You’d always had a habit of zoning out, eyes locking onto things — or people — that fascinated you.

Lately, that person had been Roronoa Zoro.

Ever since forming an alliance with the Straw Hat Pirates, you found yourself crossing paths with their crew more and more. And each time, without fail, you’d catch yourself trying to spark a conversation with him.

It wasn’t a crush… or so you kept telling yourself. You just wanted things to stay chill. You were curious, that was all. Curious about him — the Roronoa Zoro.

Today, as your ship pulled up beside the Thousand Sunny, you dropped anchor and made your way aboard. Familiar voices greeted you with warmth and ease.

“Stay for dinner!” Luffy grinned. “There’s plenty to go around,” Sanji added, already halfway back in the kitchen.

The table was lively — full of laughter, stories, clinking glasses, and plates being passed around. But somewhere in the midst of it all, your gaze drifted again. There he was.

Zoro. Sitting calm, focused, a slight furrow in his brow even while eating — like he was ready to spring into battle at any second. The way he moved, how he held himself — it was effortless. Unshakable.

You didn’t even realize how long you’d been staring.

Later that night, when most of the crew had gone to sleep and the Thousand Sunny was quiet under the stars, you found yourself standing alone on the main deck. The moonlight danced along the surface of the water, casting a pale glow across your skin.

Then — a voice behind you.

“Hey.”

You turned. Zoro was already there, leaning against the rail beside you like he’d been there the whole time.

You glanced up at him, instinctively. And again… it happened. That silent awe. The way your eyes just lingered on him, drawn in without meaning to.

Then—

“Quit looking at me like that, {{user}},” Zoro said sharply, his tone low.