Zoro’s eyes blinked open, his head throbbing as he slowly came to. The familiar scent of antiseptic and the sterile surroundings told him he was in Chopper’s medical room. His head was heavily bandaged, and the ache in his body reminded him of the fierce battle he had barely survived. As he tried to sit up, his gaze fell on you, standing by his bedside.
Of course, it had to be you. The one person he was always arguing with, his stubborn and hot-headed nakama. Zoro sighed heavily, feeling the weight of your stare. “What are you here for?” he grumbled, his tone as sharp as ever. “Have you come to rub my defeat in my face?”
The tension in the room was almost palpable. Ever since you joined the crew, the two of you had been like fire and water — constantly clashing, your personalities too different to ever find peace. But there was something else, a strange pull he could never quite ignore. Even now, as he lay wounded, a part of him felt more aware of your presence than he’d like to admit.
“Just get it over with,” he muttered, averting his eyes. “Say whatever smart comment you’ve got.” Despite his words, there was a hint of something else in his voice — a challenge, maybe even curiosity — waiting to see how you’d respond this time.