Cobra Kai: Under the Cobra Emblem

So, how did things end up as a date with Zara?

Max wasn't sure if he should regret following Ryan's advice, but so far, things were going surprisingly well.

She mentioned that the seafood restaurant wasn't close to the building where she was staying but rather over three kilometers away, right in front of the park.

It was a famous lobster restaurant called Hermanos Gonzales, with luxurious decor and a high-end style. The restaurant specialized in lobster and stone crab, using ingredients sourced directly from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

In the seafood market, a large lobster costs a significant amount, unaffordable for most people. Max wasn't the type to frequent luxury restaurants either, but today he wanted to make an impression.

The key to a good meal, after all, is that the flavors are truly excellent, preserving the freshness of the original ingredients while blending them perfectly with the accompaniments, creating an experience to enjoy in someone's company.

After listening to the violin performance at the restaurant and having a couple of refreshing drinks, spending a few hundred dollars more seemed worth it to Max.

Having trained MMA all day, Max was starving. As soon as the lobster was served, he dove into his food, filling his mouth non-stop, while Zara ate more slowly, focusing on the conversation rather than the dishes on the table.

"Max, among the women you encounter in fights, which ones attract you the most?" Zara asked, resting her cheeks in her hands.

Max paused, put down his fork, and thought for a moment. "I guess anyone who genuinely takes an interest in me. It's not common to find someone with shared interests."

"That's vague. I can tell you don't open up to people much. Besides training, it's true that many focus solely on achieving their own goals." Zara wasn't entirely satisfied with Max's answer, but she liked it this way—it assured her she was talking to a decent guy.

Max shook his head and chuckled. "You might be right. I don't talk much with girls, except for my best friend and the girls Ryan usually hangs out with."

"Well, that's good in the end. You're dedicated to what matters most: your sport and your future career as a fighter."

"Thanks, I appreciate that."

Zara smiled happily. "How's your training going?"

"Not bad. I've been training intensely. I plan to compete in amateur bouts soon and enter the professional scene in a few years. My trainer says I have solid technique and a shot at winning a belt if I choose my opponents wisely," Max replied as he shared details about his coach.

"That's great! When you compete, I'll be there to cheer you on." Zara smiled softly as she glanced at Max's knuckles, which bore marks that hinted at his rigorous training.

After dinner, Max rode his motorcycle with Zara, cruising leisurely through the streets and stopping to enjoy scenic spots they came across.

Spending time together, even with so little familiarity, created a unique connection that would eventually grow.

Max had a lot on his mind and, truth be told, was seeking an opportunity to relieve some stress.

Around eight o'clock, Zara's phone rang for the fourth time. It was a call from her sensei, reminding her that California wasn't safe at night and insisting she return early. His tone was stern.

Max had no choice but to take Zara back to her hotel on his motorcycle.

As they arrived at the hotel entrance, sensei Wolf was outside with another tall guy. He approached as soon as Max stopped.

"Zara, you need to consider your schedule. I can't constantly look after you while you roam the city with other guys," said sensei Wolf in a sharp tone.

Max smiled faintly and said, "Relax, she was with me."

"Oh? So you would protect her?"

"I can do that," Max replied, his tone tinged with slight annoyance. He wasn't in the mood to tolerate hostility from someone he barely knew.

Zara stepped forward and said, "It's fine, let's not do anything we'll regret later."

Max took a few steps back, raised his hands, and said, "There's a party this weekend. Some official rule-bound fights will take place. If you're still around, feel free to come—I'll be your host."

"That sounds good."