THE WAY WE BREAK || cobra kai

Tessa and Anthony walked side by side, each clutching a shopping bag, while Amanda LaRusso leads the way through the department store. Tessa's eyes are wide, taking in the racks of clothes and shelves of school supplies like it's all a little overwhelming.

"Alright, you two," Amanda says, stopping near the backpacks. "New school year, new supplies. Pick something you like."

Anthony immediately gravitates toward a sleek, black backpack with neon green accents. "This one's cool."

Tessa hesitates, trailing a hand over the straps of a pastel purple bag decorated with tiny white stars. "I don't know... Do you think this is too kiddish?"

Amanda shakes her head with a warm smile. "Not at all. If you like it, that's all that matters."

Tessa glances at Anthony, who shrugs. "It's better than the boring black one I had last year. Get it."

She grins. "Okay, yeah. I like it."

Amanda nods approvingly. "Alright, backpacks down. Now, clothes."

They move through the store, Amanda holding up different tops and jackets, while Anthony makes exaggerated faces at some of the choices.

"How about this?" Amanda asks, holding up a light blue sweater for Tessa.

Tessa runs her fingers over the soft fabric. "It's nice... but I don't know if I can—"

"You can," Amanda interrupts gently. "I told you, whatever you need, I've got it covered."

Tessa hesitates, then nods. She clutches the sweater close, her voice quiet. "Thanks, Mrs. LaRusso."

Amanda squeezes her shoulder. "Anytime, sweetheart."

Anthony, meanwhile, is eyeing a t-shirt with a pixelated video game design. "This is sick," he says.

Tessa smirks. "You mean nerdy?"

He gives her a flat look. "Says the girl who spent half of last night watching me play Minecraft."

Amanda chuckles as Tessa huffs, crossing her arms. "Okay, first of all, I was bored. Second, I was just making sure you didn't get blown up by creepers."

Anthony rolls his eyes. "Sure, sure."

Amanda smiles, watching the two banter. It warmed her heart to see Tessa settling in, opening up. She knows the girl hasn't had it easy, and if she can offer her a little stability—someone to rely on—then she's happy to do it.

As they head toward the checkout, Amanda drapes an arm around Tessa's shoulders. "What do you say about getting some lunch at the food court?" she asked.

Tessa glances up at her with a small smile. "Yeah... that sounds good."

The food court was buzzing with activity, the air filled with the scent of pizza, burgers, and pretzels. Amanda, Tessa, and Anthony settled into a booth, their trays stacked with food.

Anthony immediately grabs a handful of fries from his plate. "I don't get why we had to spend hours shopping for clothes when I'm just gonna end up wearing hoodies and sweatpants all year."

Amanda gives him a look. "Because you need more than just hoodies and sweatpants, Anthony."

Tessa smirks as she dips a fry into her ketchup. "And because your mom doesn't want you looking like a slob."

Anthony glares at her playfully. "I don't look like a slob."

Tessa gestures at his current outfit—an old graphic tee that's slightly wrinkled and basketball shorts. "Mmm-hmm."