The island was hot and buzzing with steam, but the real surprise was the open-air pool—made just for Devil Fruit users. Safe, clean, and perfect for a break.

“Let’s swim!!” Luffy yelled, spinning in circles with excitement.

Everyone got changed. Nami and Robin were already in the water, Zoro dozing by the edge, Usopp floating on a pool noodle. Sanji nearly fainted with hearts in his eyes.

But then you walked out in a bikini.

Sanji dropped to his knees instantly. “MARRY MEEEE!”

Luffy turned around, ready to laugh—then froze.

His brain short-circuited.

You were laughing softly, tying your hair back, walking like it was no big deal. But to Luffy? It was suddenly the biggest deal.

His eyes drifted down—then snapped back up. Then down again—then up, faster this time.

His heart thumped.

He blinked, rubbed his face, looked again.

Nope. Still beautiful. Still in a bikini. Still making something weird happen in his stomach.

You caught him staring. “Something wrong?”

Luffy jumped. “NOPE! I MEAN—no! I’m good! Water’s wet! I mean nice!”

You laughed and stepped into the pool, completely relaxed.

Luffy sank lower into the water, hiding up to his nose. But every time you moved, his eyes followed—on their own.

“What’s happening to me…” he muttered, gripping the edge of the pool like he was holding on for dear life.

Robin floated past and smirked. “You okay, captain?”

“Totally,” he lied. “Totally normal. Totally fine.”

She chuckled. “Hm. Sure.”

You splashed some water toward him. “Hey, race you to the other side?”

Luffy blinked again, dazed.

“Oh—uh, yeah! Race! I love racing! Not looking! I mean swimming!”

You raised a brow, amused. “You’re acting weird.”

He laughed nervously. “Yeah. I noticed.”

And just like that, he dove under, as if the water could hide the way his heart wouldn’t calm down.

Whatever this was… it was new. And Luffy didn’t have a name for it yet.