chapter 10

"Finally, back in school. I thought I'd never return," David said as he stood in front of the building, a satisfied smile crossing his face. "Damn, I need a girlfriend."

As he walked in, the first thing he noticed was the presence of several guards with metal detectors at the entrance. The screening process was quick, but it felt strange to him. Once inside, he found the hallways filled with students chatting and forming small groups.

—"Hey, David, over here!" a voice called out from the stairs leading to the second floor.

David turned to see Miguel and Dimitri waving enthusiastically from above.

—"Hey, guys, can you help me find the principal's office? I need my schedule."

—"Of course! And we'll give you a tour of the school while we're at it," Miguel and Dimitri responded in unison as they came down to join him.

A few minutes later, the three of them were walking through the hallways, with Miguel and Dimitri pointing out various spots and explaining the school's dynamics.

—"By the way, see those guys over there?" Dimitri said, nodding toward a group that stood out among the crowd. The most noticeable one was a guy with a purple mohawk. "They're Cobra Kai. You probably saw them when you visited their dojo, but let me tell you, they're total jerks."

David shrugged, glancing around.

—"Yeah, yeah, their stupid rivalry with you guys, blah blah blah. Honestly, with all the fights you two groups have everywhere, you could both end up in jail. People could easily mistake you for gangs."

Miguel chuckled nervously, while Dimitri frowned.

—"Not funny, dude. They started it!"

David didn't respond, distracted as he scanned the crowd for pretty girls. Dimitri rolled his eyes.

—"By the way, we share almost all the same classes," Dimitri added, trying to change the subject.

David nodded, still looking around.

The first class was math. David sat at the back of the classroom with Miguel and Dimitri. While the teacher explained linear equations, David glanced around, taking in the environment. He quickly realized many students were distracted, whispering to each other or secretly texting under their desks.

—"So… this is what they call 'first-world education,' huh?" David whispered with a grin.

Miguel chuckled softly.

—"Yeah, well, not all classes are exciting."

Dimitri, diligently taking notes, shot them a disapproving look.

—"You two should be paying attention. Or are you planning to fail on the first day?"

David ignored him and grabbed a pencil, doodling small sketches in the corner of his notebook while listening just enough to keep up with the lesson.

History turned out to be a bit more interesting. The teacher spoke passionately about the Latin American revolutions, piquing David's curiosity. When the teacher mentioned figures like Simón Bolívar and Emiliano Zapata, David raised his hand to ask a question.

—"Professor, how did indigenous military techniques influence the revolutionary tactics of that era?"

The teacher paused, surprised by the question, but smiled.

—"Excellent question. Indigenous techniques, especially in mountainous regions, played a key role in guerrilla tactics. Many revolutionary leaders learned from them."

Miguel and Dimitri stared at David in amazement.

—"You actually know about that?" Miguel whispered.

David grinned proudly.

—"Well, I had to learn something besides how to break things."

When the lunch bell rang, the boys headed to the cafeteria. The room was noisy, filled with laughter and the clatter of trays. After grabbing their food, they found a table in the back and sat down to eat.

—"So, what do you think of the school so far?" Miguel asked as he bit into his burger.

David looked up from his tray.

—"Not bad. It's livelier than the school I was at before. But honestly, I expected more action."

—"Oh, trust me, there's never a shortage of action here," Dimitri said with a grimace, glancing at the Cobra Kai table across the room.

David noticed the look and smirked.

—"Do you guys always have to be so tense around them?"

Miguel sighed.

—"It's complicated. Long story."

David raised his hands in mock surrender.

—"You know what? I'm just gonna go talk to them. Be right back."

Walking over to the Cobra Kai table, David called out arrogantly, "What's up, my snakes? How's it going? By the way, Mohawk dude, you look awesome."

The Cobra Kai members tensed up, and Hawk, the one with the mohawk, responded cautiously, "Uh, thanks, I guess. Don't tell me Dimitri sent you over to fight us."

—"Not at all, not at all," David said, shaking his hands dismissively. "I just came over to talk, and, well, now I have. Take care, guys."

As David continued his training Miyagi-Do style, Sensei Lawrence entered the dojo with Miguel and the rest of the Eagle Fang students.

—"All right, guys, you know the drill. Pair up in twos and work on your defense and attacks. Except for you, Miguel—come with me," Sensei Lawrence instructed.

Lawrence and Miguel moved to the side and began practicing Miguel's high kicks.

—"Hey, Miguel, Sensei Lawrence, wanna check out a cool place? I've never been, but a friend told me if I ever came to L.A., it should be my top destination," David said as he continued his training.

—"And what exactly is this place? A bar with pretty girls?" Lawrence replied skeptically.

—"Well, there are drinks and pretty girls, but it's more of a spot for underground fights. Not illegal—or at least I think it's not. Anyway, what do you say?"

Miguel hesitated. "I'm not sure we should go to places like that…" Then he shrugged. "But screw it. Let's do it."