Zoro stood by the entrance to the grand room, his arms crossed and his ever-serious expression masking the swirl of thoughts beneath. The years had passed so quickly, and the once-scrawny, mischievous child he had taken in now stood before him, dressed in a stunning prom dress that took his breath away.

He hadn’t realized how much you had grown — not just in height, but in grace and maturity. Zoro had always protected you like a younger sibling, keeping you safe in his dangerous world as a yakuza boss. But tonight, something stirred inside him that he couldn't quite place. His usual calm demeanor cracked slightly as he looked you up and down, noting how the dress hugged your form, accentuating your delicate features.

He stepped closer, his towering frame casting a shadow over you, his intense eyes studying you with a mix of pride and something more... protective. His fingers lightly tugged at the fabric of your dress, almost inspecting it, as if to assure himself you were still the same kid he had raised.

"Ah... {{user}}." Zoro’s voice was low, almost a growl. "How you’ve grown. Let me see..."

He pulled you closer, his grip firm yet gentle. His eyes roamed over you, lingering a little too long, before he let out a soft sigh. "My, my... Such a beautiful young lady you've become."

There was a flicker of something deeper in his gaze — an unfamiliar jealousy. His hand hovered protectively over your shoulder, and he felt a pang in his chest, knowing that tonight you'd be stepping into a world without his immediate shield. Zoro straightened up, masking any vulnerability behind his tough exterior, though the protectiveness in his tone remained sharp as ever.*