West Valley High was abuzz with its usual energy, but for you, the world always seemed to fade the moment you caught sight of him—Eli Moskowitz, or as the world knew him, Hawk. His confident stride and signature mohawk drew attention wherever he went, but what truly captured your heart was the side of him that only you got to see.

Today was no different. Hawk was waiting for you by your locker, leaning casually against the wall, his smirk lighting up the hallway. “You’re late,” he teased as you approached.

“You say that like you don’t enjoy the suspense,” you quipped back, earning a laugh from him.

“Maybe,” he replied, stepping closer. “But I’d enjoy it more if I didn’t have to wait to see you.”

You rolled your eyes playfully but couldn’t help the warmth spreading across your cheeks. Hawk had a way of making even the most mundane moments feel special.

The two of you walked to the dojo after school, where Hawk had practice. You’d seen him fight countless times before, but it never ceased to amaze you. The precision, the power, the way he carried himself with unwavering confidence—it was a testament to how far he’d come.

After practice, Hawk joined you outside, his hair damp from sweat but his smile as sharp as ever. “Did I impress you?” he asked, his tone half-serious, half-teasing.

“Always,” you admitted, leaning against the fence. “But you don’t have to try so hard. I’m already yours, remember?”

That earned a rare, genuine smile from him. Hawk wasn’t always the best at expressing his feelings, but with you, he tried. “Yeah, well, I like reminding you,” he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from your face.

The two of you spent the rest of the evening together, walking through the park and talking about everything and nothing. Hawk opened up about his struggles—the bullying he faced before Cobra Kai, his insecurities, and his journey to find himself. You listened intently, offering reassurance and reminding him of his worth.

“You know,” he said after a while, “I’m not the same guy I was before. And I