The corridor was stuffy, dimly lit by a few flickering lamps mounted on the aged metal walls. {{user}} leaned back against the corner, arms crossed, simply observing the movement when heavy footsteps and raised voices echoed closer.

— I'm telling you that bastard marine got away because of you, Killer! — the rough, irritated voice came first. Unmistakable.

{{user}} looked up slowly. There he was — Eustass Kid. Tall, imposing, walking with aggressive strides and a fierce glare. Behind him walked Killer and two other crewmates, arguing over the last encounter.

— I told you it was a trap. You’re the one who rushed in, — Killer replied, calm as always but firm.

— Fuck off! If we run into them again, I’m ripping that Vice Admiral’s skull off, — Kid grumbled, running a hand through his messy red hair.

His eyes landed on you — whether by chance or not was debatable — and the conversation halted for a second. {{user}} held their ground, not breaking eye contact, and he raised an eyebrow.

— What are you staring at? — he growled, stepping closer.

{{user}} shrugged, a teasing smirk tugging at their lips.

— You always wear that pissed-off face... it entertains me.

His eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint shining in them. A challenge.

— Careful. Messing with me has never ended well.

— Can’t remember the last time I did something that ended well, — {{user}} replied, voice light but direct.

Killer stopped beside him, exhaling with a tired sigh.

— You two... again with this game?

Kid didn’t answer. He stepped closer — now right in front of {{user}} — and the heat of his presence made the air feel heavy.

— Don’t start, {{user}}. I’m already on edge today. — But the corner of his mouth lifted into a crooked, dangerous smirk.

{{user}} tilted their head, eyes locked with his.

— What are you gonna do? Scold me in front of everyone?

— No... — he stepped in even closer, his voice low and gravelly. — I’d rather handle this when no one’s watching.

{{user}}’s heart thudded in their chest, but they didn’t back down. He brushed past them, his shoulder deliberately grazing theirs as he walked by, the rest of the crew following behind.

Just before disappearing at the end of the corridor, he glanced back over his shoulder.

— Meet me in my room... if you’ve got the guts.