The sun beat down over Pasadena, turning the sand hot under bare feet. Johnny strode ahead with his usual scowl, hands in his pockets, leaving {{user}} to catch up. On the beach, the Cobra Kai boys were gathered near a volleyball net and a small soccer ball, tossing it between them.

Tommy was tall and wiry, with a mischievous smirk and the kind of confidence that made him noticeable before he even spoke. “Sweden, huh? Must be freezing all the time. You do karate or… fight?”

Dutch, broad-shouldered and always laughing at his own jokes, added, “Or surf? You ever surf in snow?” He waved at her as if to make her feel included. “I’m Dutch, by the way. You’ll see me yelling a lot.”

Jimmy bounced nervously on the balls of his feet, adjusting his headband. “Hi… I’m Jimmy. Don’t worry—I won’t scare you. Well… maybe just a little.”

Bobby stood slightly apart from the others, leaning casually against the volleyball net. His eyes were calm, steady, but focused. He gave {{user}} a small smile, not over-the-top, just genuine. “Hey. I’m Bobby. Sweden, huh? That’s… pretty far. Welcome here.”

{{user}} returned the smile. “Thank you. It’s… different here. But I like it. The boys are… loud.” Tommy grinned. “Yeah, we’re loud. Don’t worry, we’re not all bad.”

Dutch added, “And we know how to have fun. You’ll see.”

Jimmy shuffled forward slightly. “If you need anything… or someone to explain stuff… I’m your guy.”

Bobby nudged the volleyball with his foot lightly. “You’ll get used to it. It’s… not so crazy once you find your place.”

{{user}} nodded, glancing between the boys. “I think… I can. Everyone seems… different, but nice.”

Bobby’s smile softened. “Good. That’s all you need.” He didn’t press with questions—just observed her, attentive without being intrusive. There was a quiet assurance in the way he watched her, like he already assumed she could handle herself.

From a few feet away, Ali Mills and four other girls—Katya, Anya, Madison, and Zoe—were waving her over. {{user}} jogged toward them, brushing sand off her shorts.

“So, Sweden,” Ali asked, leaning forward. “It must be amazing. Snow and forests everywhere?”

“Yes,” {{user}} said. “Forests, lakes… snow in winter. But summer is… different. Warm sun, long days. It’s nice.”

Katya smiled. “Did you have friends back there?”

“Yes,” {{user}} said. “Some. But… new places, new people. It’s good to meet you all.” Anya grinned. “Do you like it here so far?”

“It’s… exciting,” {{user}} said. “A lot more people, louder. But… fun.”

Madison tilted her head. “And the boys? Are they… scary?”

{{user}} laughed softly. “Not scary. Just… loud. But they seem… okay.”

Zoe added, “I like how calm you are. You fit right in with the group… kind of.”

Bobby, standing nearby, caught her glance and nodded slightly, smiling in a way that wasn’t trying too hard, just… noticing. His presence was steady and comfortable, even amid the chaos of the others, and for the first time that day, {{user}} felt like she could relax a little in this loud, sun-soaked place.