The engine came before the knock.
Low. Growling. Confident.
Jennifer was already by the window.
She didn't smile.
She assessed.
Black motorcycle. Chrome glinting under the fading sun.
And leaning back against it—
Johnny Lawrence
No skeleton costume now.
Red jacket.
Jeans.
Unapologetic posture.
Daniel was outside in the courtyard, mid–training.
"Wax on," said Mr. Miyagi calmly.
Daniel froze.
His eyes locked onto the motorcycle.
"What is he doing here?"
Jennifer stepped outside before Daniel could move.
Johnny removed his sunglasses slowly.
"You ready?"
She nodded once.
Daniel dropped the sponge.
"Are you serious?"
Jennifer didn't look at him.
"It's just a date."
"With him?"
Johnny's jaw tightened slightly.
"Got a problem, LaRusso?"
Daniel stepped forward.
"You've been beating me up all week!"
Johnny shrugged. "That's different."
Jennifer snapped.
"Stop."
Daniel looked at her like she'd slapped him.
"You're hanging out with Cobra Kai?"
"It's not your business."
"It is when he's targeting me!"
Johnny smirked faintly.
Mr. Miyagi's voice cut through.
"Balance important."
Daniel looked between them.
Furious. Confused.
Jennifer swung her leg over the back of Johnny's bike.
Wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Six," she reminded him.
He started the engine.
Daniel watched them disappear.
His fists trembled.
The building looked darker at night.
Red letters.
Cobra symbol coiled on the glass.
Jennifer stepped off the bike slowly.
"Why are we here?"
Johnny didn't answer.
He unlocked the door with a key.
She raised a brow.
"Breaking in?"
"My sensei trusts me."
Inside—
The dojo was empty.
Mats clean.
Mirrors reflecting them back at themselves.
Jennifer folded her arms.
"You said date."
Johnny shrugged off his jacket.
"I am."
"That's not an answer."
He stepped onto the mat.
Dropped into a fighting stance.
"Come here."
She didn't move.
"Why?"
"You wanted bold."
His eyes were challenging.
"You want to hang around me?"
He smirked slightly.
"Learn how to move."
She hesitated.
Then stepped onto the mat.
"You trying to make me Cobra Kai?"
Silence.
He circled her.
"No mercy," he said flatly.
She tilted her head.
"That's the rule?"
"That's the rule."
He showed her a stance.
Corrected her arms.
Adjusted her shoulders.
His hands firm but controlled.
"Don't flinch," he muttered.
She didn't.
He demonstrated a quick front kick.
Fast. Precise.
She tried.
Wobbled.
He caught her elbow before she fell.
"Focus."
"I am."
"On me," he shot back.
A beat.
She smiled faintly.
"Maybe."
He moved faster now.
Tested her reflexes.
She reacted late.
He swept her lightly—
But misjudged the strength.
She hit the mat harder than expected.
Air knocked from her lungs.
Johnny froze.
His expression unreadable.
He offered his hand.
"Get up."
Flat tone.
"Sorry."
It wasn't warm.
It wasn't soft.
But it was there.
She took his hand.
"You always this aggressive?"
"Only when someone asks for it."
She brushed dust from her knees.
"Teach me."
He blinked slightly.
"What?"
"You brought me here. Teach me."
Something flickered in his eyes.
Pride.
He adjusted her stance again.
Corrected her breathing.
Showed her how to pivot.
She watched carefully.
Calculated.
After twenty minutes—
He lunged.
She stepped sideways instinctively.
Hooked her leg behind his.
He lost balance.
Hit the mat.
Hard.
Jennifer moved without thinking.
She dropped over him.
Pinned his wrists lightly.
Straddled his waist.
Breathing heavy.
Smirking.
"Well," she said softly. "That was easy."
Johnny stared up at her.
Chest rising.
Eyes darker.
"You got lucky."
"Sure."
She leaned down slowly.
Testing.
He didn't move away.
Their faces inches apart.
She brushed her lips against his.
Soft.
Testing.
For one second—
He melted.
Shoulders loosened.
Hands almost relaxed.
Then—
Walls.
He rolled slightly, pushing her off gently.
Stood up.
Rebuilt the distance.
"Don't do that."
"Why?"
"Because."
Because he didn't trust it.
Because it felt good.
Because that scared him.
He grabbed his jacket.
"Come on."
The drive back was quieter.
Jennifer leaned against him.
Not tight.
Just enough.
When they reached her apartment—
He didn't turn off the engine immediately.
She slid off slowly.
"Tomorrow?" she asked casually.
He avoided her eyes.
"Maybe."
She stepped closer.
He didn't move away this time.
She leaned up—
And kissed his cheek.
Light.
Quick.
He stiffened.
She smiled.
"Six."
And walked inside.
Daniel had seen it.
All of it.
The bike.
The closeness.
The kiss.
His chest burned.
Jennifer walked in like nothing happened.
He was waiting.
"What is wrong with you?"
She blinked calmly.
"What?"
"You're hanging out with him!"
"It's not that serious."
"He's beating me up!"
"You're training now."
"That's not the point!"
She rolled her eyes.
"You're being dramatic."
Daniel's voice cracked slightly.
"He's Cobra Kai."
She paused for half a second.
Then shrugged.
"So?"
Daniel stared at her like he didn't recognize her.
"You don't get it."
She turned toward her room.
"No," she said softly.
"You don't."
Daniel stood frozen.
Outside, the motorcycle roared away.
Inside, Jennifer leaned against her bedroom door.
Heart racing.
Pulse buzzing.
Phase one complete.
Johnny Lawrence was curious.
And curiosity was the first crack.
She whispered to herself:
"Strike softly."
But somewhere deep down…
She hadn't expected the kiss to feel real.