❝ what, is this supposed to be difficult? ❞

THE NEXT MORNING, Ayane faked being sick.

Liana bought it easily enough, so she let Ayane get back into bed. Although, Liana knew something had happened between her and Miguel last night and suspected it had to do with that.

Ayane held her phone in her hands, trying to find a way to contact Robby. He seemed practically nonexistent on social media.

Sighing, Ayane threw her phone down and got out of bed, going downstairs to get something to drink. She paced the kitchen, trying to rack her brain for ways to get out of the house. Ennis was upstairs sleeping, and Liana was busy cleaning. They might not even notice she was gone.

Then, Ayane realized that Robby worked at the dealership. Her mind lit up with a metaphorical lightbulb, Ayane smiling to herself.

It was just her luck that Liana came into her room a while later, announcing that she was going to run errands.

Ayane waited until she was gone, then changed clothes. She looked down at her phone, half expecting to see a text from Miguel. She pushed the thought out of her mind.

With a cab, Ayane arrived at the dealership a few minutes later. She only had one task, so she figured she wouldn't be here long. Ayane had to get back home before Liana.

Walking inside, she recognized the boy as he was sweeping the already spotless looking floor.

Ayane glanced around, then walked over.

Robby looked up as she approached him, surprised.

"Ayane? What are you doing here-"

"I have to make this quick," she cut off, grabbing his arm and pulling him out of earshot of anyone else.

Ayane pursed her lips. "Alright. I need your help."

Robby furrowed his eyebrows with confusion, but nodded. "Okay... what do you need?"

"I need you to help me train. No one else will do it because they're all scared I'm gonna hurt myself."

He frowned. "Well then don't you think you should listen to them?"

Ayane glared. "No, they're all just being pussies. Anyway, give me your number so I can text you my address. Come over tonight whenever you get done working."

Robby took her phone, then stopped himself. "Ah, I'm supposed to be working with Mr. LaRusso tonight."

For a moment, that made Ayane angry. She was annoyed that Mr. LaRusso would continue training without her, even though it was only because of her injury.

"Whatever," Ayane replied shortly. "Whenever you can. The All Valley is less than three weeks away but I know I can make improvements by then. If... you help me."

Robby handed Ayane back her phone, scratching his head. He didn't want to be liable if she got hurt again. But he didn't want to get on the wrong side of Ayane.

"Alright. I'll come by tonight."

"Thank you," Ayane replied, shoving her phone in her pocket. "I'll see you then."

Without another word, Ayane turned and began to walk out when a familiar voice called her name.

"Ayane!" Mrs. LaRusso said, "What brings you by?"

Ayane stopped, swearing in her mind and turning to Amanda.

"Oh, hi Amanda. I-I just wanted to look into maybe getting a summer job here. That's all."

Amanda continued to smile. "I'd love that! I can talk to Daniel and I'm sure we could work something out. By the way, how's your back? That was a nasty accident."

Ayane thinly smiled. "It's a lot better. I'm thankful to be walking."

"That's good," Mrs. LaRusso replied. "Well, you're still welcome to come by any time, even if it's not doing karate. I kind of miss having you around, you know."

Ayane grinned, nodding her head. "Thank you. I-I'd like that." She was being genuine, because Ayane truly missed the LaRusso's house. It was such a warm and welcoming place, nothing like her own home.

"Well," she continued, "I have to get back home. I'll see you later!"

"Bye honey," Amanda smiled, watching Ayane walk away. In all honesty, Amanda pitied the girl. She knew something wasn't quite right with her family but Amanda knew she had no place to speak on it.

Ayane got home just five minutes before Liana, saying a silent thank you in her head. She got back into bed but Ayane didn't even try to pretend to be sick; she knew Liana had caught on by now.

The only thing Ayane wanted to do was talk to Miguel. She checked the time, seeing that he should have been at lunch.

Instead of texting Miguel, however, she texted Demetri. She wanted to know if Miguel seemed pissed.

A minute later, Demetri replied. He told her that Miguel wasn't angry, he was acting all sad and mopey. For some reason, that made Ayane feel worse. She would have rather made Miguel mad than upset, because she knew how to deal with his angry side.

Ayane told Demetri not to say anything to Miguel for her sake, though she was unsure if she could trust him.

She had to think of a better way to make it up to him.

. . . .

LATER ON, after Ennis left for work, Ayane texted Robby to come over.

She did not worry about Liana, because if worst came to worst Ayane would just tell her to fuck off.

It was not until about eight thirty that he arrived, holding a skateboard in his hand. Ayane greeted him outside.

"You skate?" She asked, noting the board.

"Yeah," Robby replied nonchalantly, looking up at Ayane's house. "This place is huge."

Ayane shrugged. "Yeah, I guess. Anyway, come on."

Robby followed her inside, Ayane leading him to her dad's dojo. As they entered, Robby looked around with wide eyes.

"No... way. You have your own dojo?"

Ayane turned, rolling her eyes. "Not mine; my dad's. Even though I use it more, but- you know."

She slipped off her shoes at once, Robby doing the same.

"I don't understand- why do you want to be in this tournament so bad?" He inquired, stepping on the mat.

Ayane stretched her arms. "It's... not for me. It's for- other people. There's just a lot riding on the All Valley, believe me."

She stood in front of Robby, placing her hands down at her sides.

"I don't want to do anything difficult," Ayane said, "just simple sparring. Do you think you can do that?"

Robby shrugged, positioning himself. "Sure."

They began to spar normally, and the two were becoming more comfortable with each other. Ayane found Robby rather predictable, but she supposed it was because they had learned karate from the same person. The only difference was that Ayane still incorporated a bit of taekwondo in her fighting.

Ayane felt some slight discomfort in her back but she ignored it. As long as she was still capable of fighting, she told herself she'd be fine.

The two finally took a break, when Ayane accidentally kicked Robby in the face. She had to get him some ice.

"Sorry," she said, handing him the ice pack.

"It's fine," he said with a small smile, looking over as Ayane sat down on the floor beside him.

"You've gotten really good," she finally said, as much as she hated to admit it. "I mean, you were a little off with that last block but-"

"You kicked me in the face!" He countered, though in a teasing way.

Ayane laughed. "True. But it wouldn't be true karate without someone getting a little hurt."

Robby smiled, shaking his head.

They were both quiet for a moment, then Robby said, "Hey- I learned this thing from Mr. LaRusso the other day. We'd have to go outside to try it, though."

Ayane thought for a moment, then stood up. "Alright. Let's go."

They went to the backyard, which had plenty enough room to do whatever Robby had in mind.

"Okay... can you get up on that rock over there?" Robby pointed at one of the big boulders clustered together, next to the pool.

"I guess so," she shrugged, walking over with Robby following.

Carefully, Ayane climbed on top of them, balancing herself on the big rock.

"Okay. What now?"

Robby looked up at her, continuing, "The goal of this is to maintain your balance. Do a front kick."

Ayane hesitated, looking down at the pool below her. She steadied her feet on the narrow rock, getting into fighting position and doing a simple front kick.

"Alright..." he smiled a little. "Round kick."

She narrowed her eyes at him, then positioned herself and kicked at the air twice.

"What, is this supposed to be difficult?" Ayane asked with a challenging tone, peering down at him.

Robby smirked. "I said the same thing. Now try a hook kick."

Ayane licked her lips, planting her feet. With a sigh, Ayane turned and came around with the hook kick, but she couldn't maintain her balance.

"AH!" She screamed, losing her balance and falling backwards into the pool.

As she resurfaced, Ayane could hear Robby's laughter. She glared at him as she swam to the edge of the pool, pushing herself out.

Ayane shoved Robby, huffing although smiling.

"I told you-"

"Yeah, yeah," Ayane rolled her eyes, holding onto Robby to pull off her drenched Converse.

Before either could say anything else, someone to her left said, "Ayane?"

She whipped her head over, raising her eyebrows in surprise.

"Miguel?" Ayane straightened up, seeing him standing at the backyard gate.

Miguel had a deep frown on his face, walking closer.

"I thought you said you hated him," he commented quietly, nodding toward Robby. Ayane exchanged a look with Robby, then turned her attention back to Miguel.

"Miguel, I-"

"No, I understand," he cut in, glancing down. "I'll go."

He quickly turned around and walked the other way, but Ayane hurried after him.

"Miguel!" she called, catching up to him and grabbing his hand.

Whipping around, Miguel drew his hand back. He had hurt in his eyes.

"Whatever you thought you saw," she breathed heavily, "you've got the wrong idea."

"Do I?" He quickly replied, "Because it sure looked like you and him were having a lot of fun."

Ayane shook her head in disbelief. "So what if I was! Am I not allowed to enjoy anyone else's company but yours?"

"No, that's not what I'm saying-"

"Then what are you saying, Miguel? You know what- I called Robby over here to help me train because you wouldn't. I'm so tired of people treating me like I'm this fragile little doll!"

Miguel stepped back, tightening his fists in frustration. "Ayane, why can't you wrap around your head that I'm doing this because I love you! I-I care about you more than I've ever cared about anyone, okay?"

She crossed her arms, poking her tongue in her cheek.

"If you care about me, then you'll let me do this. I don't want to be treated like I'm going to get hurt twenty-four seven."

Miguel was still mad at her, however. He felt betrayed that Ayane would turn to someone else besides him.

"You know, I was going to come by and check on you but- you seem to be doing just fine. Get hurt, don't get hurt. I don't care anymore. It's not going to be my fault."

Ayane scoffed. "Is that what you're so afraid of? You're scared that it's going to be your fault? Miguel, I've told you so many times that I don't blame you for what happened!"

"Whatever you say," he replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "I'll see you later."

She watched Miguel pick up his bike, walking to the edge of the driveway.

Ayane didn't say anything. She didn't chase after him; not again. Miguel was being so unbelievably stubborn and Ayane didn't know what to say to him at this point.

She turned around, going in the backyard to find Robby waiting awkwardly.

"I'm sorry," she said dismally, shaking her head. "I-I don't know what's gotten into him."

Robby nodded. "It's fine. I-I should probably get going."

"Yeah," Ayane nodded back, "sure. Oh- and thank you. I really, really appreciate your help."

"Of course," Robby replied, hesitating. "I... I really like having someone to talk to."

With that, he left, leaving Ayane standing soaking wet in her clothes and all alone. She went inside, ignoring Liana's questions as to why she was drenched. Ayane got a shower and went straight to bed, but she couldn't go to sleep. She'd have to face Miguel at school tomorrow, whether she wanted to or not.

But that wasn't the worst part.

Ayane couldn't stand the thought of losing Miguel.

NOTES!
cue my evil laughter

bro i am so sorry i really am- anyway next chapter is going to be the beginning of the all valley 🔪