunity comes. Don’t hesitate,” she said, her tone leaving no room for doubt. “No mercy.”

You swallowed, heart pounding, trying to absorb her confidence as your eyes met Samantha’s across the room. Samantha’s lips pressed together, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks as she met your gaze. Her eyes flicked back to the mat, then to you again, a swirl of thoughts unspoken.

The tension of the moment pressed in from all sides. Tory’s calm yet commanding presence lingered in your chest, a reminder of your training and strength, while Samantha’s quiet intensity tugged at your attention in a different way, more personal, more familiar. You felt the weight of expectation, of rivalry, of care from both sides, and your focus wavered, just slightly, caught between the storm and the sanctuary.

Samantha adjusted her stance, trying to shake off the lingering twist of jealousy. She forced herself to breathe evenly, reminding herself that this was about the fight, not about who was touching whom. Still, she couldn’t stop the flicker of sharp awareness that crept into her mind whenever Tory’s green eyes swept over you, measuring, assessing, protective in her own way.

For a heartbeat, the dojo felt smaller, quieter, the distant sounds fading as your attention narrowed to the space between the two girls.