Chapter Text
Every breath you take, every move you make, I'll be watching you
West Valley High was buzzing with the energy of a new school year. The summer had ended, and the hallways were filled with the excited chatter of students catching up and navigating their schedules. Johnny Lawrence strode down the corridor with his usual confident swagger. His black leather jacket and dark jeans gave him an aura of defiance, and the black-and-yellow cobra headband he wore was a clear marker of his top spot at the school. His friends—Bobby, Tommy, Jimmy, and Dutch—were with him, their laughter and teasing creating a lively backdrop.
Johnny’s reputation was solid, and he liked it that way. The start of the new school year promised more of the same: dominance, respect, and, of course, a little bit of chaos. As he moved through the crowded hallways, he barely noticed the students who were quick to step aside or glance nervously in his direction.
The exception was Daniel LaRusso, a new student who had joined the school just a few weeks ago. Daniel was trying to adjust to his new environment, but so far, he was mostly stumbling through it. His clothes were a bit too formal for the school's laid-back style, and he had a tendency to attract unwanted attention. As he walked, his eyes were glued to a map of the school, trying to figure out where his next class was.
Johnny, as usual, was in the mood to make his presence known. He and his friends were heading to the lockers when Johnny spotted Daniel. With a smirk, he nudged Bobby. “Hey, check this out.”
Bobby looked over and laughed. “Is that guy lost?”
Johnny’s smirk widened. He casually bumped into Daniel, making him lose his balance and drop his books. “You need a hand, new guy?”
Daniel looked up, a mix of surprise and irritation in his eyes. He quickly scrambled to pick up his books, his cheeks flushing slightly. “No, I’m good. Thanks.”
Johnny’s friends chuckled, clearly enjoying the scene. Johnny’s expression remained unchanged, but there was something in his eyes—something that wasn’t entirely friendly. “Yeah, sure. Just try not to get in the way, alright?”
As Johnny and his friends walked off, Daniel shot him a glare. He didn’t understand why Johnny had to be so hostile. It wasn’t like he’d done anything to deserve it.
The weeks passed, and Johnny’s encounters with Daniel continued. They had a few more run-ins in the hallways and classrooms, each one more uncomfortable than the last. Johnny seemed to take every opportunity to get under Daniel’s skin, whether it was by interrupting his conversations or making snide remarks about his clothes and interests.
Despite this, Daniel tried to stay focused on his own life. He was determined to make the best of his new school, threw himself into karate training at the gym after classes, a hobby he'd gotten into right before they moved from New Jersey.
He hoped that by getting better at karate, he might finally gain some respect and maybe even stand up to Johnny.
One evening after a particularly grueling practice, Daniel was sitting alone in the school gym, catching his breath and wiping the sweat from his forehead. He was lost in thought when he heard the door open. Looking up, he saw Johnny entering with his usual entourage.
Johnny glanced at Daniel with a smirk. “Still here, huh? Don’t you have somewhere else to be?”
Daniel tried to ignore him. “Just finishing up.”
Johnny moved closer, his tone casual but laced with an edge. “You know, for a new guy, you’re really making a habit of sticking around.”
Daniel met Johnny’s gaze, feeling the familiar rush of frustration. “Maybe I just want to be good at something.”
Johnny’s eyes narrowed. “Yeah? Well, don’t expect to be any good here if you keep up like this.”
Daniel clenched his jaw, struggling to keep his temper in check. “I’m not here to impress you.”
Johnny’s gaze lingered a moment longer, and for the first time, Daniel saw a flicker of something different in his eyes—something more complex than the usual hostility. But before Daniel could make sense of it, Johnny turned away, his friends following behind.
The encounter left Daniel feeling unsettled. He wasn’t sure what to make of Johnny’s words or the brief look he’d seen in his eyes. All he knew was that Johnny seemed to be a constant presence in his life, whether he liked it or not.